Ms. Ruby Oswere

When and how did you join YDN?

I joined YDN in August 2022, I was in 4th year medical school at the time. I had asked Dr. Marie Claire to be my mentor in June/July 2022. Soon after that, she was appointed the convener for YDN, so quite naturally she roped me into the team as any good mentor would do.

What were your expectations when joining YDN?

My expectations were to learn and experience the dynamics of KMA on a deeper level. I had some experience in leadership from med school and was curious to learn more about management and oversight from my mentor Dr. Marie Claire as she led the team at YDN.

What has your experience been like so far as a volunteer?

It has been quite impactful for me on a personal and professional level. YDN has exposed me to mentors who have spurred in me a desire to achieve more in terms of leadership and legacy. I was nominated to serve as the co-lead for the communications team at YDN and my work has mainly involved compiling articles for the newsletter and coordinating the team that has been involved with the publication. It has been a pleasure to work alongside Dr. Lynette Kiriga, the communications team lead, as well as the other members of the team. The complication of this newsletter has been especially impactful for me since I've gotten to interact with various YDN leaders from the past and present who have played a pivotal role in shaping the organization to where it is today. The newsletter interview I was privileged to conduct with Dr. Kitulu, the first female KMA president was especially insightful as I learnt the rationale behind the organizational structure within KMA and how it set up the association for effective workflow, impressive progress and overall success.

What are some of the benefits you have enjoyed as a result of being in YDN?

I have gotten the opportunity to engage with mentors, grow my editing and leadership skills, being the co-lead for the communications team. I have also been exposed to various opportunities such as the University Of Washington online Public Health certificate programs. I applied for a course in Project Management which commences in late June 2023. Furthermore, I was so privileged to have one of the members of YDN offer to pay for my course fee owing to the fact that she saw how proactive I was in the YDN space.

As the co-lead for the communications team, I also got the amazing opportunity to co-author an article alongside my mentors Dr. Marie Claire and Dr. Brenda Obondo (KMA CEO). This article highlighted the importance of media training in shaping Kenyan young doctors as advocates and policy reformers. I am pleased to report that our article was published in the World Medical Journal. Being my first publication, this is a huge milestone that wouldn't have been possible if not for the mentorship I have received through YDN.

What are some of the challenges that face young doctors which you would encourage YDN to focus on tackling in the coming 5 years?

I would encourage YDN to focus on the issue of unemployment since it is a major challenge that continues to negatively affect many young doctors' professional growth. I would also want to see a focus on improving access to opportunities for those who would want to get more exposure and training in non clinical fields.

What are some of the achievements that YDN has attained in the past 5 years?

I haven't been in YDN for long. However, some of the main wins I can highlight in the timespan that I've been involved include the pre internship conference and also the lobbying for the rights of junior doctors through various media engagements. Furthermore, the hosting of the JDN Biannual Meeting in Nairobi was a huge success. I was privileged to attend the meeting in April and learnt a lot from various junior doctors and medical students from across the globe.

What would you say to a young doctor or medical student who is unsure about whether they should join YDN?

I would encourage them to take a chance and join YDN as soon as possible since membership is subsidized for students and, furthermore, the opportunities for networking are amazing. When you start putting yourself out there early, it creates a great platform for you to be exposed to mentors, learn more about various aspects of medicine, both clinical and nonclinical work, and thereby make more informed career decisions moving forward.

What are your growth aspirations in YDN? Where do you see yourself in 5 years as you remain to be a member of YDN?

I aspire to continue supporting the organization as an active member and constantly finding ways to employ my skills and abilities in a way that benefits the team. I look forward to meeting new people, seeking more mentorship and perhaps one day being a mentor to those who will be joining in. This is a lovely space where I can see myself growing professionally and socially while using my skills for the benefit of an amazing team of young doctors.

Jan 2022- Youth Delegates to WHO EB 150