WELLNESS HERO OF THE QUARTER

DR. OCHUKO OGBON

Hurley Wellness celebrates employees who are passionate about health, whether that means the individuals have achieved or are working toward a personal mental or physical goal or that they foster a culture of wellness. Hurley’s Wellness Hero of the Quarter, Dr. Ochuko Ogbon, Resident Physician, embodies all aspects of the award as she works toward her own goals and motivates those around her.

Dr. Ogbon started in Hurley’s Internal Medicine Residency Program in July 2021, so she is currently halfway through her program’s second year. As a resident, her schedule is very busy, with both patient care responsibilities and educational requirements. Still, she has found considerable time to commit to wellness. She explains, “I engage in wellness activities, and inform colleagues of activities and programs, both in the hospital and throughout the community. I enjoy supporting and spurring on my co-residents and inspiring them to improve their wellness. I also regularly participate in the wellness challenges and encourage others to do so because I understand how it helps to raise morale in the workplace. As a member of the team, I motivate my teammates, place a smile on their face, and make them laugh. I have a zeal to leave anywhere better than the way I found it.” With that great outlook, it is easy to see how her positive influence earned her the nomination for Wellness Hero.

Dr. Ogbon explains that she values wellness because “it is an integral part of life that leads to improvement in all aspects of health including physical, mental and spiritual health.” This is a value that she implements in her daily life too, as walking and running are activities she uses to cope with daily stresses. She adds, “I also like to take hikes during the summer, and the Hurley Fitness center comes in handy while at work because I also get to meet other coworkers and get revitalized for the day.”

She explains that “wellness, to me, is actively and intentionally choosing to care for yourself. For your health, your mind, your goals, your passions, your purpose, and your relationships, which in the long run translates to a healthier mental, emotional, physical and spiritual YOU.” When it comes to staying motivated and inspired, she says, “I come from a large family who supports me and continues to push me to achieve my goals. It is an honor to in turn inspire them and my patients not just through talking, but actually doing the plan by increasing my activities and making healthier choices.” With that mindset of leading and inspiring others by example, she plans to run in the 2023 Crim Festival of Races and is training to participate in the 10 mile race. She has already started training, of course.

When not at Hurley, Dr. Ogbon likes to travel, especially driving on long trips, visiting new cities, and exploring different cultures. She also loves cooking and sharing, as she explains, “You can always count on me to bring the Nigerian delicacies to potlucks.” When she found out she had been named Hurley’s Wellness Hero of the Quarter, she wanted to thank some people: “I am so grateful to the family and friends that continue to support me. Special shout out to the Internal Medicine residents that have gone beyond friends to become a loving family.”

“Wellness, to me, is actively and intentionally choosing to care for yourself.”

In recognition of her dedication to wellness, Dr. Ogbon received a Wellness medal, a day off with pay, a Hurley Wellness jacket, a 6-month membership to the YMCA, and a $20 Gift Card from the Farmers' Market. Congratulations, Dr. Ogbon!