July 28, 2021
My Why: Dr. Clarence Ojo
My dad immigrated to the U.S. from Nigeria for college where he met my mom, who was from Akron, Ohio. He was very strict and taught me at a young age that if I wanted something, I needed to go get it myself. So when I was 11, I started working a paper route – getting up at 4 a.m. to deliver papers – to earn some extra pocket change.
I also had the opportunity to go on mission trips through church and youth groups and learned that giving and helping others feels good. It brings a different sort of satisfaction than receiving. If you can make something better or fix something, it feels great.
As a kid, I also loved to draw and saw myself as an artist. I found a certain satisfaction when I drew or painted something well.
From pick-up football to purpose
Then during my freshman year of college, I was introduced to the healthcare field by chance. My friends talked me into playing a game of pickup football outside the dorm and I remember thinking, “I should be studying.” During the game, I smacked into a pole and severed my pancreas. I ended up in the hospital and had to have a distal pancreatectomy. I had a long stint with pancreatitis, became malnourished and it was a mess. But after that experience of caring for myself and changing drains, it solidified my purpose, which I saw as finding a way to help people. Pursuing medicine was a way I could do something meaningful for others.
Pursuing medicine was a way I could do something meaningful for others.
It’s all about flow
The decision to go into vascular surgery was simple for me. There’s a finesse to it that is similar to being an artist. In art, when you’re able to wholly replicate something on paper, there’s something clean and exact about it. With vascular surgery, you need to have that same attention to fine detail because you’re basically working with lines. It’s all about flow and you want things to flow straight. There’s instant gratification because as soon as you’re done, you know that you’ve fixed something right.
Helping chronically ill patients improve their quality of life is the most rewarding part of my work. When you have someone who has lost function in a limb, but you’re able to perform a procedure that helps restore some of that function, it feels great. And those patients who have been suffering with these illnesses for a long time are so incredibly grateful because they’re able to get back to the life they love.
I am not surprised to read these comments above, and it confirms what I know from afar. I have never met Dr. Ojo in person, but I have seen his work with patients in our wound clinic, and it is amazing! We are blessed to have wonderful providers like this in our network. Thank you, Dr. Ojo, for all you do.
Great surgeon. My first interaction with Dr Ojo was an urgent call for a vascular issue in a dialysis patient. He came to see the patient immediately, assessed the situation, made a plan, and reassured the staff and most importantly the patient. Left a great lasting impression.
Dr. Ojo is hands down one of the best providers I have had the privilege to work with. He is kinda, caring, and doesn’t leave the patients questions unanswered. He truly is a great surgeon.
Doctor Ojo saved my life many times!! And I loved visiting with him while I was in the hospital. He is one of nicest doctors I have ever known!!!!
I’m so glad to read this story. You are a pleasure to work with, Clarence
An excellent and talented Vascular doctor.
I love working with Dr. Ojo! He’s patient, kind, funny and does excellent work!
Dr Ojo is a great partner to have. Couldn’t live without him!
Thank you for sharing your story Dr. Ojo. Clearly you have led a life of purpose and we’re honored to have you continue to serve in our community!
Dr. Ojo is a great vascular surgeon. My family found this to be true when my dad began dialysis. Dr. Ojo performed his fistula placement and has cared for him since. Dr. Ojo is personable and gives the patient and family a sense of being well-cared-for. We can put our minds at ease when faced with vascular surgical procedures. Thank you, Dr. Ojo for being a part of the CentraCare team of surgical providers. Thank you Dr. Ojo for being such a blessing to our family.
Dr. Ojo,
You’re such an excellent addition to our medical staff! I hear countless compliments about how the staff and patients really enjoy your kindness and expertise. Thanks for coming to CentraCare, your story is now part of our story and we are grateful!
Dr Ojo is not only talented with his patients but he has a gift to entertain the staff. I was one of those staff members who got to work with him and enjoyed every minute he was at the River Campus. Now that he works at the hospital, I do not get to see him as much. When he does walk by, he will always stop and greet you with a smile and make you laugh. Dr Ojo is my of those rare individuals that you should feel blessed to know. Thank you Dr Ojo for all you do and please never leave Centracare.
The patients on the floor are always so excited to see Dr. Ojo during his rounds. He is so kind and has excellent bedside manner. He is a great addition to our vascular team…. we all love working with him.
Dr. Ojo is a fantastic vascular surgeon. He was great when my dad needed surgery! Very considerate when explaining the procedure to my dad and our family. We are lucky to have him at CentraCare!
Thanks for sharing a great story Clarence. We really appreciate the wonderful work that you and your colleagues do. It’s fun to hear about how you ended up as a vascular surgeon. Thanks for all you do.
Dr. Ojo is one of the best physicians I have been blessed to work with. He takes phenomenal care of his patients and the staff that works with him.