Nigerian actress and medical practitioner Jemima Osunde has opened up about why she stepped back from hospital work, citing the emotional toll of treating patients during her medical career.
Speaking on the talk show Untapped, hosted by Falz Falana, Osunde revealed that her experience in the medical field, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, left her feeling drained and emotionally overwhelmed.
“Medical work was making me depressed. One time I was treating a 14-year-old girl with Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) because of the trauma of vaginal delivery at such a young age. And her baby also had cerebral palsy,” she said, highlighting the challenging nature of her responsibilities.
Osunde also noted that her commitment to further studies had kept her busy: “For the last two years I have been doing my master’s, that has kept me busy. I needed a break from the hospital. My last year of intense hospital work was during COVID year. Medical work was getting me depressed and low-key making me angry.”
The actress, who has successfully balanced her medical career with acting, emphasized the importance of taking mental health breaks and pursuing personal growth while handling demanding responsibilities.
Her candid revelation sheds light on the often-unseen emotional strain that healthcare professionals endure, even while managing other career paths.