![Louisa Onyewadume, MD](/sites/default/files/styles/square_crop_scale/public/2024-06/onyewadume_louisa.png?h=c9c87b82&itok=0crGcfik)
Hometown
Ibadan, Nigeria; Gaborone, Botswana
College
Smith College
Medical School
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Why Duke?
Duke offers the opportunity to continue to explore my clinical interests while supporting my penchant for conducting research internationally. Practicing internationally often means you are the only provider for hundreds of miles. Given the depth of clinically-sound and well-funded, research-engaged faculty, I had no doubt that my training at Duke would be well-rounded. Making an impact on the health of those living in sub-Saharan Africa drove me to medicine; training at Duke gives me a strong platform to make this impact. In addition, my college and medical school friends are in the area so I have a built-in support system.
What do you like to do outside of Duke?
I enjoy going to the symphony, museums and Kpop concerts. I also enjoy singing at church, watching anime, learning new languages and cultures, bollywood dancing, running half marathons and hiking with family and friends.
Clinical and research interests?
Given my background, I have initial clinical interests in CNS and head and neck cancers. However, I am looking forward to learning about other disease sites including breast, gyn, GI, lung/lymph, GU, and peds/sarcoma. My main translational research interests include radiomics for improving GBM treatment; improving treatment paradigms, including drug delivery, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for CNS cancers; and expanding care to disadvantaged populations, especially in LMICs.
What were you looking for in a residency program?
I was looking for a program that has a strong support system and is educationally sound; a program in which asking questions is seen as a sign of growth and real-time feedback is provided; and a program that sets residents up for success as attendings by prizing independence and curiosity while pointing out professional opportunities. Duke has all these qualities.