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Preston Igwe, MD Profile
Preston Igwe, MD

@PrestonIgweMD

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Houston Native • PGY-3 Psychiatrist @uclapsychres • social justice and mental health advocate 🇳🇬☘️

Los Angeles, CA
Joined April 2020
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
2 years
A quick story. I’m on ambulatory medicine at the VA. Yesterday I went to get a patient from the waiting room. A Black man who served in Vietnam. When I introduced myself as Dr. Igwe, he gave me a very strange look. I asked if I had the wrong person, but he said “no, that’s me”.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
2 years
Now y’all. I’ve had some great moments as a doctor over the last 7 months. But this one was definitely one of the most profound. It filled me with joy to know that the last 13 years of my life were in preparation to make this type of impact. And that I’m where I’m supposed to be.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
2 years
I knew suicide rates for Black youth have been rising, especially since the pandemic began. But this lecture by Dr. Benton highlighted many other facts I wasn’t aware of. Gonna share some for folks who are interested.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
2 years
Although just having Black people represented in medicine is not enough, it is still very important. Cause our very existence is therapeutic. It makes a difference. We also need the support and systemic changes to actually thrive in this field.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
2 years
Now it was my turn to be shocked. In over 50 years of coming to the VA, this man had never seen a Black physician! I was his first. He then proceeded to tell me how important this was to him. The fact that I simply existed and was here with him at that moment.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
2 years
After I finished up the exam, I went to staff with my attending and we came back into the room together. While pointing at me, the patient tells my attending, “You need to keep him! He’s the first doctor I’ve ever had that looks like me.”
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
2 years
I couldn’t shake this weird feeling I had, so I asked him why he was looking at me like I had three heads. He said, “Brother, I’ve been coming to the VA since 1970. And I’ve NEVER seen a Black doctor. Many Black people around the place, but never a doctor.”
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
2 years
Suicide rates for Black girls have increased by more than double that for Black boys. This was shocking to me because we know that overall men complete suicide at a higher rate than women. And it raises many questions about how we’re failing to protect young Black girls.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
3 years
I MATCHED AT UCLA IN PSYCHIATRY!!!! MY NUMBER 1 CHOICE!!! #MatchDay2021 #Match2021
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
11 months
There’s nothing I hate more as a Black man working in a predominantly white space than being told that my “tone” and “attitude” are inappropriate. Especially when it’s in the setting of me being assertive while advocating for myself.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
2 years
About half of Black adolescents who attempted suicide never met criteria for a psychiatric condition by current screening tools. This indicates that our instruments may not be adequate for screening Black youth suicide risk.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
2 years
Risk factors for suicide for Black youth are all connected to systemic racism. Neighborhood violence, economic insecurity, ACEs, historical trauma. And the trauma is more prevalent and severe when compared to children of other racial/ethnic groups.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
2 years
Black adolescents average over 5 racial discrimination experiences per day. This could be microaggressions (which aren’t micro at all) or more overt instances of racism.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
2 years
Exposure to traumatic videos online contributes to symptoms of depression and post traumatic stress. This has been linked to suicide rates among Black and Latinx youth. Videos of police violence are prominent examples of this.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
2 years
Also want to say that I know this topic can be very difficult and triggering for many. So please feel free to mute me or this thread if it protects your peace. Prioritize your own mental health, always.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
4 months
The reality is if you see a Black person in a profession where Black people are highly underrepresented, they are likely overqualified and had to endure obstacles our white counterparts did not have to face.
@patriottakes
PatriotTakes 🇺🇸
4 months
Charlie Kirk: “I’m sorry. If I see a Black pilot, I’m going to be like, ‘Boy, I hope he’s qualified.’”
