Welcome to the new Student Leader Spotlight series, where we’ll be regularly featuring one of our amazing Student Leaders and hearing in their own words what they care about, and what fuels the work they do with their chapter. Kicking off the series is Ihuoma Igbokwe, 3rd year medical student at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine and MSFC chapter Founding Leader.
What drove you to get involved with MSFC?
Ihuoma Igbokwe, MS3 at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
Apart from Chicago most of Illinois has conservative views. We see patients who have misconceptions about reproductive justice and fear about the stigma around family planning. I wanted to make sure that I would be well equipped to care for these patients. In addition, being in the capital of Illinois I thought that we could help make a difference in advocating for policy change regarding reproductive justice and family planning.
What do you like most about being part of your MSFC Chapter?
Being able to advocate for better climate for my future patients. I have always been very interested in women’s health, family planning and reproductive justice. I truly appreciate the ability to come together with like-minded people to advocate for patients and ensure that they are treated fairly and have the tools need to make the best decisions for themselves.
What has been your favorite event/chapter activity so far?
My favorite activity so far is when we co-hosted Born after Roe with Planned Parenthood. It was amazing to speak with Chicago Abortion fund and ACLU. I was very thrilled to learn about what they do, what resources they provide patients and what I can do to help them. For me I was able to learn a lot for myself but also for the patients I may see on my rotations, during my sub-I, and my own future patients.
Do you have a favorite Reproductive Rights/Reproductive Justice/Social Justice quote?
“Reproductive freedom is not just the ability not to have a child through birth control. It’s the ability to have one if and when you want” – Pamela Madsen
If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
If I could learn anything I guess it would be any language originating in East Asia or India. I speak English. I am conversational in Igbo and I learned Spanish and Latin for a number of years. But I have never studied/learned a language originating from an Asian culture.
