Unlike the Rest: A Doctor's Story

by Chika Stacy Oriuwa

In this personal story of becoming, belonging and being seen, a psychiatry resident pulls back the curtain on the journey to becoming a doctor.

From childhood, Chika Oriuwa dreamed of being a doctor. She knew that she was destined to wear the white coat one day, no matter what it took. The high of being accepted to the University of Toronto’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine in 2016 came crashing down when Oriuwa discovered she was the only Black student in her incoming class of 259 students. Oriuwa soon learned that medical school and a medical career are not immune to the systemic discrimination that permeates the fabric of our world.

Interwoven with descriptions of on-the-ground medical training, personal moments of doubt and success, and reflections on mental health and family expectations, Unlike the Rest is the moving and inspiring story of a young doctor’s journey through medical school and residency, where she found her calling in the science and in the patients, but also felt alone and lonely, and compelled to advocate for change, not only for those in training but for those in care. And while the risks in speaking up seemed great, to simply endure was unacceptable.

If you’ve ever doubted that you belong or struggled to find your voice, Unlike the Rest will inspire you to stay true to yourself and fight for what you believe in.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Medicine, Memoir

320 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2024

Reviews

[Kiera LeBlanc · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up on a whim at my local library, and i am so glad that this title caught my eye! I absolutely loved this book. This was so interesting and I was charmed by Oriuwa’s tenacity and courage. The writing is absolutely incredible. I can’t recommend this book enough.

[Caleb Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A touching a memoir. Chika’s story is one of courage, determination, and justice. A deeply personal account of a racialized University of Toronto experience, in modern times. This volume just shows how far are we still need to go for quality and equal treatment of our BIPOC sisters and brothers as we struggle to survive within and challenge systems of colonialism. Thank you Doctor.

[Marisa (Mirroredpages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to audiobook

[The Idea Shop · Rating 4 out of 5]

From childhood, Chika Oriuwa dreamed of being a doctor. Every toy she owned was a make-believe patient for her to practice her role as a junior physician in training. As a little girl in Ottawa she knew that she was destined to wear the white coat one day, no matter what it took, but she didn’t realize the turns that path would take, nor the challenges that lay ahead.

Unlike the Rest is an inspiring and beautifully written memoir throws open the doors to a remarkable journey. From being the daughter of Nigerian immigrant parents who did their best to support her dreams of becoming a medical professional, to the elation at being accepted to the University of Toronto’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine in 2016, Oriuwa shares personal moments of doubt and success, as well as candid reflections on her medical training.

Establishing a pre-med study schedule timed to the quarter hour, part-time jobs as tutor and barista as well as contending with skipped meals and sleepless nights, Oriuwa strives towards her dream of being a medical professional in herculean fashion. However, the high of her acceptance into University of Toronto is tempered considerably when Oriuwa discovers that she is the only Black student in her incoming class of 259 students. Where were all the brilliant Black classmates she had expected? Why were there so few, even in the other years?

Compelled to advocate for change, not only for those in training but those in care, Oriuwa takes a different approach to tackling racism than her parents did when they first arrived in Canada. Electing to not only survive, but to also thrive, she navigates through the top medical school in Canada while becoming a champion for change and a highly visible trailblazer against discrimination as well as an advocate for inclusion and visibility.

What makes Unlike the Rest such a compelling read is the fine quality of Oriuwa’s writing and her ability to deliver clear-eyed honesty in sharing the pressures of her ambitions. From learning that medical school and a medical career are not immune to discrimination to her own struggles with disordered eating and the disorientation that sometimes comes in pursuit of perfectionism.

Unlike the Rest is an important book offering a front-line look at what dealing with discrimination looks like today. It’s also a moving and inspiring story of a young doctor and her journey through medical school and residency, where the risks in speaking up about what needs to be changed in an overwhelmingly conservative environment seem great, but a decision to simply endure and ignore would be unacceptable.

Unlike the Rest is an inspiring read that is a great book for anyone who has doubted their right to belong and be seen or anyone has struggled to find their own voice.