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
1 year
This is a great article that highlights a lot of the discrimination and hostile work practices that many Black residents face. I’ll summarize some of the most salient points in a quick thread.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
2 years
Some protective factors against suicide for Black youth: familial support, school connectedness, high level of racial/ethnic identification, stable finances. Found the identification part very interesting.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
2 years
Community violence exposure in Black boys in the 6th grade was found to be correlated with depressive symptoms and aggressive behavior. This is further associated with suicide attempts in the 8th grade. We’re talking about middle school kids, y’all! This is wild.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
2 years
For older adolescents (15-17), the most common precipitating factor for a suicide attempt is relationship problems. For younger adolescents, it’s family problems.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
4 years
I can’t wait to become a medical school dean and protect Black students. And love them. Loudly and proudly. We’re always an afterthought, and that’s not acceptable.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
2 years
In the words of @BelleEspritNoir , the kids are not alright. Suicide rates are increasing for Black youth, as well as children in other racially minoritized communities. We need more research examining the trends, better screening tools, and better interventions.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
3 years
Oh we live baby!!!! I give all the glory to God!! #MATCHED #Match2021 #JustAKidFromSouthwestHouston
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
2 years
Strong ethnic/racial identity is a protective factor, but racial trauma is a major precipitating factor and leads to collective injury. Interesting to me because I’d assume that strong racial identity would put you at greater risk of internalizing racial trauma.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
2 years
Huge thank you goes out to Dr. Tami Benton at @ChildrensPhila for the great lecture today! She’s done amazing work in this field and continues to make a big difference in youth mental health.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
2 years
There isn’t a lot of research on what interventions exist to reduce these rates among Black youth. Or if the interventions we have to reduce suicide risk in kids in general are effective for Black youth. So a lot of work still to be done.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
3 years
My Nigerian mother never misses an opportunity to tell someone that I’m graduating from medical school. I don’t know why the guy who came to fix our washer needed to know. But she definitely felt he did 😂😂😂
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
3 years
Called my mom and couldn’t hold back the tears. Y’all...we been through a lot. She’s been my number one supporter through EVERYTHING. I do this for her and for myself and for my entire village behind me. WE DID IT!!!
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
2 years
I never expected my short thread to get this much attention! Thank you to everyone that reached out with kind words and encouragement, and those who shared your own powerful stories! I’m glad to be doing this work and to see that so many of you appreciate its importance.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
4 years
I wish medical school included a course in the differences between private practice and academia. And how to be successful and happy in both. We’re surrounded by academic medicine, but most students have no idea how it works.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
4 years
What’s good #MedTwitter ! Let me reintroduce myself. My name is Preston Igwe, and I’m applying to psychiatry residency! I’m passionate about mental health equity, medical education, and diversifying the face of medicine! #Match2021 #PsychMatch #BlackMeninMedicine
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
1 year
Finished up my last 24 hour call shift of residency and hopped on a plane! Finally made it to San Francisco for #APAAM23 ! Excited to network and learn from the greatest minds in psychiatry 🧠
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
4 years
Being a black medical student means you have to watch people who look like you regularly get murdered on camera. And before you can even process that, you’re thinking about how unproductive you’ve been in your grief. #MedStudentTwitter
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
2 years
There is no substitute for good sleep. It can change your entire perspective on life.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
2 years
Honestly feel like this constant on the go lifestyle is not for me. I used to view being busy all the time as a badge of honor, but I know I don’t love that life anymore. I want to only do things that bring me peace, joy, and purpose.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
2 years
There’s no reason a domestic flight should be $800. Especially when bought 6 weeks in advance.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
2 years
Black women 🤝 Matching into ortho Is it just me or has there been a surge of Black women entering orthopedic surgery over the past couple of years? Love to see it! The field needs you.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
3 years
Yesterday I had a patient say something that really stuck with me. “As you keep walking in your purpose, arrows will come your way. Some will hit. Some will be hard to pull out. But just keep moving forward. God put the dream in you for a reason.”
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
2 years
One thing I want all resident physicians to be free from is the idea that we need to be immensely grateful for just being here. So grateful to serve that we shouldn’t demand more. All that does is perpetuate the unjustness of the system.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
9 months
Only 2% of psychiatrists are Black. So taking care of patients during LA’s first tropical storm in 84 years alongside this amazing team of Black psychiatrists was a powerful experience. And hopefully a sign of change to come. @sincerely_amira @FredB_MD @UclaPsychRes
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
3 years
Today was tough. During an interview, I found out that someone I knew passed away suddenly. Gave my condolences to his mom during one of my breaks. And had to pull it together to finish my interview day. Life is too short. Cherish each day because nothing is promised.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
3 years
A “transition to residency course” that does not cover systemic racism or sexism in residency is wholly inadequate.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
1 year
My attending gave me the opportunity to lead rounds. Afterwards, he gave me feedback on how I did and my general performance over the past month. He said, “you have all the tools to be outstanding, and you are.” And that was exactly what I needed to hear.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
4 years
Currently taking an elective called Psychiatry and the Cinema where we watch movies portraying mental illness or psychiatry and discuss them. I’m loving it! It’s definitely highlighted how much media and pop culture influence perspectives about mental health.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
3 years
Fresh cut ✅ Match Day fit ✅ Nigerian worship music ✅ It’s time. And I’m ready!
