Dr. Olutoyin Akande-Ajala, an experienced geriatrician trained in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, established Nigeria’s first private geriatric hospital and specialist center for the elderly. She shares insights about her personal and professional journey.
Coming from a family of academics, Dr. Akande-Ajala reflects on her upbringing by her disciplinarian mother and busy yet supportive father. Her interest in geriatric medicine developed during her residency training in the UK, where she discovered her passion for caring for the elderly.
Driven by the lack of specialized geriatric care in Nigeria, Dr. Akande-Ajala embarked on a journey to establish geriatric healthcare services in the country. Initially providing home-based care, she later transitioned to owning a private geriatric hospital, JBS Gerontology Centre.
The establishment of the hospital faced challenges, including financial constraints and regulatory hurdles. Despite these obstacles, the hospital officially opened its doors in February 2023, offering comprehensive geriatric care and a foundation for underprivileged elderly individuals.
As the founder of Nigeria’s first private geriatric hospital, Dr. Akande-Ajala emphasizes the privilege of caring for the elderly and the impact her work has had on families. She credits her supportive family, including her husband and children, for enabling her to balance her personal and professional life successfully.
Reflecting on the role of women in the medical sector, Dr. Akande-Ajala highlights the essential contributions of women in healthcare, emphasizing their organizational skills and ability to collaborate effectively. She encourages women to pursue their passions and make a difference in the field of medicine.