Listen to your inner self and dream Big.
Known simply as Dr. Ike Nwankwor to friends and colleagues, Dr. Ikedinachukwu Nwankwor, MD is originally from Nigeria. He grew up in Nigeria and acquired his primary medical degree from the University of Nigeria.
In 2006, Dr. Nwankwor moved to Ireland and did his post-graduate medical training in Psychiatry. He worked briefly as a consultant psychiatrist in Ireland after his training. However, when he decided to move to Canada, he sat for Royal College certification exams to make his relocation possible. He is currently a fellow of The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
Dr. Ikedinachukwu Nwankwor is currently working as a staff psychiatrist with the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. He is also an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry in the department of psychiatry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada where is involve with mentoring of both psychiatric resident and medical students
Where did the idea for your company come from?
Growing up in Nigeria, my father was a teacher. He always discussed vocation. He always thought that your focus should be on service to others directly or indirectly. My father influenced me greatly. As a teacher and as an Assistant Professor I teach medical students and residents in psychiatry at the University of Manitoba. Growing up I enjoy working with my hands. I saw engineering as a good career. However, my father advised me that working as an engineer was like working on man-made equipment. Working on humans as a doctor would be like working on God’s own equipment. That is how I went into the medical school, which incorporated the desire to be of service to others.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
I woke at about 5:30 in the morning, usually say some short prayers before heading out to the gym. On my return from the gym, I get ready for work while making sure that my kids are ready for school as well. I drop them off at school and head to work at the University of Manitoba, Health Science Center. I usually arrive work between 8:00 and 8:30am. I spent the first few hours reassessing my in-patients. Then, I move over to attending my outpatient clinic. Three afternoons a week, I will see both new and review patients. On the other 2 afternoons I either cover the Crisis Response Center or the Emergency Room at the Health Science Center. I stay busy throughout the day as I also teach medical student as part of my everyday job description. I believe that what we put into life is what we get back. What we do today is a reflection of the outcome we’ll see tomorrow. The teaching is to make sure that the medical services will continue even as you get older.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I bring ideas to life by reading books articles and journals. I discuss ideas with colleagues, chat with other professionals, and then, practice it. As a faculty member of the University, once an idea is reproducible and valid it could lead to an evidence-based practice and a change in behavior. New ideas in form of hypotheses are constantly tested in a research lab and this could change our attitude and practice.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I think that social media and new technology is going to revolutionize medical practices within the next few years. We are used to medical notes stored in medical record rooms but in the last few years, most hospitals now use Electronic medical records and documents for all medical history. Offices are no longer littered with paper charts. Now the only thing that you need is your computer and you login to access all of your patients’ medical information. Technology may take over the job we do. However, in psychiatry, may survive for a while as people may still want to talk and feel one another. It’s really looking exciting going forward.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
One thing that keeps me productive is effective planning. Normally you start with a dream that you write down. Then you start the planning and execution. There may be mistakes along the way, but you continue to improve and keep your life positive and focused.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would advise my younger self the same thing that I always advised my sons; to follow their passion, stay in tune with technology and always be ready to adapt to the changing world.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.
I can’t think of any specific situation, but there have been times when I’ve had disagreements with people. Once you are on the side of the truth, you will come out stronger no matter the challenges.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
After meeting with a patient and making a recommendation, I refer to my books. I research to see if there may be a better way to help my patients. I continue to educate myself every day. I recommend that people will always seek a better way of doing things and aspire to change their practice as a result. Keeping reading.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
I keep myself positive. I believe that with God, everything is possible. I keep walking my path and leave the rest to God. He has never failed.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
We’ve all had those times where we wish we had “done it differently”. I see life as a learning experience. I do a lot of self-reflection and self-assessment where I go back and give myself feedback. I always ask myself is there any way this can be done differently. I learn from my mistakes and move on. I do not harbor regrets.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Listen to your inner self and dream Big.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
I recently gave my 11 year-old son $100 for his birthday but he told me that he does not need cash. He suggested that we go to homeless shelter to donate the money. On our way to the Salvation Army, we saw a homeless guy and my son opted to give him the $100. I can still remember the smiles on the guys face as he says thanks and God bless to my son.
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?
I rely these days on online medical Journals and medical websites. Locally we have the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority website which is a great. They provide us with the most recent information on medications and some available guidelines locally. They also provide information on common psychiatric illnesses. It is a good resource of information to make available to patients. I also use many major resourceful international sites and apps.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter. How to think outside the box. How to invest or reinvest your wealth and get some passive income.
What is your favorite quote?
Nothing is impossible and according to 44th President of the USA, Mr. Barrack Obama “YES WE CAN”.
Key Learnings:
• Stay in tune with technology. Stay in-tune with what is real.
• Follow your passion
• Listen to your inner self and dream Big.
• Self-reflection and self-assessment.
• Always be ready for change and stay with the times.
Connect:
| www.ikedinachukwunwankwor.com |
Steve (Stefan) Junge hails from Germany and helps with the day-to-day publishing of interviews on IdeaMensch. While he and Mario don’t share a favorite soccer club, their enthusiasm to help entrepreneurs is a shared passion.