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
11 months
As a Black person in medicine you have to be constantly aware of how you’re coming off to others. Because you know that at any point “professionalism” can be weaponized against you and it can cost you everything.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
1 year
Just want to say that I’m incredibly grateful for being elected as President of the UCLA Psychiatry Residents’ Council. Alongside my co-president Stephanie Wong, I will advocate for the needs of our residents and help uphold a culture of wellness, inclusion, and support.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
1 year
Black residents account for about 5% of all residents, but we account for nearly 20% of those who are dismissed. I think most Black people in medicine know that they are being evaluated on a harsher scale than our counterparts, and this begins when applying to medical school.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
11 months
It’s funny how people are so shocked when they don’t get the response they were expecting. You thought I was gonna back down and apologize? Nah we can get even more active cause I got time today!
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
11 months
Even if you feel like the other party is behaving in a manner that is truly unprofessional. You know that you will not be given the same grace. You know that some folks are just looking for a reason to knock you down. And that’s incredibly frustrating.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
3 years
We thank God 🙏🏾. It’s not justice, but it is accountability.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
2 years
Today marks 6 months since I graduated from medical school, fulfilling a dream a lifetime in the making. I’m getting exceptional training and taking care of people at their most vulnerable moments. It’s truly a blessing! #MedTwitter #BlackMeninMedicine
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
1 year
The advice I give to premeds and current medical students is always the same. 1. Give yourself grace. Life is hard enough without pursuing a career in medicine. We’re often our own worst critic. So remember to be kind to yourself. You’re doing enough. You are enough.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
1 year
Our scores, activities, research projects, and clinical skills are more heavily scrutinized. Our evaluations are often vague when talking about our deficiencies. And “professionalism” is used as a weapon for anti-Black racism.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
3 years
Had my LAST interview for psychiatry residency yesterday 🙌🏾 Followed that up with my covid vaccine today! Fourth year of med school has not been what I envisioned this time last year, but I thank God for the lessons and the blessings on this journey. Next up: #Match2021 ! 😁
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
11 months
I know that is the reality, but I refuse to allow that to affect how I do my job and take care of my patients. I’m always going to stand up for what I believe in. I will continue to advocate for myself. That’s the only way we will get things to change.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
3 years
Connect with the people you meet along the interview trail. They are your future colleagues and maybe even your co-residents.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
2 years
Congratulations to all the medical students graduating this weekend! This is a huge accomplishment. Not just for you, but for your family and friends as well. Live it up to the fullest. You deserve it!
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
2 years
Today I gave my first official lecture to third year medical students! Topic was substance use disorders. Wild how just two years ago I was in their shoes. Life comes at you fast.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
3 years
Good luck to everyone applying to residency this week! Know that what is for you is for you. Keep an open mind and always trust your intuition. Now go secure the bag.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
1 year
I’ve been on vacation for the past two weeks. I start work on Thursday, and I don’t even remember what I do.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
1 year
“Professionalism can be used to tell people they are too loud, or too quiet, or that they need to dress or look a certain way. Many Black residents report an uncomfortable focus on their hair…there’s a lot of concern about fitting into the mold.”
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
3 years
Today is my first day on the job as Preston K. Igwe, MD! The past 13+ years of my life were spent working toward this day. I thank God for the journey and everything to come! Shoutout to all the new residents on #MedTwitter 😁
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
3 years
Finished my first rotation of residency last week! Here are some pics that made me happy when working 12+ hours overnight. (First day shoes had to be immaculate 😂😂)
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
3 years
Divine timing took a lot of patience 🙏🏾 I thank God for never taking His hand off my life! Even when I couldn’t understand them, the plans He had for me were always perfect. Two more days until you gonna have to add those letters after my name! Respectfully! #MDLoading
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
4 years
For me, getting into med school changed my life. It opened a lot of doors and will allow me to take care of my family in the way I’ve always dreamed of. I’m glad I can help others know what that feels like.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
1 year
I want to end with a special shout-out to some organizations who are working to support Black residents and fellows as we complete our training. Your validation and advocacy is immensely appreciated. @SNMA @NationalMedAssn @blackmenphysic1 @ABWP_Drs @BlackDocVillage
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
11 months
I saw a doctor post online saying not everyone needs healthcare. Only the sick. And that kind of mindset is why there isn’t more emphasis placed on preventative medicine and keeping people healthy.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
1 year
“A 2020 survey of 7,000 residents found that nearly 25% experienced discrimination based on their race, ethnicity, or religion, with the highest rates for Black respondents. The study found this discrimination led to higher rates of burning out and not finishing residency.”
