Dr. Omolola Salako
Founder, Sebeccly Cancer Care, Oncopadi Technologies and Pearl Oncology Specialist Hospital
Fondly called “The People’s Oncologist,” Dr. Omolola Salako is one of Nigeria’s 85 Clinical and Radiation Oncologists.
She is a global health leader, award-winning cancer researcher, and senior lecturer at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos. She was awarded 1 of the brightest minds in cancer research by the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
She is on a mission to help people, especially women, prevent, treat and survive cancer.
WALK THE TALK & DO THE WORK
Impact Report
In 2003, Dr Omolola Salako lost her sister to cancer. Since then, she has been a force against cancer and touching lives at scale:
SUCCESS LEAVES CLUES
We asked Dr. Omolola for Clues
Something that catalyzed your growth - besides working hard?
I enjoy discovering new places and immersing myself in a different environment. As part of my indigo growth strategy, I make it a point to visit a few new countries every year.
I have a unique habit of engaging in deep thinking during take-off and landing; there’s a way I try to synchronize my thoughts with the speed of the plane and experience profound contemplation in a vacuum. This practice has helped me solve some complex problems, so I always look forward to my trips.
Something you're most proud of?
In 2015, I attempted to break a Guinness World Record for breast cancer awareness with the hashtag #12KLLP. We organized over 7,598 people to wear pink t-shirts and stand in a ribbon formation for about 10 minutes.
During the 6-hour period it took to form the ribbon, we sang the National Anthem, chanted songs, and prayed. We also educated participants about breast cancer and available health resources and provided free health services. Looking at the #12LLP picture always makes me smile, as it reminds me of the Sebecccly team and volunteers & audacity despite our limited resources.
On Showing Up
If you have a vision or an idea that God has placed in your heart, don’t hesitate to get started. Don’t wait for everything to be perfect; just take the first step and then the next.
Though your vision may seem too big and daunting, remember that God will honor and accelerate you for showing up to serve others. Be brave and follow in the footsteps of Esther and David, who showed up without fear.
Worth Remembering
Courage over regret, What are you waiting for?!
- Dr Omolola Salako
GET INSPIRED
Follow Dr. Omolola's Work
If any part of her story resonated with you, there's more where it came from.