Unlike the Rest by Chika Stacy Oriuwa

An autobiography following one woman's journey to become a doctor

Image | Unlike the Rest by Chika Stacy Oriuwa

(HarperCollins Canada)

From childhood, Chika Oriuwa dreamed of being a doctor. She knew that she was destined to wear the white coat one day, no matter what it took. The high of being accepted to the University of Toronto's Temerty Faculty of Medicine in 2016 came crashing down when Oriuwa discovered she was the only Black student in her incoming class of 259 students. Oriuwa soon learned that medical school and a medical career are not immune to the systemic discrimination that permeates the fabric of our world.
Interwoven with descriptions of on-the-ground medical training, personal moments of doubt and success, and reflections on mental health and family expectations, Unlike the Rest is the moving and inspiring story of a young doctor's journey through medical school and residency, where she found her calling in the science and in the patients, but also felt alone and lonely, and compelled to advocate for change, not only for those in training but for those in care. And while the risks in speaking up seemed great, to simply endure was unacceptable.
If you've ever doubted that you belong or struggled to find your voice, Unlike the Rest will inspire you to stay true to yourself and fight for what you believe in. (From HarperCollins Canada)
Chika Stacy Oriuwa is a psychiatry resident at the University of Toronto. She was named one of Time magazine's 2021 Next Generation Leaders and was on Maclean's Power 50 List in 2022. She has been on multiple boards and is an advocate for creating spaces of wellness and inclusion.