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
2 years
It’s Day 3 of my internal medicine rotation. I’m still alive post long call lol. I got a lot of respect for y’all who did this year round while only averaging one day off a week. That’s wild.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
1 year
Many Black residents are gaslighted and end up internalizing their negative feedback and experiences. Which often leads to worse mental health outcomes and even suicidal thoughts during and after residency training.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
2 years
Nothing like the smell of generational curses being broken in the morning.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
1 year
And with a disproportionately higher amount of Black residents being terminated or quitting, the diversification of medicine is stalled, especially in the surgical sub specialties. This ultimately hurts the patients and communities we serve.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
3 years
One of the best parts of today. I guess I’m officially a Bruin now 😎
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
2 years
Congratulations to all the applicants who matched into urology today! And for those that didn’t match, know that this is not the end of your journey! Delayed is not denied.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
2 years
Black men deserve to grow old.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
1 year
I’ve been thinking about the life and death of Dr. Nakita Mortimer since I heard the news yesterday. The struggles that residents go through, especially Black women, is immense. And it can be devastating to not only us but our family and friends. May her soul rest in peace.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
1 year
When residents leave or are dismissed from their programs, many end up switching specialties or leaving medicine entirely, while still being responsible for paying back hundreds of thousands of dollars in med school loans.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
3 years
Just learned that the USMLE has decided to permanently discontinue Step 2 CS. As a current medical student, I feel that this is the right decision. One that should’ve happened a long time ago. But better late than never.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
3 years
Yes, because it’s the wood-burning stoves of African countries that are destroying the planet. Not the major corporations and fossil fuels of western nations. This is incredibly dumb, condescending, and disrespectful.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
4 years
Nothing makes me happier than when my mentees tell me they got accepted into medical school. I’m gonna be on cloud 10 all weekend 😁
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
3 years
I used to think being able to fall asleep at the drop of a hat was a flaw, but as an adult I realize it’s actually my greatest flex. If there’s one thing I’m gonna do, it’s fall asleep immediately 😂😂
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
1 year
The constant question of what role racial bias plays in negative experiences is tough to bear. “What is hard because of the residency training, and what is hard because I look different and don’t fit the mold…Teasing that out is difficult.”
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
3 years
Going into residency, I really want to invest in a comfortable bed. The bed I had in medical school was pretty awful and I woke up with back pain often. Any recommendations? I’m also a side sleeper if that matters.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
1 year
Yeah today is gonna be dedicated toward Match results. This is now an MS4 fan account.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
3 years
This is the most expensive April ever.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
2 years
Today is my first official day as a PGY-2! Starting off on inpatient child psych. Happy to be able to intervene so early in these kids’ lives.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
2 years
Congratulations to all the MS4s that submitted ERAS today! It brings me joy to see y’all move another step closer to your dreams. Show up as your most authentic selves during interview season, and remember that you deserve everything you’ve worked so hard for. #Match2023
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
2 years
People want to weaponize Christian doctrine for power and control while going out of their way to avoid being like Christ. It’s sickening.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
3 years
It’s wild to see rising MS4s arriving to #MedTwitter and giving their intros. I was doing the same thing around this time last year, and now I’m starting residency in two months. Shoutout to everyone I’ve met on Twitter who helped me get to this point. I appreciate you!!
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
3 years
Officially done with my last course of medical school! Graduation up next! We move!!!
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
3 years
Not guilty on all counts means they didn’t even think he was guilty of reckless endangerment. Guy brought an AR-15 to a protest and shot three people, killing two. But that wasn’t reckless? That’s sick.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
1 year
This year I’m committed to reaching certain financial goals but in as healthy a way as possible. I’m interested in hearing about what other residents do outside of moonlighting to make extra money without burning out.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
3 years
I’ve gotten better sleep in this last stretch of fourth year than in the last 13 years of my life. Seriously. From high school through medical school, I thought 6 hours/night was great. Now I’m getting close to 8 every night. Let me cherish it while it lasts lol
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
2 years
And I want a lot of free time to spend time with my friends and family. That’s what I love to do the most. I’m going to create a life that allows me to do as much of that as possible.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
2 years
A year ago I became a doctor and moved across the country to Los Angeles. It’s been a tough year, but a beautiful one as well. A transformative one. I thank God for the journey and all the lessons learned so far 🙏🏾
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
1 year
God will take me to incredible new heights this year. I’m ready for it.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
2 years
Jails and prisons are our largest mental health facilities, and that’s a societal failure.
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@PrestonIgweMD
Preston Igwe, MD
1 year
I’m excited to announce that I will serve as a @APApsychiatric / @PsychFoundation Leadership Fellow for 2023-2025! This fellowship develops the next generation of leaders in psychiatry, and I’m honored to work alongside these amazing individuals.
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