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Episode #05
In this episode, I speak with Dr. Nsima Usen, a podiatrist whose inspiring immigrant journey from Nigeria to the United States showcases remarkable resilience and determination. We discuss his transition to life in America at 21, tackling language barriers, financial struggles, and the complexities of adapting to a new culture while pursuing education.
Dr. Usen shares pivotal moments, when he was chastized for entering the physician’s lounge of a suburban Washington DC hospital because “he is not a Doctor.”, including a family member's discouraging comment that motivated him to excel in the medical field, highlighting the grit required to balance multiple jobs. He candidly reflects on the subtle biases he encountered as a minority and emphasizes the importance of first impressions in redefining expectations. Our conversation is a powerful reminder of the immigrant experience and the beauty of perseverance, encouraging listeners to embrace their challenges. Join us in exploring the captivating life story of Dr. Usen, a testament to the pursuit of the American dream.
Dr. Nsima Usen's Nadvigator's Journey
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This episode key take away, practical tips, & Lessons Learned
Key Take Aways
1. Ask questions and advocate for yourself: When Dr. Usen was looking for a job, he proactively asked the security company if they could accommodate his school schedule, which led to him getting a suitable night shift position.
2. Use criticism as motivation: When Dr. Usen's in-law doubted his ability to become a doctor, he took it as a challenge and was determined to prove him wrong. He saw this as a pivotal moment that drove him to succeed.
3. Develop discipline and focus: Despite working multiple jobs, Dr. Usen was very disciplined in using his work breaks to study and complete his schoolwork. This dedication was key to overcoming the academic challenges.
4. Leverage support systems: Dr. Usen relied on the emotional and practical support of his family, such as being able to get meals from his aunt's house when needed. Having this support system was crucial.
5. See challenges as opportunities: When faced with skepticism or bias in professional settings, Dr. Usen viewed these as chances to educate people and demonstrate his skills, rather than getting discouraged.
6. Maintain a positive, determined mindset: Throughout his journey, Dr. Usen maintained a mindset of proving himself and not taking setbacks personally. He was committed to achieving his goals.
7. Recognize the universality of human goals: Dr. Usen emphasized that despite cultural differences, people from all backgrounds share common goals like providing for their families and being healthy. Recognizing these shared aspirations can help bridge divides.
8. Use first impressions as opportunities: Dr. Usen acknowledged that people may initially form judgments based on appearances, but he saw this as a chance to educate and prove himself, rather than getting discouraged.
9. Embrace communication challenges as learning experiences: Dr. Usen highlighted the difficulties he faced initially with language and communication, but he used these as opportunities to improve his English skills and better assimilate.
10. Maintain perspective and gratitude: Throughout his journey, Dr. Usen expressed gratitude for the support and opportunities he received, even when facing skepticism or criticism. This positive outlook helped him navigate challenges.
These tips highlight the importance of self-advocacy, resilience, discipline, support systems, and a positive, determined mindset in overcoming obstacles and achieving success as an immigrant.
In summary, these tips emphasize the importance of empathy, resilience, communication skills, and maintaining a grateful, solution-oriented mindset - all of which contributed to Dr. Usen's ultimate success as an immigrant in the United States.
Practical Tips & Lessons Learned
Resources Referenced During the Episode
This is the remarkable story of Dr. Benjamin Carson, who overcame many obstacles to become the first African-American Chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Get a copy https://amzn.to/44Uf1M0
The Navigators Podcast is dedicated to sharing inspiring stories of immigrants and their journeys to the American dream.
The host, Bassey Simon, introduces Dr. Nsima Usen, a podiatrist and fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgery, who is originally from Nigeria.
Dr. Usen shares his journey from Nigeria to the United States at age 21, including the challenges he faced in Nigeria with frequent school strikes and uncertainty about the future.
When the opportunity came to migrate to the U.S. through a visa lottery, Dr. Usen initially hesitated but ultimately decided to take the chance.
Upon arriving in the U.S., Dr. Usen faced many initial challenges, including learning the language and culture, finding a job, and deciding on a career path. He worked as a landscaper initially.
A pivotal moment came when Dr. Usen was denied access to a hospital physicians' lounge, which inspired him to pursue a medical education despite doubts from hisfamily.
Dr. Usen discusses the financial, emotional, and academic challenges he overcame while working multiple jobs to put himself through school and medical training.
He emphasizes the importance of communication, discipline, and using criticism as motivation to prove oneself, especially as a minority in the professional world.
Dr. Usen shares lessons he learned about facing initial skepticism or bias, encouraging listeners to see such challenges as opportunities to educate and demonstrate their abilities.
The summary highlights Dr. Usen's inspiring journey from Nigeria to becoming a successful podiatrist in the U.S., and the key lessons he shares about perseverance, overcoming obstacles, and using criticism constructively.
