Erica Onwuegbuchu
Colors of Medicine
Specialty: Internal Medicine-Pediatrics
Program: Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania- Philadelphia, PA (UPENN-CHOP)
Why Internal Medicine-Pediatrics (Med-Peds)?
My passion for medicine stemmed from a desire to help people reach their maximum potential in health. In Med-Peds, I found a niche that focused primarily on transitions of care in populations affected with intellectual and
developmental disabilities and complex care needs – both medically and socially. My introduction to this community as a behavioral technician before medical school only further strengthened my desires to commit to a career in Med-Peds by working
to transform transitions of care from pediatric onset of chronic health diseases to adulthood in primarily underserved communities of color – both locally and globally. I am excited to join this growing network of physicians that focus on increasing
equitable and sustainable tools for these populations that are often neglected. Med-Peds prepares me to be the best primary care provider for my patients – children, adults, and families.
Advice: There are a few pieces of advice that have followed me from my post-undergraduate days until now. 1- Never limit yourself, no matter what. It is easy to let imposter syndrome creep in as you navigate
this journey but do it with fear anyway. You will be surprised when you just choose to leap. 2- Find a mentor, more than one preferably. This is the single most important key for my journey of success to this point. As a first-generation college graduate,
I am the first in my family to be a physician. This came with numerous obstacles and required me to reach out to numerous people in my career path to help navigate the way. Use your SNMA/LMSA network and put yourself out there. 3- Trust the process
and remain humble. It won’t be easy, but I promise it is possible. You may encounter unexpected cracks along the journey, but keep your faith alive and trust the work that you put in. You will get there in the end!
About Me
I was born and raised in the heart of Dallas, TX by my Nigerian immigrant mother who was also a single parent. My parents' separation at the age of 4, greatly impacted the remainder of my childhood as I learned how to be
a caretaker to my siblings in my role as the eldest child of 8. I juggled many hats – daughter, sister, pseudo-parent, financial breadwinner, and student in and outside of my home. As a first-generation college graduate, my journey into medicine
was nontraditional as I struggled to navigate the nuances of this field on my own. Nonetheless, my 4 years of transition were a blessing as it was during this time that I discovered the beauty of Med-Peds and my passion for individuals with intellectual
and developmental disabilities.