Denise Asafu-Adjei, MD has become the first female to complete an andrology fellowship at the University of California, Los Angeles. Andrology is a branch of medicine concerned with men’s health, particularly male infertility and sexual dysfunction. The term literally means the study of man in Greek (andros : man) and is the male counterpart of gynaecology. Although there is a significant number of men practicing gynaecology, the number of women in andrology pales in comparison.
Denise started her journey into medicine in 2004 at the Carnegie Mellon University where she studied for a Bachelor of science degree in Biological sciences. Between 2009 and 2014, Denise was studying for a Doctor of Medicine degree (M.D.) at the University of Michigan medical school. In 2013, while she was still in medical school, she graduated from the Harvard T. H. Chan school of public health with a Master of Public Health degree in Health Policy and management.
For six years after her graduation from medical school, she was a resident physician in urology at the Columbia University Irving Medical center. And for the past one year, she has been working as an Andrology fellow at the department of urology of the University of California, Los Angeles where she is the first female in the history of the institution to complete the fellowship.
Sharing the news of her achievement, Denise posted this on LinkedIn:
“[It] was an incredibly emotional day. It marked the end of my 12 year journey into medicine, as the FIRST female to complete the phenomenal Andrology fellowship at UCLA, where I’ve received exceptional training and mentorship. 4 years of medical school, 1 additional year obtaining my MPH during medical school, 6 years of residency and 1 year of fellowship.”
“I have been incredibly blessed to have so much support, mentorship, and love through the long nights, tearful days, and pushing through when I sometimes don’t feel like I had anymore to give. As I excitedly prepare to embark on my new role (FINALLY) as an ATTENDING PHYSICIAN, I am overwhelmed with more joy and gratitude than words can express for my ever gracious God, my amazing parents and siblings, extended family, and wonderful friends who have been encouraging and cheering me every single step of the way. I am truly humbled and hope I can serve as an inspiration to every hopeful Black girl who had a wild dream of becoming a doctor.”
The post, which has over a thousand reactions now has been shared multiple times with well wishes pouring in for Denise. Her story is incredible and is motivation for girls around the world to keep chasing their dreams.
