Tell Us About Yourself
My name is Odumbe George Camillus, a medical doctor and Mount Kenya University alumnus. I pursued a degree in Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB) and completed it in February 2022. I am Kenyan from Awendo Sub-County in Migori – South Nyanza.
What are your hobbies/ interests/ Co-curricular activities?
I love basketball, listening to several genres of music, reading inspirational book. I also enjoy traveling and exploring the World. In addition to my hobbies, I enjoy providing services through Community outreach programs, educating the public on the most common diseases and conditions, engaging in advocacy programs geared towards reducing prevalence of lifestyle diseases and NCDs like Cancer.
Did you have any leadership positions and roles while at MKU?
At Mount Kenya University, I was privileged to serve the University and the Students at large in different leadership positions:
– Founder and President of the Mount Kenya University Medical Students’ Association – MKUMSA (2014-2019)
– Chairperson of the Mount Kenya University Electoral Board – MKUSA (2019)
– Captain of the Mount Kenya University Basketball Team- MKU Nets (2015-2017)
– Procurement and Logistics, Mount Kenya University Electoral Board (2017)
Did you have other leadership positions, roles, or responsibilities?
In addition to my leadership positions at MKU, I was privileged to serve the community and the public in different aspects
– Lead Medic, Africa Cancer Foundation – Screening, early detection, and management of different cancers across the country.
– Thika Chapter Leader, Young Professionals for Chronic Disease Network (YPCDN) – An Advocacy and Policy Making Organization against NCDs.
– Member of the Presidents’ Council of Medical Students’ Association of Kenya (MSAKE)
In three words describe your academic journey
My academic journey comprised both good and bad times. The school days were so involving and required energy, passion, and perseverance. The coursework takes up to 6 years, and so I enjoyed my time at MKU (September 2014 – February 2022).
How did you become interested in the course you’re studying, and finally, join Mount Kenya University?
All my life I have always wanted to be a doctor, and learn to save the world with nothing but scrubs and tongs. I always fancied the thought of walking down the hallways and putting a smile on every patient’s face, and that’s the genesis of my passion for Medicine. I also got some inspiration from my parents who are also in the healthcare industry, from a young age, I saw them serve and help the sick, and this motivated me each day to follow in their footsteps.
What was your most exciting moment on campus?
- First Medical Camp organized by MKUMSA to provide medical services to the students, staff, and the community around the University in Thika, Kiambu.
- Tizi Uishi Event – YPCDN partnering with MKUMSA and the University to educate the public on lifestyle and eating disorders like obesity, the role of nutrition in health, and the role of exercise in healthcare.
- Launching of the Delegate system during elections in 2019 while serving as the Chairperson of the Electoral Board.
- All the Community outreach services and Charity programs – Mental health walks, Menstrual hygiene days, etc.
- All game days (Basketball days with MKU Nets) were always fun.
Can you tell us a bit about your course?
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery is a lucrative, but demanding course. The course work at MKU takes about 6 years with each academic year comprising of trimesters. Currently, Mount Kenya University is enrolling both Government and Self- sponsored students who have attained the University’s admission requirements. Year 1 to Year 3 are the pre-clinical years while Year 4 to Year 6 are the clinical years that involve teaching and training in the class and hospital set-ups.
How did the pandemic affect your education?
The COVID-19 Pandemic came with several setbacks. Since I was in year 5, we weren’t able to access the hospital and that prompted the university to initiate online classes. Clinical years require teaching and training in the hospital set up which wasn’t available during the pandemic. The post-pandemic effects also came with financial constraints which posed a major challenge.
What are some of the challenges you encountered during your Undergraduate?
Apart from the ever-demanding medical coursework and the normal life hurdles that almost every other individual experience, I had trouble paying my coursework fees from the year 2019 which even prompted me to take an academic break for about 12 months. Initially, I also had challenges juggling and balancing my classes, basketball career, and leadership roles, but with time I was able to adapt and here we are.
What are your career plans after MKU and how did you decide upon them?
Currently, the medical industry is getting better with the emergence of new specialties and sub-specialties every other day. I haven’t quite made up my mind on a specific specialty, but I love and enjoy surgery, so I might venture into a specialty in the Surgical field, preferably Surgical Oncology. My other options are Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Orthopedic Spine Surgery, or General Surgery.
What advice do you have for continuing and prospective students pursuing your course?
Medicine is a lucrative course, you just need to know and acknowledge that it is quite demanding hence you will need to put in work, constant dedication, and sacrifice a few things. One lesson that I learned was to believe in myself, and so do you. Confidence goes a long way – plays a major role in your clinical years, and the future of your career as a doctor. You also need to be prayerful – pray for knowledge, wisdom, strength, and guidance from God.
How can they make the best use of their time while pursuing their course at MKU?
From experience, planning helped me a lot. Since I had to juggle leadership responsibilities, make time to study, play basketball, and time for family and community outreach, I always had a schedule tagged to a timeline. If they can adopt and assimilate proper planning into their respective schedule, they can manage their time better and await success.
Who is your role model and why?
My role model is Lebron James, a professional Basketball player. Outside, the Basketball Court, Lebron has been involved in helping and serving the community around him by building modern medical facilities, Children’s homes, and is active in community service. His life story is pretty inspirational too – from being a homeless boy to being the first sportsperson to be a billionaire.
What is your message to University Students as we approach the General National elections?
Your vote matters to you, to your friends and family, and the country, so do them justice by voting wisely. Above all, let’s also advocate for peace, love, and unity during this time.
If you were to go back, what would you do differently?
There are lots of things that I would have done differently. Most importantly, I would believe in myself more and have confidence and courage in everything I do. I would also instill positive thinking into my everyday endeavors, and use the power in my subconscious mind to guide me and to network more.
What’s your favorite dish?
My favorite meal is fish, with any accompaniment.
What book are you currently reading?
I’m currently reading a book by Dr. Joseph Murphy – The Miracles of Your Mind. I also recommend readers to check out his other book – The Power of Your Subconscious Mind. This book has played a big role in changing my mindset, level of confidence, and a lot more.
What’s your partying shot?
It has been a great pleasure studying at the best medical school in East Africa and serving the whole Mount Kenya University fraternity. MKU has all the best things to offer when it comes to quality education, a favorable studying environment, competent and friendly lecturers, just to mention a few. And to all the students, always believe in yourself in all your activities and instill a positive thinking attitude into your system.