June 17, 2021
My Why: Dr. Hilary Ufearo
I have always looked at medical practice as an opportunity to do good. Going to see the doctor with my dad when I was a little kid in Nigeria, I was amazed by the doctors’ attitudes. It was a ‘We’re the pros’—sort of privileged-position scenario and the conversations were a little condescending. There wasn’t empathy and they didn’t give my dad an opportunity to speak. It was more like, “I’m gonna tell you what the problem is and this is what you have to do.” My inspiration to become a doctor was wanting to be able to reverse that and do something different.
I kept my focus on that goal throughout high school. After medical school in Nigeria, I spent about four years in Dublin, primarily working in surgery. One of the reasons I left Ireland, though, was that the structure for progressing in your career, at least in cardiothoracic surgery, meant that you had to be Irish. I wrote to the president of the Royal College of Surgeons to ask about an exception, but he said, ‘Look, it’s just not possible.’
So it was time for a change. I decided to come to the United States for an internal medicine residency. I thought I would be doing research in cardiology, but during my first year, I spent time in hematology working with bone marrow transplants. What I saw in the patients’ faces was the need for hope. That was the turning point for me. I transitioned away from cardiology and focused on oncology.
“What I saw in the patients’ faces was the need for hope. That was the turning point for me.”
Today, when I see a patient sitting in front of me, I try to think about what my expectation would be if I was the patient. That’s what plays out in my mind in terms of listening to them so they feel heard. I want to understand their needs so we can try to resolve the issue that brought them to see me, and show empathy so they feel comfortable. You may not solve everything, but you can offer them reasonable hope with a plan to get to the bottom of the problem. And if you can do anything to bring a smile to their face, that makes a big difference.
Hilary – thanks for your why!! You make a difference.
As an oncology nurse and the daughter of an oncology patient, I am so thankful for your approach to patient care. I am grateful for your ability to teach as well. You are appreciated and valued in so many ways! Sauk Centre is so lucky to have you. Thank you, Dr. Ufearo.
Agree, what a wonderful story! I also had an epiphany that inspired me. We are so fortunate that you continued your journey until you found your medical home here. You have and continue to inspire and help so many.
Thank you so much for sharing your story! I am humbled to have been able to witness countless examples of the amazing care you provide to patients going through the most difficult journeys of their lives.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful story! Thanks also for your wonderful collaboration and care of hospice patients, Dr. Ufearo. Our team is so appreciative of everything you do.
Wow, what an inspirational story! Thank you for sharing your why moment.
Thank you Hilary. The care you have given my wife (and all your patients) has been amazing and helped her through a difficult time. You are a credit to our profession.
Dr Ufearo, you are a blessing beyond measure to your patients and family! From my first hand experience, I just want to thank you for ALL you do and the loving, caring nature that you exude. Thank you for sharing your Why story…it is inspiring!
It is always wonderful to learn about the “why” behind the path our colleagues have taken, but also great to hear about the career changes along the way to getting to today. I had no idea you were in cardiology first! Thanks for the important role that you play on our Oncology Team in Sauk Centre!
What an incredible story – thank you for sharing!
I’ve had a few friends who have you as their doctor and I hear only wonderful things about you. Thank you for your care, empathy and expertise… and for bringing hope. I’ve also had the privilege of getting to know your kids, who are wonderful as well!
Oh Dr. Ufearo! You hold a special place in our hearts. Your contagious laugh, compassion, and oncology expertise is a gift to so many people. You were there to share the good news and get us through the difficult times. Forever grateful doesn’t even scratch the surface. It is fun to see the sparkle in your eyes has never changed from a young boy to a physician. Your “why” is remarkable and we thank you for sharing it with us. Thank you from Thomas and our family!
Very inspiring! Thank you for sharing your why.
Your care and compassion are exactly what patients need at a devastating and scary time in their life. Thank you for your empathy, understanding, and your listening ear!!
Great story Hilary. I so appreciate the care that you provide for our patients and your leadership for our clinicians. You place the patient at the center of decisions– and I now have a much better understanding of the “why”. Thanks for all you do Hilary. You are a wonderful physician and an even better person.
What a wonderful story! I know personally what a caring, truly knowledgeable and beautiful doctor you are. My first husband saw you for his care with terminal lung cancer and although we knew there was no cure, you did bring warmth and hope to both of us. Then again with my mom you showed the same care and expertise. So nice to learn about how you got where you are!