Dr Katherine Attohdeedei Attoh: A beacon of perseverance in the medical field

Dr Katherine Attohdeedei Attoh joins the ranks of those who have achieved remarkable feats in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. 

In an interview with The Mirror, Dr Attoh opens up about her inspiring journey of triumph.

Her pursuit of a one-year Master’s degree in Public Health (MPH) in September 2019 took an unexpected turn just two months into the programme. What initially appeared to be malaria turned into a turbulent roller coaster ride filled with multiple hospital stays.

Amid these challenges, Dr Attoh discovered that she was expecting a child. Unfortunately, following her doctor's advice, she had to defer the MPH programme and focus on bed rest. However, as the 2020/2021 academic year commenced, Dr Attoh found herself as a first-year Obstetrics and Gynaecology (OB/GY) resident and a mother to a nine-month-old baby. Despite the desire to defer her MPH studies once again, she was determined to persevere.

The University of Ghana presented her with a choice: resume studies or forfeit school fees. With her determination and resolve to honour her father's legacy, Dr Attoh chose to soldier on, balancing her roles as an MPH student, a new mother, a first-year OB/GYN resident and a wife.

To navigate this demanding juggling act, Dr Attoh embraced her new normal, taking online classes, expressing breast milk before rushing off to theatre and emergency duties. 

 One particular day during the first semester, overwhelmed by the pressure of a delayed research proposal, lagging presentation preparations and the strain on her personal life, Dr Attoh broke down in tears during a 24-hour duty. However, her supportive team lead provided the much-needed solace and encouraged her to push forward.

In order to complete the academic year successfully, she asked her mother for help.

 “My mum took over the care of my son Brian, my Ridge Hospital study group helped fill in the knowledge gaps, my girlfriends were there when I needed to vent and de-stress, my brothers kept reminding me of my brilliance, my co-residents covered for me on days when MPH schedule clashed with OB/GYN duties, my husband rode all the highs and lows with me and I, Attohdeedei, gave it my all,” she said heartily.

At the end of the programme, she did not only receive the award for the Best Female MPH Student, she was also adjudged the Overall Best MPH Student at the University of Ghana Vice-Chancellor's Awards for the 2021/2022 academic year.

Dr Attoh, who believes in perseverance, said: “Looking back at the challenges I went through, it is always good to put in place mechanisms that will lessen your stress and enable you to put in your best.”

Background of Dr Attoh

HNBQ : Tell me about yourself.

Dr Attoh: I was born and raised in Osu, Accra, by my parents Dr Victor Attoh of blessed memory and Ms Esther Adjei. I am the last of six siblings -- Albert, Elsie, William, Nancy, Nathaniel and me.

I started my education at Ridge Church School in Accra then to Wesley Girls' High School in Cape Coast. I entered University of Ghana, Legon to study biological science with the aim of entering medical school but I was unable to make it then so I went to get a Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry.

 I did a year of national service as a research assistant at the university and proceeded to University of Cape Coast School of Medical Sciences.

I graduated as a medical doctor in 2014 and have since worked at the 37 Military Hospital, Tema General Hospital, Bethel Specialist (now Ultimate Care) Hospital. I am currently in my final year of specialist training at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge).

I also run a health consultation service called Daystar Health Consult where I offer online health advice to clients from the comfort of their homes and also do health talks for organisations.

I am married to Emmanuel Berko, a banker, and we have one adorable son called Brain Kofi Prempeh Berko.

HNBQ: What inspired you to be a medical doctor?

Dr Attoh: My dad , the late Dr Victor Attoh, was an obstetrician/gynaecologist at the Ridge Hospital. A lot of his patients used to come by the house and I used to pass by the hospital sometimes. The respect I saw them accord him, the joy with which they’d greet him because of his care for them and the fact that many named their children after him was an inspiration to me. I wanted to have that kind of effect on people too.

Even up till today I sometimes meet some of his old co-workers at Ridge and they say to me "you really take after your dad, he was such an excellent doctor."

HNBQ: What makes a good doctor?

Dr Attoh: A good doctor has empathy and compassion, keeps updated with the latest guidelines needed to treat his patients and knows his/her limit.

HNBQ: What is your area of speciality and why did you choose that?

Dr Attoh: My area of speciality is Obstetrics and Gynaecology. I chose to specialise in the diseases of the female sexual and reproductive system and care of women during pregnancy and childbirth because it is the one speciality I found challenging and extremely rewarding. Nothing beats the feeling of helping a woman bring life into this world. I plan to sub-specialise in psychosexual therapy because it's an area where women especially have struggles, with very few specialists to attend to their needs.

HNBQ: How do you balance your job as a doctor and family?

Dr Attoh: I do a lot of planning. I delegate some house chores, I do bulk cooking at weekends and I don't compromise on family time. I prioritise spending time with my son and my husband on my days off. I also make a conscious effort not to beat myself up when once in a while a work emergency keeps me away from family functions: one can only try but I doubt I'm able to get a balance all the time and that's okay.

HNBQ: How do you unwind when you are not attending to patients?

Dr Attoh: I love to dance. I spend at least 30 minutes to an hour most days learning dance routines on YouTube. I also like to watch medical and legal drama series. I schedule a girls' hangout with my friends and sometimes I just spend time alone reading or doing some self-care at the spa.

HNBQ: What is your greatest strength?

Dr Attoh: My resilience and perseverance! I am a tough woman. When I focus on a goal, no excuse gets in my way of achieving it.

HNBQ: What are your hobbies?

Dr Attoh: I love to dance, I love to travel and watch series based on medicine and the legal profession.

When it comes to food, I think ‘fufu’ and ‘ebunuebunu’ is the best food in the whole world!

hadiza.graphic.com.gh