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Olubukola Ayodele: Explaining Diagnoses, Outlining Treatment Plans, Offering Hope

Olubukola Ayodele/LinkedIn

Jul 29, 2025, 23:12

Olubukola Ayodele: Explaining Diagnoses, Outlining Treatment Plans, Offering Hope

Olubukola Ayodele, Consultant Medical Oncologist at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, posted on LinkedIn:

“For years, I’ve sat across from patients, explaining diagnoses, outlining treatment plans, offering hope.

But now, I’m sitting in a different seat.

Two weeks ago, I had surgery, therefore, I’m on medical leave for a few months. Away from clinic, away from the rhythm and demands of daily oncology practice which is going to give me space to recover physically.

When you become the patient, even temporarily, everything changes.

Suddenly, it’s you waiting in the pre-op room.
you wearing the hospital gown.
you waking up with tubes, monitors, and uncertainty.
you navigating pain, patience and vulnerability.

And let me tell you, knowing the system from the inside doesn’t make you immune to fear. In fact, it sometimes heightens it. I’ve spent my career helping others, but this time, I’ve had to let others help me. To lean on loved ones. To rest without guilt. To step back without losing myself.

A dear friend said to me “Be patient and be the patient“.

It has reminded me, again, that healthcare professionals are not invincible. We break too. And we need to heal without apology. We must allow rest to be part of our rhythm because rest is wisdom.

Thank you to everyone who has been a rock and a much needed support. This medical leave is not going to be time lost, it’s would be time gained. I’ll return to clinic soon with more compassion, more clarity and a renewed sense of purpose. Because sometimes, stepping away is the very thing that brings you back to yourself. So, if you have been trying to reach me and I haven’t responded, that’s why. Please bear with me.

PS: Picture of me trying to ease my anxiety before being wheeled to the theatre.”

Olubukola Ayodele