Medical school is often described as intense, demanding, and all-consuming. But every once in a while, you meet someone who reminds you that it’s possible to do more–someone like Ayomipo who has found a way to balance it all, from academics to leadership, creativity, and personal passions.
This time, we sit down with Ayomipo Oladipupo, a 5th-year medical student, photography enthusiast, and content creator, to talk about her journey, the lessons she’s learned, and the many sides of her that people may not know.
MediVoice: Hey Ayomipo! Let’s start with a little challenge. Can you introduce yourself in just three sentences.
Ayomipo: Hiii, I’m Oladipupo Ayomipo Mary. I’m a 5th year medical student who’s interested in photography. I love to spend time with the people I love and I’m a content creator/video editor on the side.
MediVoice: A med student, photographer, content creator, and video editor? You really don’t like being bored, do you? But thinking back to when you first got into university, how different was that version of you?
Ayomipo: Quite different. Getting into uni, it was going to be squarely my books and I. However, college has shaped me into an entirely different person who’s left her comfort zone and successfully managed leadership positions, event planning and an active participant in IFUMSA.
MediVoice: From just books to planning big events and leading teams–that’s a huge shift! If your life were a movie, which character would be playing you?
Ayomipo: I’d say “Max Goodwin” from the show “New Amsterdam”. He always wants to make things work regardless of the situation. A go-getter true and through.
MediVoice: So, a determined leader who gets things done? Sounds about right. But here’s something that doesn’t quite add up–you say you’re introverted, yet you’re always full of energy. Are you sure you’re not hiding something?
Ayomipo: Lolll, there’s really nothing to hide. I’m mostly quiet and introverted with the people I don’t know. Like I mentioned earlier, medical school and IFUMSA have worked their wonders on me, hence I’m quite outspoken. And between us… I’m a total nuisance with the people I’m very comfortable with.
MediVoice: Noted! So, if someone meets you for the first time, what’s one thing they usually get wrong about you?
Ayomipo: People interpret my quietness and shyness to mean that I’m proud. In actual fact, I am not even quiet lol.
MediVoice: So, first impressions aren’t always accurate, huh? But one thing that’s clear is your leadership streak. You’ve taken on quite a few roles–what’s been your biggest leadership moment so far?
Ayomipo: It has to be when I led the organizing team to plan the first IFUMSA White Coat Ceremony.
MediVoice: No doubt! But with all that responsibility, burnout must creep in sometimes. Have you ever hit that wall, and how did you recover?
Ayomipo: OMG yessss, I can’t remember the exact time but I was reading one day but it wasn’t assimilating so I told myself ”you know what?, not today I’ll try again next time”. I closed the material i was reading, rewatched crazy rich asians and slept. I was okay the next day.
MediVoice: Sleep works wonders for me too, sometimes that’s the best way to reset. What’s a study habit or productivity hack that has worked wonders for you?
Ayomipo: I try my best to pay attention in class and postings to grasp a basic understanding before going back to read. Also, group discussions and solving questions help me to fully understand what I’ve read.
Additionally, I reach out to senior colleagues to ask questions on what to expect in every class or posting. Big shout out to my senior colleagues for their guidance.
MediVoice: Sounds like a solid system. If you had the power to implement one change in the medical school curriculum, what would it be?
Ayomipo: I would prioritize the mental health of students across all classes. Also, (on a lighter note) cancel afternoon classes in part 4.
MediVoice: Afternoon classes in Part 4? We’ll pretend not to hear that second part. 😂 But on a more serious note, with everything medical school throws at you, how do you keep yourself from feeling overwhelmed?
Ayomipo: Omo, it’s God o. Leaning on him and pulling strength from him. I can’t explain it. Also, taking breaks–social media helps me relax a lot and I don’t joke with my sleep.
MediVoice: Prioritizing sleep? That’s rare in medical school! If you could time-travel and give your 100-level self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Ayomipo: Have fun and make meaningful connections with students in other faculties and departments.
MediVoice: Work hard, but don’t forget to actually live–solid advice. But let’s say medicine wasn’t on the table. What would you be doing instead?
Ayomipo: Investment banking or finance. Why? The real question is why not? That’s where the money is!
MediVoice: Can’t argue with that! If you had to pick one–sports, drama, writing, or leadership–which one would you choose, and why?
Ayomipo: Leadership. I want to represent and serve people in any way I can.
MediVoice: No surprises there! If your life had a soundtrack playing in the background right now, what song would be on repeat?
Ayomipo: Ayo by IFE MOJ
MediVoice: Good vibes only! Now, let’s talk about success–what does it mean to you, and has that definition changed over time?
Ayomipo: Success means making a positive impact in everything you do and inspiring someone to do better. And no, my definition hasn’t changed.
MediVoice: Inspiring others–that’s powerful. Speaking of lessons, what’s one thing life has taught you that every student should know?
Ayomipo: Always put yourself first. I’ve had times where I felt like I shouldn’t attend an event or show up for people who matter to me because I have an exam to write, but I had to remind myself that exams will not end and dropping my books for 2-3 hours would help me clear my head a bit.
MediVoice: That’s a reality check we all need sometimes. Now, imagine you could have a chat with your future self–what’s the first question you’d ask?
Ayomipo: Are you still having fun?
MediVoice: That’s such an underrated but important question. Because beyond the endless lectures, leadership roles, and balancing act, medical school should still be something you enjoy. Finally, any advice for students trying to balance academics, leadership, and personal passions?
Ayomipo: I have so many things to say but I’ll try to summarize them. Firstly, don’t put too much pressure on yourself. If you’ve not figured out what to do, take one step at a time. If you make mistakes along the way, process it and learn from them, then move on to apply the lessons in every area of your life. Also, take time to relax, strategize, and have a great support system. Lastly, don’t be scared to ask questions from your senior colleagues.
If there’s one lesson to learn from Ayomipo, it’s to: Put yourself first, take things one step at a time, and never stop having fun.
You can connect with Ayomipo here. Do you want more inspiring stories? Read our previous Personality of the Week (POTW) interviews.
Until next time, stay intentional and keep pushing forward!✨
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