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Dr. Kelechi Nwachuku, M.D.
- Profile in Excellence SPECIAL EDITION
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Giving thanks to God for his faithfulness DR. IKENNA NWACHUKU DR. ADANMA NWACHUKU and DR. KELECHI NWACHUKU you did it!
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PROFILE IN EXCELLENCE -
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elechi Nwachuku was born to a Nigerianimmigrant family in the Crenshaw District of South-Central Los Angeles. At a young age, he participated in community outreach activities on Skid Row organized by his church. This experience cultivated his drive to serve others in whatever capacity he could. Kelechi’s passion in medicine is rooted in his Christian church and the model of Jesus Christ as a selfless healer. He studied at the University of San Francisco, where he graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Chemistry and a concentration in Biochemistry. He acquired a passion for mentoring as a student leader of the Brother Connection at USF, a supportive network for men of color. At UCSF, Kelechi provided medical services with the student-run Homeless Clinic. He also participated in SPECIAL EDITION
Dr. Kelechi Nwachuku, MD a medical mission to Nigerian villages with his two older siblings, who are both recent medical school graduates. His passion for service continues through his work with his local church, providing meals and toiletries to disenfranchised individuals in San Francisco. His medical research endeavors included cancer research, along with Space Health research in association with NASA. In his free-time, he enjoys making purposeful hip-hop, playing basketball with friends, and skateboarding. He feels honored for the opportunity to continue his training here at UCSF as an Orthopedic Surgeon.
reception from the attendees of the graduation: “Good Afternoon everyone, how are you all doing today? [Pause…] Well, I can’t hear you, but I know you’re doing great, because we’re graduating, we did it, let’s goo!!! Before we get started, just wanted to take the time to formally greet our honorable faculty, our cherished alumni, the illustrious class of 2021, and our distinguished guest:
Kelechi was selected by his peers to deliver the commencement speech at the virtual graduation ceremony on Saturday May 15th, 2021. Below is a transcript of this very powerful speech that received a very rousing LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE
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our backbones without whom we wouldn’t be here - our families and friends. Can we just give it up for them. Where I’m from, there’s an adage that it takes a village to raise a child and in the remix, it states it takes a village to sustain that child in adulthood while they’re in medical school, so we appreciate you. Your sacrifices in helping us to realize our dreams of healing will not go unnoticed, and we will use the training and these degrees you helped make possible in our continued efforts to remedy this broken world. I’m sorry you all, I just need a moment to take this in. To be here, addressing the illustrious class of 2021 in this fashion, is unreal to me. Ya know, the worlds we live in are shaped by our perspectives and with that, [may I share with you a piece of mine? *Ear to camera*] [I think you’re saying yes, thank 4
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you]. So, my family hails from Nigeria and I was brought up in South Central LA which are areas both characterized by brokenness and inequity. For instance, when I was younger, a grade-school I was attending was abruptly shut-down due to a lack of resources, forcing me to relocate at the drop of a dime. Moreover, I’m in a country in which not even a lifetime ago, people who looked like me weren’t allowed to attend schools like this. So again, to be here right now, graduating from UCSF medical school, addressing the illustrious class of 2021, is unreal to me. Moments like this remind us of how far we’ve come as a nation. However, at the same time moments of recent past remind us of how far we have yet to go. Eric Garner… Breonna Taylor… Ahmaud Arberry… George Floyd… Rayshard Brooks. My
prayer is that as Doctors, we take it upon ourselves to not only heal disease of the body, but disease of the system that continue to brutally take away innocent lives like these. Being Doctors will grant us platforms that very few will have. With it, we can give voice to the voiceless, bring hope to the hopeless, shed light on those in dark places, help enact leveling changes, inspire, mentor, and help restore the poor. I consider myself very blessed to have trained at UCSF for many reasons, but a significant reason is the mindset around progress that exist here. Progress in terms of evolution, elevation, growth that includes the sciences, but is not limited
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to them. You see, I’m referring to a mindset of societal progression towards a more equitable environment, more habitable for everybody. An environment in which a black medical student doesn’t feel the need to carry his medical badge wherever he goes in fear of racial profiling and the police brutality that often results from it. My belief is that training here, whether we like it or not, has implanted a piece of this vision within
each of us, and my prayer is that we’re able to bring these candles passed on to us by the school, back to our respective communities and throughout the globe, disseminating light in this world that can oftentimes be so dark. In the words of the 21st century philosopher (pause), Rihanna: “Turn up the lights (pause) in here, baby. Extra bright (pause), for I want y’all to see this!” But I digress, yes, I’m excited
for opportunities to share this light, nurtured in us by UCSF. So, I want to encourage you all. On top of the super cool medicine that we’re going to be privileged to practice on a very high level on a daily basis in the hospital, reflect on what you’re excited to do with this new platform of Doctorhood outside the hospital. Personally, I want to reach and empower those little children who don’t even dare to dream, because all they’ve been met with are nightmares. But needless to say, this isn’t about me, rather about us, I can’t believe we’re graduating you all, we really did that! Like, am I gonna have to start addressing you all, my friends, as Dr. this and Dr. that? [*Laugh*], don’t be acting brand new on me. But seriously, medical school was tough. We were met with a lot challenges. BBOTs, SMART Goals [PAUSE…]. Naw I’m just playin, but in all seriousness there were 24hour calls, 8-hour exams, and we are still in the midst of a pandemic that has caused so much suffering while at the same time being the impetus for so much bravery and courage in our profession. Through it all, we persevered.
