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One family - Nine doctors
It takes not only intelligence and commitment, but great parents and a healthy stable family to nurture vocations!
One family - Nine doctors!
Six siblings who all followed their parents’ footsteps into the medical field have been photographed together in their white coats, and the impressive line-up has gone viral. The photo was shared by one of the siblings, Dr. Chinyere Okpaleke, on LinkedIn, where it garnered over 200,000 reactions. (One is missing in the photo)
Chinyere, a family medicine hospitalist in Houston, Texas, whose patients call her “Dr. Chi,” posted the photo of herself with her four sisters and one brother on April 10 in honour of National Siblings Day.
The siblings’ father, Andrew Okpaleke, M.D., is a retired physician of internal medicine with 30 years’ experience, whilst their mother, Celina Okpaleke, P.A., has worked in the medical field for over 20 years.
“We are Nigerian, so we have that cultural background of my parents being immigrants and basically sacrificing coming here for a better life,” Dr. Chi explained to Good Morning America.
“Their idea of wanting us to succeed came across in how they raised us. The whole family grew up with the desire to help others.”
The siblings had reunited in Tampa, Florida, the city in which they grew up. A seventh sibling, Lillian Okpaleke, M.D., was not able to be present and in the photo.
“If I had to choose between The Okpalekes Vs The Kardashians… I would choose US every single time!” Dr. Chi posted on LinkedIn alongside the picture.
“I know our parents and ancestors are beyond proud,” she added. “We are exactly what their sacrifices were meant for! All glory to God.”
Dr. Chi said that one impressed parent admitted printing the Okpalekes’ photo and pinning it on their fridge to inspire their own kids.
Touched by public response, Dr. Chi is happy that she and her siblings are able to “shed some light” in today’s world.
The siblings have also received humorous comments about the coincidence of their medical careers.
“I have a friend who says my mother’s womb ‘must be very blessed to produced so many doctors,'” Dr. Chi regaled. “That one is probably the funniest one.”
The 6 Siblings Who Practice Medicine, Following in Parents’ Footsteps:
(Photo L–R) Okway Okpaleke, M.D., Chinelo Okpaleke, P.A., Nkiru Osefo, M.D., Ifeoma Okpaleke, N.P., Queenate Okpaleke, N.P., and Chinyere Okpaleke, M.D. – with their parents Andrew and Celina Okpaleke
- BY LOUISE BEVAN - June 30, 2021
