Following the 2022 convocation ceremony at the Lagos State University (LASU), our correspondent met up with the Best Graduating Student of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, with a record-breaking CGPA of 4.66/5.00 in the Faculty at the University’s College of Medicine (LASUCOM). The BGS happened to be a Physiology student and the best graduating student of his department as well, among other core basic medical sciences.
Basic medical sciences (BMS) are known to be the foundation of medical education for all healthcare professionals, hence this interview with the best graduating Physiology and BMS student from LASU.
MM: Can we know you sir?
I am Fapohunda David Olayinka, A graduate of Human Physiology from the prestigious Lagos State University. I’m the Last Born in a Family of Four, and I hail from Ilesha, Osun State.
MM: Congratulations on being a first-class graduate of human physiology, and also the best graduating student. How does it feel to be one?
Thank you very much… Words can’t fully express the feeling. I was Elated! Infact, I was in awe… there’s so much I’d love to say but the words aren’t coming #laughs.
MM: So, as we know, Physiology is one of the broadest topics for beginners in medical school. How was it easy to scale through over the years of study?
Actually, you are right. For me, the right mindset was primary to scaling through the grounds and hurdles of Physiology smoothly, inspite of its peculiarity and broadness. You may want to ask what the right mindset was, and it simply is – “Through the length and breadth and depth of it all, Distinction is a possibility!”.
The right mindset stirs the varied efforts that came along at beginner’s phase… There is this medical school brouhaha that “Distinction is a mirage”. However, a positive mindset makes Distinction “optically” clear.
MM: Nice and thank you for that insight. We’d as well like to know, if there were challenges or it was sheer “Luck” that followed you?
Definitely, there were challenges: the time it takes to chew and digest voluminous resources materials and how quick knowledge dissipates at every given opportunity #laughs. Abstract topics were challenging as well, and I wasn’t so good at “cramming and pouring”, so I had to take extra time to look out for videos, graphics or make man-made illustrations and diagrams to make it stick.
And I must also state that Luck followed me – big luck! Because I was fond of gambling with topics to read and prepare on during exams in my early school days. For instance, I’d rather choose to read 6 topics broadly and leave out 1 to 2, rather than read all 8 topics taught on a particular course. This wasn’t to my satisfaction and of course, it had to stop because I even shot myself in the leg with it at some point.
MM: Hmmmm… So, what was your driving force to move further and remain excellent despite difficulties?
Quite a number of things were my driving force. Initially in my early days, I had always wanted to study Medicine and Surgery, and somehow somewhere I’ve had the thoughts that peradventure an opportunity for a switch avail itself, I must be ready. As only the “Best of the Best” might make the cut and get through. This motivated me to be excellent and remain so.
Also, another driving force was that I know fully well that I have a long-term plan and desire to further and forge by path in research and academia, which requires attaining excellence at the fundamental stage. As this tends to proffer an edge for such opportunities amongst other factors. Moreso, the investments of my parents (Mr and Mrs Fapohunda) and my mentor (Mr Olubunmi Charles Adewusi) were enough driving force through difficult times.
Most importantly, I have always had the zeal to attain the best grades and be the best at every level in my academics and career.
MM: Your versatility on basic medical sciences is obvious, was human physiology your choice of study or medicine, as it used to be the dream of most medical student?
Thank you for the commendation. Human Physiology was not my choice of study… Honestly, I had never heard of it until “life happened to a Jambite” #laughs. Because I had sought for admission into medicine at three different federal tertiary institutions… all to no avail.
MM: While in school then, how was your relationship with your lecturers and other colleagues?
Personally, I had a healthy relationship with my lecturers and colleagues (both junior and senior). They actually made the journey interesting and worthwhile. As they were pivotal to the many things I’ve learnt in and outside the walls of Physiology.
MM: Going into physiology, what was your foresight about physiology? What do you think is the intersection between health, medicine and physiology? Is there a common ground for these three scopes?
Like I pointed out earlier, initially, my only foresight about Physiology was “…a path that leads to MBBS”; more or less like a direct entry to Medicine at the end of the “tunnel” of Physiology. However, 6years in the field of Physiology has exposed me to so many existent dynamics.
For me, all three scopes have common paradigms, the intersection of which I’d say is “Functional Life”. This being that, the fundamental concept of all three aspects is proffering a lead to having a balanced state of health (physically, psychologically, mentally and socially) in Humans. Hence, there is a common ground for these scopes, and it is – “Human and Functional Life”.
MM: Really insightful, how then do you think physiology influences healthcare decisions, delivery and the entire sector as a whole?
One of the ways I think Physiology influences the health sector is in terms of Physiological Research – it provides a standard of measure for negative health outliers. Many atimes, what affects our health is an interplay between our five senses and the environment.
We never can tell the extent of effect of the environment down to the central dogma of life without physiological researches. For instance, one may never get to know that the effect of consuming water in riverine areas notably for oil spillage, is beyond the physical growth. As it tends to affect fertility rates and by extension cause infertility. Another is, Physiology being the standard of measure for vital signs, clinically. Every clinical procedure might amount to futility if there is an absence of Physiology to monitor clinical vital signs.
MM: Your online resume (LinkedIn) indicates your experience in medical research and volunteering with other projects. How did you cope with those projects along the side academics and other administrative roles, especially as the president of your association (Students’ Physiological Association of Nigeria, LASU Chapter) then?
I’d say the grace of God and the gift of Men. It was huge and really demanding during my final year, most especially being accountable for the Welfarism of over one hundred students. My team at the time were pivotal to making administrative matters easy. Also, my research and project partners were always there to fills in for my deficits and vice-versa. Really, I was squarely responsible for my academics as everyone else was responsible for theirs.
MM: You seem to be engaged on freelance writings, do you merge that for surviving or as a passion?
Errrrrrmmmmm…. For surviving o, or perhaps, passion to survive #laughs. But I love writing and yes, writing fetch money these days… So, tada!!!
MM: On a closer look into your online presence and media handles, you don’t appear much like a media person, especially in this modern age where media seems to drive the world. Are there any other activities or personal routine you prefer to engage in?
Yes, writing gigs, poetry, drama, reading (academic books) and learning skills. By the way, I “spy” and scroll around social media often, but hardly post anything or engage other people’s posts.
MM: Also, how did you strike a balance with your social lifestyles while in school with academics?
There is time for everything, Academics should never at any point be overridden for social activities. I, for one, didn’t do so much social activities, because perhaps, I am not much of an extrovert.
MM: Just out of curiosity, were you in a relationship back in school?
#laughs I wasn’t in any relationship back in school. Did I try? YES! Thrice actually, but the “Ship” never
sailed (I think someone somewhere definitely put me in prayers) #laughs.
MM: Any plans ahead after this degree? Or are you planning to settle down soon?
Yes, I’ve always loved the concept of Academics, so I plan to further my career in the academia and research field (A direct PhD preferably). Settle down? You mean, as in marriage? No ooo… However, not my Will, but God’s will be done.
MM: What’s your take home message to those struggling for good grades and nearly giving up in tertiary institutions?
Please, let your primary and absolute dependency be on God. Don’t give up! Don’t be a lone-ranger, associate with people of like minds – with respect to academic success. Find out what works most suitably for you during study. There are no hard and fast rule really, let it start with a renewed mindset. Give your all, you can!