Episode Transcript
Title: Navigators Podcast - Dr. Nsima Usen's Immigration Journey
0:00:01 Intro Narrator:
Are you an immigrant looking for a better recipe for living your ultimate American dream journey? Did you come to America to escape persecution, as a tourist, student, or for employment, finding America a welcoming place? Or did you make a conscious decision to relocate for new experiences and opportunities?
Whatever your case, you have a story. Are you ready to tell yours and have it recorded in the pages of history for your posterity and the world? Is your decision to live in America the best decision you've ever made?
These stories and more on this podcast dedicated to you, the modern explorers of America. We feature amazing navigators weekly to share their journey, challenges, and successes, with one goal: helping you fast-track and live your best American dream journey.
So what's your navigating story? Here is your host, Bassey Simon, with this episode's featured guest ready to tell their navigating story.
0:01:11 Dr. Nsima Usen: Hello, navigators.
0:01:12 Bassey Simon: Welcome to today's episode of the Navigators Podcast. Today, I feature the very first navigator ready to tell their navigating story.
I want to remind you that the Navigators Podcast is the first platform dedicated to sharing inspiring stories of immigrants - the modern explorers to America - about their navigating journey, hosted by an immigrant.
I am your host, Pastor Simon. With every success immigrants achieve in their new adopted country, there is a unique story behind that success. However you define success, there is a story about what drives each of us to leave the comfort and security of our upbringing to seek a new beginning, to dream of a better life, or to dream of what's possible.
As uniquely different as each Navigator is, so is each navigating story and journey. You will certainly agree after hearing our special guest today.
Without further ado, let's welcome our special guest, Dr. Nsima Usen, to the show. Dr. Nsima, are you ready to tell your navigating story today and have it recorded in the pages of history while inspiring fellow navigators to reach their own success?
0:03:14 Dr. Nsima Usen: Hello, everyone from Bassey Simon, this is the navigator world.
0:03:20 Bassey Simon: Today is a very special day for the podcast because I am talking to somebody very special to me personally. I have a little sentiment about this interview, and you'll understand why in future episodes when I have a chance to be on the show.
I'm interviewing a very good friend, more than a friend - actually a brother. I want to introduce Dr. Nsima Usen. He is a doctor of podiatric medicine and a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgery. Currently, he serves as chief podiatric division medical director for Advanced Wound Center and is an associate clinical professor at Michigan State University.
Dr. Usen was trained in podiatric foot and ankle surgery at Detroit Medical Center. He completed his reconstructive foot and ankle surgery residency and received his medical degree from Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia.
Professionally, he has performed numerous surgical procedures including reconstructive surgeries for fractures, arthritis, diabetes, ulcers, flat foot, heel spurs, bunions, and hammer toes. He holds multiple certifications and is affiliated with several professional associations including the American Podiatric Medical Association and American Diabetes Association.
Dr. Usen originally comes from Nigeria and relocated to the United States at age 21. I want him to fill in the gaps and tell the navigators his story about how he got from Nigeria to becoming the accomplished professional he is today.
Dr. Usen, would you like to share your journey?
0:06:57 Dr. Nsima Usen: Thank you, Bassey Simon and navigator world. I want to make a correction on my bio. I was trained at Detroit Medical Center and completed a fellowship for Foot and Ankle reconstructive surgery at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Mainz, Germany.
Let me share how I made it to America at age 21 and became who I am today. It's been a journey filled with ups and downs, but ultimately, it paid off.
We grew up together in Nigeria. Back at the University of Calabar, it wasn't an easy time. There was significant uncertainty about our future. Most of us believed the only way to measure up in society was to go to school, graduate, and contribute.
During the early 1990s, we experienced constant disruptions. University strikes would last six months, then we'd be out for 12 months due to teacher strikes or government issues. What should have been a four-year degree often took seven or eight years to complete.
Most graduates found no opportunities after completing their education. The hope in our society began to fade. We started looking at alternative paths like joining the police force or military, driven by our determination to create a future.
Fortunately, I received an incredible opportunity through the US migration lottery. My aunt included my name among 22 applicants, and I was selected. When she first told me I'd won, I didn't believe it. Then, while standing in line to register for a State Security Service recruitment, a relative informed me about the lottery.
I had no idea what the lottery was or how it worked. But it represented a chance to do something with my life. After completing all requirements - background checks, physical examinations, and submitting documents - I was granted a visa to migrate to the United States.
I arrived in the United States on August 25, 1995.
0:14:02 Dr. Nsima Usen: When I landed, I was completely lost. I didn't know North from South. At 21, someone had to guide me, show me what signs meant. I came from an independent society to a place where I had no clue what was happening.