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Talk about resilience. But I can say without a shadow of a doubt, knowing most of you all personally and knowing what it takes to make it to this point, resilience isn’t new for any of us. From us overcoming the obstacles to become competitive applicants for medical school, to overcoming the 2% odds of acceptance to UCSF medical school, perseverance and resilience are our middle names if you really reflect on it. And I have no doubt that we will continue to persevere through residency. Now a lot of the days will be long and arduous, but the best things in life aren’t easy, and just keep that perspective, remembering who you are, who’s behind you, why you’re doing what you’re doing, and who you’re doing it for. Again, you all are Overcomers, Champions, Spartans and Titans, fighting against disease and sickness in every shape and form with support and love in your corner to replete you when needed. Fight the fight and enjoy the journey, remembering you were one of the few chosen, and it was for a high purpose. Through trials we triumphed, and the victories were glorious, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t 6
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acknowledge that we’ve lost along the way. Colin Alexander and Max Feinstein (Fine-stein). These beautiful human beings with incredible potential were expected to graduate with us on this day, but unfortunately, their lives were cut short. Can we have a moment of silence to commemorate our fallen brothers [10 secs]. Gone but never forgotten. May we keep the memories of them in our hearts, and may it help fuel us to make the most out of everyday. I also wanted to take this time to acknowledge that each and every one of you is loved. Tap into that mindset in those tough moments in residency when you feel alone. You’re never alone, we’re in this together, you are loved and let’s continue to do our parts in fostering environments that
speak to just that. Before closing this out, I just wanted to share a poem I wrote for this occasion I call, New Chapter: A Physician, A Benefactor to society, I Reflect on this new identity, hoping, that I live-up to what I aspire to be, I feel pressure, wondering how I will measure Then I think about the scripture, where a person’s heart is, there also lies their treasure, Well my heart, Our hearts are committed to sustaining life, ending pain and strife, Shedding light, through SPECIAL EDITION
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discovery and ingenuity, Leaving the sick, dignified & free, Passion drives these desires, actuates us, like fuel to a fire, We must nurture this passion so that we don’t grow tired, Because in the end, the treasure of success, lies with those who are passionate, Which is proportionate, with the size of the heart, Thus, Success lies within, you don’t have to go very far, Now let’s go and make the world a better place my fellow new Physicians, We were made for this, So let’s get it! UCSF Class of 2021, it’s been an honor addressing you, humbled to be in the ranks of people of such substance. Don’t forget the light within you and to let them shine bright. Congratulations, we really out here!!!”
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Family Throwback Pictures...
Chief Elder Udo Nwachuku and family
Chief, Elder Udo Nwachuku 12
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Dr. Ikenna Nwachuku
Dr. Adaudo F. Nwachuku
Dr. Kelechi Nwachuku and Dad SPECIAL EDITION
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Dr. Ikenna Nwachuku and Dad
Ikenna, Adanma & Kelechi at a younger age
Chief Dr. Mrs. Adaudo F. Nwachuku
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Chief Elder Udo Nwachuku and Chief Dr. Mrs Adaudo Nwachuku
Dr. Adanma Nwachuku
Dr. Kelechi Nwachuku with mom
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Dr. Adanma Nwachuku & Dad
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Chief Elder Udo Nwachuku with his wife
Dr. Adanma Nwachuku & Friends
Dr. Adanma Nwachuku & Parents
Dr. Adanma Nwachuku & family
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Dr. Ikenna Nwachuku with Parents
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Dr. Ikenna Nwachuku, with his Parents Dr. Ikenna Nwachuku with mom SPECIAL EDITION
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Dr. Adanma Nwachuku & mom. Dr. Adanma Nwachuku & Siblings
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Dr. Ikenna Nwachuku-3 SPECIAL EDITION
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Dr. Ikenna Nwachuku
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Chief Elder Udo Nwachuku. Chief Environmental Health Specialist with Los Angeles County and his wife.
Elder Ben Onu Nwachuku. Grandfather, from Father’s side
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Chief Ben Onyemaobi, Grandfather from mother’s side
Mrs. Ezinne Rose Onyemaobi, Grandmother from mother’s side.
Mrs. Festa Nwachuku, Grandmother from Dad’s side
Chief Elder Udo & Chief Dr. Mrs. Adaudo F. Nwachuku
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Appreciation from the three MDs Philippians 1:6: Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. We want to appreciate all of you especially our parents - Chief Elder Udo Nwachuku & Chief Dr. Mrs. Adaudo Nwachuku for all the love, dedication, and perseverance that saw us through this journey. The Africans proved that it takes a village to raise a child. This is very true in our circumstances. We had all of you, our extended biological family, church family, and the Nigerian community who stood in the gap for us prayed for us, and encouraged us through this journey. May the good Lord bless each one of you for your labor of love. Do not relent to keep us up in your prayers as we embark on our careers and building our families that are to come. We will always remember God's promises especially in Joshua 1:9 Chief Elder Udo Nwachuku with his wife, Chief Dr Mrs Adaudo F Nwachuku
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. We will continue to remember where we came from and with God on our side we will continue to make each one of you proud. Adanma Festa Nwachuku, M.D. Ikenna Ben Nwachuku, M.D. Kelechi Godwin Nwachuku, M.D
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