Dr Adebisi Adedayo Adebisi (@AdebisiAdeday11), Lagos State University College of Medicine, is taking part in Soapbox Science Lagos on 23rd November with the talk: “Using medicinal plants to reduce the side effects of combined oral contraceptives”
Soapbox Science: how did you get to your current position?
Dr ADEBISI, Adedayo Adebisi (Medical doctor, Scientist (Biochemist) and Lecturer at Medical Biochemistry Department, Lagos State University College of Medicine): My unquenchable thirst for knowledge in the medical sciences made me go back and study medicine despite having completed both a B.Sc and Masters degree in Biochemistry. However, my zeal and passion for research, teaching and impacting young minds positively made me go back to the classroom as a lecturer and researcher.
I worked as a Medical doctor briefly for some few years after my housemanship but the hollow was there; I knew I had to go back to my “first love” – Biochemistry. However, my medical training has greatly influenced my aspect of research in Medical Biochemistry.
SS: What or who, inspired you to get a career in Science?
Every young person growing up in the 90’s wanted to be a Doctor, Engineer or Lawyer. I grew up wanting to be a Pharmacist (It was relatively new then and the idea of making drugs myself sounded really good) but got admitted to study Biochemistry then. I made up my mind to finish Biochemistry and then come back to study Pharmacy.
However, few years down the lane whilst doing my National Youth Service Corps, I was convinced by my mentor who is also a medical doctor (Dr ALATISHE, Adeniyi) to go back and study Medicine instead. Moreover, medicine seems to be a whole lot more respected at that time. Moreso, working in a hospital as a Youth corper at the time made me develop some more interest in Medicine. I convinced myself that medicine was more intrincate and more involving than Pharmacy.
The drive to go back to basic medical sciences and research was solely one of “finding oneself” and recognizing one’s niche. It is one decision I took that I never regretted.
SS: What is the most fascinating aspect of your research work?
The possibility of discovering a novel “Near Perfect” natural plant compound capable of meeting a medical need in women (Contraception cum Child spacing) with little or no side effects (hypertension, diabetes and obesity)
SS: What attracted you to Soapbox Science in the first place?
I am aware Soapbox Science is comprised of intellectuals with high cognitive and mental prowess which I find enriching. I believe it’s a level ground for intellects to rub minds and disseminate knowledge to others even not in the Sciences
SS: Sum up in one word your expectations for the day?
I expect that all the day’s activities will be highly enlightening and impactful.
SS: If you could change one thing about the scientific culture in Nigeria right now, what would it be?
Access to good mentoring, grants and sponsorship
SS: What would be your top recommendation to a woman studying for a PhD and considering pursuing a career in academia?
She should be tenacious and highly focused. She should draw “specific” realizable goals and be determined to meet them. The reality of an African woman is to find a balance between studies/career and the family.