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The Head and the Heart
Corrine Szarkowicz

(right) Virginia is a preceptor for Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine.

Q&A with Virginia Adewole '94

Virginia Adewole was destined to work in medicine. With a compassionate heart, a passion for science, and a deep concern for her community, she pursued her dream despite significant obstacles — including a twelve-year delay in obtaining her green card. Her journey, marked by resilience and determination, led her to become a doctor who cares for patients at their most vulnerable moments. Known for her stubborn drive, high-achieving nature, and unwavering commitment to excellence, Virginia exemplifies what it means to be a doctor who truly puts her patients first.



Tell us about your time at Pomfret.
I grew up in South Central Los Angeles and had the opportunity to attend Pomfret through A Better Chance. When I arrived in Connecticut and was driving to Pomfret, I became homesick when I saw how the lush trees contrasted with the stark environment of my neighborhood. I was not used to seeing all the trees. But I was excited to be in a new environment. I was a shy kid and a bit of a nerd, but luckily, my extroverted classmates found me, and we became great friends. All the time and effort the faculty invested in me helped me to thrive, and it is one of my motivations to give back to my Pomfret community. 

Where did you study after Pomfret?
I majored in English Language and Literature, minored in African American Studies at Yale, and was pre-med. Because of my immigration status, I didn’t attend medical school right away, and it took me twelve years to get my green card. During those years, I took and retook science and pre-med courses at UCLA to stay on track.

While waiting to start medical school, you taught high school English. Tell us about that.
I started a continuation school for kids who had been kicked out or dropped out of their regular school. Most of them came from underprivileged backgrounds and did not have any real role models. I felt connected to them because I grew up in the inner city and knew what forces they had to combat. I tried to mentor them and to get them up to grade level. I did my best to connect with them outside of the classroom. I considered that time a “work of the heart.” Then, I taught at a high school where the students were on track to attend college. There, we discussed sophisticated themes of literature. I consider that period the “work of the brain.” 

It sounds like you enjoyed teaching. Why did you decide to continue to pursue your dream of becoming a doctor?
I enjoyed teaching, and it was very fulfilling. However, I still wanted to be a doctor. I have always felt science was challenging and rewarding, and I believed I was meant to go into medicine. My mom was a pediatric transplant nurse, and I saw her connection with her patients. I spent a lot of time driving her to the funerals of her patients. She made such a memorable impact on them that they wanted her to be there to commemorate the lives of their loved ones. Those were powerful experiences for me; I was inspired by the strength of connection that can be created in such vulnerable contexts. 

What was your experience in medical school?
It was difficult. I don’t recommend that anyone take that large gap in their education. I was determined to become a doctor to care for people and make a difference in their lives. As a stubborn, high-achieving, and goal-oriented person, I used all my resources and asked for help. When I want something, I do not give up until I achieve it. I learned my resilience from my parents. Things in life are hard, but you have to stick with it. I didn’t give up when it took twelve years to get my green card, and I wasn’t going to give up when I was in medical school.

What made you choose to focus on internal medicine?
When I was doing my rotations, the doctors in internal medicine were some of the kindest and most compassionate doctors I observed. They were thoughtful and considerate not just to their patients but also to the medical students. This consistency made their sincerity real to me. I thought, “I have found my people.” And I was also interested in all the aspects of the body and organ systems. 

Where did you practice after medical school?
I started practicing as a hospitalist at Highland Hospital in Oakland. The patients were from poor backgrounds and had a lot of social and medical needs. It was challenging and fulfilling at the same time and a great training opportunity. After completing my residency, my dad was sick, and I came home and landed my dream job as a hospitalist at Kaiser. 

What does a hospitalist do?
A hospitalist sees patients admitted to the hospital with acute medical issues. On a daily basis, we are dealing with heart attacks, strokes, and collapsed lungs. We coordinate their care with the different specialists, advocate for them, and work to resolve their issues so they can go home safely.

What makes you a great doctor?
Medicine is about caring for the patient. A lot of doctors forget that point and are unhappy because medicine is hard and physically and emotionally demanding. People die suddenly, and their families are angry, and they take it out on you. When I am stressed by the number of patients I have and the time I am given to see them, I pause and focus on being the type of doctor I want to have. I spend extra time with the patient and their family, giving them space to be vulnerable.

You recently earned a promotion. Tell us about that.
I am now one of the assistant chiefs of internal medicine. I work with the various specialty departments to establish policies and improve communication and all professional relationships essential to patient care. We have also expanded our population of hospitalists by 30 percent. My department has hired nine new doctors and is still hiring. In my leadership role, I have enjoyed interviewing the candidates and finding the right people to join our team. 

What advice would you give to a Pomfret student who wants to become a doctor?
Your resilience and ability to use your resources effectively are more important than any intrinsic intelligence. I accomplished my goals in life because I wouldn’t give up, and I wasn’t afraid to use my resources. That's what medicine is all about. You must be a hard worker who cares about the patients, or you'll lose your drive. I honestly believe some people are unhappy in medicine because they've lost sight of why they became doctors. People are surprised that I'm a happy doctor. Yes, I'm happy — I'm also tired and stressed, but I'm happy because I get to connect with and care for people every day. 

 

 

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