Communication was my biggest challenge. I knew I needed a bachelor's degree, so I had many family discussions about potential paths - should I start a business, open an African store, or pursue international trading?
My first job was as a landscaper. I'm proud of that job. In 1995, I earned $8 per hour. This job helped me learn American culture and meet people who could teach me about life here. I worked for a company that had government contracts, which meant I visited places like the Blue House, White House, hospitals, and wealthy homes to maintain landscapes.
Coming from our background, we were used to having people do such work for us. Now, I was the one doing those jobs. I realized this was an opportunity to settle and prepare for education.
I applied to five schools in Washington DC: Howard University, Georgetown University, American University, University of Maryland, and a community college. When I visited Howard University, the architecture reminded me of University of Calabar.
I decided to attend the University of Maryland. I initially took computer programming and microbiology classes. The technology world was exploding, and I wanted to be part of that. My original dream was to create a toothpaste and art production company, but the computer revolution changed my perspective.
A pivotal moment occurred at an Adventist Hospital in Washington DC. While trying to maintain plants in the physicians' lounge, a staff member told me the room was for physicians only and I couldn't enter. That moment deeply affected me and sparked my interest in medical education.
0:21:34 Dr. Nsima Usen: That experience of being denied entry to the physicians' lounge was transformative. I went home feeling discouraged but determined. I decided to refocus and seriously consider medical education as an option.
Pursuing this path wasn't easy. I had to work and maintain a full-time job while going to school. I quit my landscaping job and took a position as a security officer. Fortunately, I found a job that allowed me to work night shifts, which accommodated my educational goals.
I worked at an apartment building in downtown Washington DC. My job was simple - open the garage for residents, check entry and exit points every few hours. This job allowed me to work from 10 PM to 6 AM, giving me time to study during my shift and attend classes during the day.
The job helped me afford a used car and a one-bedroom apartment shared with other students. I also obtained student loans. At that time, university fees were relatively affordable - about $2,500 per semester, totaling $5,000 annually at the University of Maryland.
My family provided emotional support. When I needed a meal, I could visit my aunt's house. This support system was crucial in my journey.
Language was another significant challenge. I had to spend double the time compared to my classmates to comprehend lectures and course materials. My discipline and dedication were key to overcoming these obstacles.
A critical moment came when my brother-in-law challenged me, saying, "Don't worry, you're not smart enough to become a doctor." Instead of discouraging me, this comment fueled my determination. I went home and cried, but those tears were a commitment to prove him wrong.
The hospital incident and this family challenge became turning points. They ignited a fire in me to succeed, no matter what obstacles I faced.
0:31:02 Dr. Nsima Usen: The professional journey wasn't simple. I faced numerous challenges, particularly as a minority in the medical field. One significant experience occurred during my fellowship in Mainz, Germany.
I walked into the hospital wearing a white coat, and people looked at me differently. I was often the only person of color in the environment. Sometimes, when I visited new hospitals in the United States, staff would initially be uncertain about my presence.
However, I never viewed these moments as roadblocks. Instead, I saw them as opportunities to prove myself. Like President Obama, who had to continually prove his capabilities, I understood that first impressions matter.
I always tell my employees and nurses that people form impressions based on appearance. When you called me this morning for a video interview, I immediately prepared myself, ensuring I looked presentable. First impressions are critical.
The first thing people often see is my skin color. But I've learned to use that as motivation to demonstrate my expertise. Whether I'm at a country club or a professional setting, I focus on showcasing my skills as a board-certified surgeon.
I've encountered situations where people questioned my presence, but I've learned to smile and use those moments as educational opportunities. When people get to know you, they often change their perspective.
One universal truth I've discovered is that people worldwide share fundamental goals. We all love our children, respect our families, want to be healthy, and strive to provide for our loved ones. Despite different languages and cultures, we're fundamentally similar.
My journey taught me that good people exist everywhere. By approaching challenges with openness and professionalism, you can bridge cultural and racial divides.
0:41:46 Bassey Simon: Your story reminds me of the musical The Lion King - at the end of the day, it's all a big circle of life. We are all connected.
If everyone could recognize that and understand it's human nature to feel anxious when meeting new people, we would do ourselves a lot of good. People often don't take challenges as opportunities for growth.
I was recently interviewing another guest who shared that these professional challenges are universal - regardless of skin color or background, everyone has to prove themselves.
[Mid-Podcast Break]
[Podcast Outro]
The Navigators Podcast is dedicated to sharing immigrant stories about navigating the American dream. Remember that each of us has a unique journey.
To share your story, email [guest@nadcast.com](mailto:guest@nadcast.com). Subscribe to our YouTube channel, bookmark on podcast platforms like Spotify, iTunes, and Google Play.
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Remember: None of us is as smart as all of us. Always be good to those you meet on your way up.
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