Episode 16

Operating In A Room of One’s Own with Chantal Simons, MD | Episode 16

Published on: 19th February, 2024

Join us on this episode of The Last Zebra Podcast 🦓 where we sit down with the remarkable Dr. Chantal Simons. Raised in Ghana and now a trailblazer in the field of Urology, Dr. Simons shares her incredible journey from her early days in Ghana to her current fellowship in neuro-urology and pelvic reconstructive surgery at the University of Michigan. This episode delves into the challenges of navigating a career in medicine as an international student, the importance of representation in surgery, and balancing professional aspirations with personal life. Join us as Dr. Simons discusses her passion for creating more inclusive spaces in medicine and her commitment to mentorship and education. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share to support our channel!

🔍 In This Episode:

- Dr. Simons' upbringing in Ghana and her path to Yale University for undergrad.

- The transition from pre-med to Urological surgery, including the pivotal moments that shaped her career choice.

- Dr. Simons' fellowship in neuro-urology and pelvic reconstructive surgery at the University of Michigan.

- The challenges faced as an international student in the US medical education system.

- Dr. Simons' work in education and focusing on increasing diversity and inclusion in medicine.

- Being an advocate for ones self

- Balancing life as a surgeon, educator, mother, and wife.

- The impact of mentors and the importance of mentorship in her career

Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insightful episodes from The Last Zebra Podcast. Your engagement helps us bring more inspiring and educational content to our audience.

Watch episodes here:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKv8hBtOLaEyAJkOA3xfoXTnxNXOpNT_G&si=VhBRrYpt3LzkVTDc

#TheLastZebraPodcast #Urology #MedicalJourney #DiversityInMedicine #Mentorship

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About the Podcast

The Last Zebra
Nuanced conversations about different walks of life and those who live them
“The Last Zebra” draws its essence from the timeless medical adage:

“When you hear hoofbeats, think of horses, not zebras.”

Coined by Dr. Theodore Woodward in the 1940s, this maxim reminds us to prioritize common diagnoses over rare and improbable ones.

In a medical world often defined by seeking the most likely causes, “The Last Zebra” podcast takes a different approach. Here we are looking for the common in all of us.

The common focuses on the unique, diverse, and individual experiences of medical professionals. We hope to showcase the stories of these individuals, highlighting how they infuse their backgrounds, beliefs, and characteristics into their medical practice. By doing so, they add an artistic and personal touch that goes beyond the clinical norms and transforms their work into a deeply profound and meaningful endeavor.

Through these stories, “The Last Zebra” aims to reveal the extraordinary side of medicine— "heavy on the ordinary".

The stories that deviate from dogma and delve into the exceptional. It seeks to capture the essence of these medical professionals’ journeys, shedding light on their challenges, triumphs, and the remarkable ways they shape the landscape of healthcare.

In each episode, we delve into the non-clinical nuances that define the day-to-day lives of medical professionals from diverse backgrounds and specialties. This podcast will start and go beyond the clinical, shedding light on the intricate artistry, mosaicism, and diversity in medicine.

We explore how every guest crafts their unique personality and characteristics into the very fabric of their practice.

These stories not only celebrate individuality but also embody the soul of healthcare.

In a world where uniformity is prioritized, “The Last Zebra” podcast honors the rare and unique elements that medical professionals bring to their work. Together, we’ll discover how these exceptional individuals are shaping the future of healthcare, one personalized interaction at a time.

So, come along as we embrace the zebras — the extraordinary stories that make medicine a true art.
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Ugo Ezema