Elvis Obomanu: Knowledge indeed conquers cancer

Elvis Obomanu, Internal Medicine Resident at Jefferson-Einstein Hospital, shared on LinkedIn:        .

“As a physician, I have seen the gloom that engulfs patients and their family when a diagnosis of cancer is made. I have also seen immeasurable joy when patients are told they are cancer-free. To me, no specialty deals with such extremes of emotions as Oncology. It is that specialty that selects people who are truly passionate about it.

I have seen cancer cut off people in their prime amid silently but ferociously. I have also been privileged to witness the tremendous amount of work oncologist have made along the frontiers of cancer treatment, changing the narrative about some cancers seen as ‘ultimate death sentence’, restoring hope of normalcy and longevity even with a diagnosis of cancer.

From humble beginnings, I get to share the stage with the brightest minds in the world with regards to cancer care. ASCO2024 I presented my poster, I also got another poster of mine accepted for online publication, collaborated with colleagues whose posters where presented in ASCO2024. Given where I come from and the fact I am in the first year of my residency training, this means a lot to me. I am grateful to my mentors and peers who have played an important part in my journey.

Apparently oncology chose me. Seeds that were first planted in surgical oncology in Nigeria were watered when I worked in TRIO – Translational Research in Oncology. These seeds have now grown as an Internal Medicine resident with a passion in Cancer care. The fruits of these seeds will be evident when I tell patients they are CANCER FREE.

Finally, in the just concluded ASCO2024, I did learn cancer does not fight fairly. However I am buoyed by the fact that Oncologist all over the world are stepping up. Ground-breaking cancer research continues to outwit the aggressiveness and ferocity that comes with cancer.

While these advances in cancer care continues to happen in the advanced world, let us not forget about those who battle this ferocious disease in more disadvantaged settings like conflict zones and developing countries as well as minorities who are more likely to die quickly from cancer.

45,000 attendees, ground breaking research in cancer care, hearing from the best minds in oncology and connecting with some of these people is certainly a highlight of 2024.

Looking forward to ASCO2025.”

Source: Elvis Obomanu/LinkedIn