WAU Alumna Omonigho Michelle Oziegbe Takes Next Step Toward Career in Podiatric Medicine

TAKOMA PARK, Md. — Washington Adventist University alumna Omonigho Michelle Oziegbe, Class of 2023, is taking another significant step toward becoming a physician and podiatric surgeon after receiving her white coat at Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine.

Oziegbe, affectionately known as “Omo,” received her white coat March 27 during Temple University’s Podiatry School White Coat Ceremony, marking her transition from the primarily classroom-based portion of her medical education into clinical training.

“The purpose of the white coat ceremony is to symbolize our entry into clinical medicine,” Oziegbe said. “It is almost like a rite of passage to becoming a trusted health care professional, and for me, it marks the start of my career as a future podiatric surgeon and physician.”

Oziegbe graduated from Washington Adventist University in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in biology and minors in chemistry and honors interdisciplinary studies. Now a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine candidate in Temple University’s Class of 2028, she credits her experiences at WAU with helping prepare her academically while strengthening her commitment to service.

Her journey toward podiatric medicine, however, began long before college.

Born with bilateral brachymetatarsia, a congenital foot condition, Oziegbe developed an early curiosity about the foot and ankle. As a high school student, she researched the condition and its treatment, but she initially remained uncertain about whether her personal experience should determine her professional path.

She explored several areas of medicine, including obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, emergency medicine and orthopedics. During her junior year at WAU, she prepared for and completed the Medical College Admission Test with plans to apply to traditional medical schools.

Then, a conversation with a friend and an advertisement for podiatry school prompted her to explore podiatric medicine more closely.

The more she learned, the more she recognized a field that combined two of her interests, medicine and surgery.

Through mentorship resources offered by the American Podiatric Medical Association, Oziegbe connected with a podiatric physician whose mentorship and exposure to areas such as sports medicine helped solidify her decision.

Following her graduation from WAU, Oziegbe participated in the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine summer internship program. There, she gained exposure to several aspects of the profession, including surgery, sports medicine and wound care.

The experience confirmed that podiatric medicine was the path she wanted to pursue.

Leadership Beyond the Classroom

Oziegbe has continued the emphasis on leadership and service she developed at WAU.

At Temple, she has distinguished herself academically as a member of the Stirling Hartford DiPrimio Honor Anatomical Society and has served as a peer tutor. She also serves as treasurer of her class council and as a student ambassador, helping introduce prospective students to podiatric medicine.

Her other leadership roles include serving on the American Podiatric Medical Students’ Association Legislative Committee Task Force, as secretary of the Dermatology Club and as president-elect of the Diversity, Inclusion, Community and Engagement Club.

Through those positions, Oziegbe has helped organize events, foster mentorship and create opportunities for professional development and community outreach.

Her commitment to service has also extended into the Philadelphia community through Temple’s Bridging the Gaps program. Working with underserved older adults, Oziegbe gained firsthand experience addressing medical needs as well as social factors that affect health and well-being.

The experience, she said, strengthened her understanding of the importance of empathy, patience and treating the whole person.

It also reinforced a lesson she says began at WAU: Professional achievement and service to others should go hand in hand.

“My passion for advocacy and community engagement instilled in me at WAU has also led me to serve as a task force member of the APMSA Legislative Committee, where I contribute to initiatives that advance the profession at a broader level,” Oziegbe said.

From the Gateway to Medicine

As Oziegbe prepares for the clinical phase of her education, her journey reflects the connection between personal experience, education, faith and service.

What began as a young person’s curiosity about her own medical condition has developed into a calling to care for others.

For Oziegbe, receiving the white coat represents more than reaching another academic milestone. It signifies greater responsibility to the patients and communities she will serve.

Looking back, she credits her undergraduate experience at Washington Adventist University with helping provide the academic and personal foundation for the journey ahead.

“Washington Adventist University prepared me well for my career in podiatry and instilled in me the importance of service to others,” Oziegbe said. “Through all of my experiences, my faith in God has been strengthened as he guides me on my journey as a future physician.”

Oziegbe is expected to earn her Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree in 2028.