Dr. Chika Stacy Oriuwa on 'Unlike the Rest: A Doctor's Story'

Following the conversation, we invite you to join us for a meet-and-greet with the author, book signing and light refreshments.

Unlike the Rest: A Doctor's Story (HarperCollins Publishers, Oct. 1 2024)

Dr. Chika Stacy Oriuwa, Resident Doctor in Psychiatry, University of Toronto

Dr. Pier Bryden, Psychiatrist, Hospital for Sick Children; Associate Professor and Associate Dean, Clinical Affairs & Professional Values, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto

A psychiatry resident pulls back the curtain on the challenging personal journey to becoming a doctor as a Black woman, as a daughter, as a mother and as an advocate who had no choice but to step into the spotlight

From childhood, Chika Oriuwa dreamed of being a doctor. Every toy was a make-believe patient for the junior physician in training. She knew that she was destined to wear the white coat one day, no matter what it took, but she didn't realize the turns that path would take, nor the challenges that lay ahead.

Oriuwa's parents' glowing approval of their daughter's ambitions was matched by their expectations of her success and making her extended Igbo family proud. But no one put more pressure on Oriuwa than herself, with a pre-med study schedule timed to the quarter hour, skipped meals and sleepless nights, all to achieve her goal. Her only escape was a new passion for spoken word poetry and performance.

The high of being accepted to the University of Toronto's Temerty Faculty of Medicine in 2016 came crashing down when Oriuwa discovered she was the only Black student in her incoming class of 259 students. Where were all the brilliant Black classmates she had expected? Why were there so few, even in the other years? Oriuwa soon learned that medical school and a medical career are not immune to the systemic discrimination that permeates the fabric of our world.

Interwoven with on-the-ground medical training, personal moments of doubt and success, and reflections on mental health and family expectations, Unlike the Rest is the moving and inspiring story of a young doctor and her journey through medical school and residency, where she found her calling in the science and in the patients, but also felt alone and lonely, and compelled to advocate for change, not only for those in training but for those in care. And while the risks in speaking up seemed great, to simply endure was unacceptable.

An accomplished physician, nationally ranked spoken word poet, and thought leader, Dr. Chika Stacy Oriuwa is a multi-faceted powerhouse whose journey exemplifies authentic leadership in every aspect. Through powerful storytelling and compelling narrative, she draws from her diverse experiences — across sectors, stages, and disciplines — to share meaningful and actionable insights on leadership, connection, and wellness, and how to unlock our true potential for transformative results in our organizations, communities, and lives.

Oriuwa’s career is a testament to her insatiable curiosity about the human experience and the profound connections that define it. She is currently a resident doctor in psychiatry at the University of Toronto where she earned her medical degree and became the first Black woman named sole valedictorian of the department. Oriuwa has since become a vocal advocate for improving disparities in Black health and confronting institutional discrimination, spearheading change initiatives in healthcare and beyond.

In addition to her medical degree, Oriuwa has a master’s degree in Health Systems Leadership and Innovation from the University of Toronto. She’s also served on multiple boards informing their efforts in advancing equity, leading authentically, and prioritizing workplace wellness. In October 2024, Oriuwa will release her first book, Unlike the Rest, her personal story of becoming, belonging, and being seen on her journey as a medical trailblazer and leader.

Oriuwa has been named one of TIME magazine’s “2021 Next Generational Leaders” and one of Maclean’s Power 50. She has also been named one of Best Health Magazine‘s “Women of the Year” and been featured in several major media outlets, including CBC’s The National, CTV News, CP24, Toronto Star, and TODAY, amongst others. In 2021, Oriuwa was honoured in Mattel’s #ThankYouHeroes campaign with a one-of-a-kind Barbie doll made in her image to commemorate her contributions as a frontline healthcare worker.

An in-demand speaker, Oriuwa has spoken at numerous national and international events. She honed her ability to captivate and inspire audiences as a competitive poet. She infuses her keynotes with the rhythm, emotion, and precision of poetry, transforming critical and timely discourse into an artful narrative that leaves a profound, impactful, and lasting impression

Dr. Pier Bryden has been a staff psychiatrist at the Hospital for Sick Children since 2001 and has subspecialty certification in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry with the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Canada.

She is an Associate Professor and Associate Dean, Clinical Affairs & Professional Values, for the Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto.

Dr. Bryden is a graduate of the University of Toronto, the University of Oxford, and McMaster University.

Her academic publications include papers on medical education, medical professionalism, and ethical and legal aspects of child psychiatry. She is the co-author, with Dr. David Goldbloom, of a popular book on psychiatry, “How Can I Help: A Week in my Life as a Psychiatrist,” and with Dr. Peter Szatmari of “Start Here: A Parent’s Guide to Helping Children and Teens Through Mental Health Challenges.”

Dr. Bryden was the 2018 Recipient of the University’s prestigious President’s Teaching Award, the 2020 Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons Region 3 Mentor of the Year Award, and the 2021 Sarita Verma Award for Advocacy and Mentorship in Postgraduate Medicine at the University of Toronto.

This event is available to attend in-person or virtually via livestream.

Rotman Events is committed to accessibility for all people. If you have any access needs or if there are any ways we can support your full participation in this session, please email Megan Murphy [[email protected]] no later than 2 weeks in advance of the event and we will be glad to work with you to make the appropriate arrangements.

• The event will be hosted in Desautels Hall at the Rotman School of Management (105 Saint George Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3E6). Your registration fee includes a copy of the book, meet-and-greet with book signing by the author, as well as access to a video replay of the session for 30 days.
  

• Rotman Events will email registrants a link to the livestream. Your registration fee includes access to the livestream, video replay for 30 days, a copy of the book and shipping fees. The book will be shipped to registrants after the event. Please allow 3 - 4 weeks for delivery.
  

• Unable to attend the event due to scheduling conflicts? Not to worry. All registrants (in-person or livestream) can access the full recording on-demand for one month after the live event.
  

• Refunds will only be issued for cancellations received in writing NO LATER than 24 hours prior to the event. Please email [email protected] for processing.

• In-person registrants who do not pick up their book at the event will have 5 business days to request postal delivery by emailing us at [email protected]. All unclaimed books will be returned to the publisher after that time.

Questions: [email protected], Megan Murphy

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Rotman School of Management + Livestream, 105 Saint George Street, Toronto, Canada