[Victoria Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chika is the daughter of Nigerian immigrant parents. She went to Mac for Health Sci and applied for med school, but did not get in. A year later, she applied again and got accepted into both U Ottawa and U of T. Her happiness is dimmed when she realises at orientation ceremonies that she is the only Black student in her class of 259 students. During lectures/seminars, when she asks questions about how to interpret skin findings in darker skin, she is told by the prof that that is her own problem to solve. She also experiences racism on the hospital floors, when patients assume she is a janitor.
Chika is afraid to speak out or to join a group that advocates for Black rights, because she has been warned that it may harm her chances of landing a residency. However, she decides she cannot remain silent. She ends up advocating for Black rights. She does get her choice of residency (psychiatry). Mattel makes a Barbie doll that looks like her, wearing a white lab coat.

Verdict:
I was very interested in her struggle to get into med school. I like that her story takes place in the GTA.
On the whole, the memoir was well written. There sure is a lot about hair and how to style it, which I assume must be a huge part of the Black identity.
I agreed with her about the privilege that leads non-Black/non-immigrant students to getting a spot in med school.
I understand Chika's disappointment about being the only Black student, but I couldn't relate to how important it was to her. To me, it seemed a tad bit whiny.
3 stars out of 5

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlike the Rest is a powerful and inspiring memoir that highlights advocacy and empowerment. It beautifully captures the struggles and triumphs of a Black woman person of color, making it deeply relatable and impactful. The book’s message of resilience and self-belief is both uplifting and necessary. Oriuwa does an excellent job of capturing the importance of valuing diverse voices, representation, and power of standing up for oneself, and for others.

Thank you Chika Stacy Oriuwa for giving a voice to all coloured women!! 🤎

[Cayla]

I checked out this book because I saw an interview with the author. I'm glad I checked it out this book. I found myself getting emotional during some of her experiences, as she did her best to balance it all. Oriuwa takes us on her journey through her journey. Starting with the childhood dream of becoming a doctor. The experiences of growing up in Canada. We go through medical school with Oriuwa, being the only person of colour in her year in 2016. We see her ups and how Oriuwa finds a way to embrace all parts of herself.

[Kendra W · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the absolute pleasure of listening to Dr Chika Stacy Oriuwa speak at an International Women’s Day event in Toronto in February 2025. Her speech was captivating, her presence fascinating. As soon as her talk ended, I requested this book from my library.

I craved every inclusion of a poetry stanza. Multiple times throughout the book, I was brought close to tears. The horrors this woman went through were infuriating. She deserves absolutely everything she worked so hard for and I would be honoured to be treated by Dr Chika.

[Stephanie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

In sharing her story, Chika gives the reader a look into the institutionalized racism that still pervades Canadian culture even in the 2020s. This kind of book is so important to get a look into how conditioned many of us are to be cruel and occasionally outright prejudiced even when we might think we aren’t. Chika’s story shows both how far society has come and also how far we still have to go. This was a very good read.

[Emelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read a memoir by a poet!

This was a super interesting account of Dr. Oriuwa's experience going through the Canadian medical education system and the racism she faced from colleagues, students, doctors, and even patients.

I loved reading Chika's story and rooting for her as we see her enter university and then grad school and beyond.

We need more Chikas out there!

[Kimiya AB · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its always interesting to listen to a life story. One can always learn from how others face their issues and problems and they survive the unsurvivable.
In the case of racism against black community specially even the other races might not understand the importance of it. It's heartbreaking to know people have to go through so much.

[Sarah Brandigampola · Rating 3 out of 5]

Parts were incredibly moving and inspirational. I wish they had included more of her poetry! You do have to accept that she refers to U of T as “the best medical school in Canada” many, many times (a very U of T thing to say). She is an incredible advocate and I will certainly be referencing her book for future EDI talks in medicine. Thank you Dr Oriuwa!

[Paige Conrad · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fantastic. We follow the author’s story of being the only Black medical student in her class at UoT. I enjoyed all the stories and anecdotes from Oriuwa’s journey through school and beyond. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone in the healthcare field or anyone looking to gain some more perspective.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enlightening account of a young woman’s journey to becoming a psychiatrist, starting with her being the sole Black person in her class at the U of T.

The memoir details how she advocated for other Black students, and the accolades and the abuse that were the results of this advocacy.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent account of Chika’s experiences as the only person of colour in her class at U of T medical school. She is a strong advocate for inclusion and diversity and makes her point clearly and with passion. I really appreciate seeing the world from her perspective.

[Mike Broderick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good book.
I think this is an amazing woman who is doing great things.
I felt like the book dragged on for the last hour and a half of the audiobook. But, overall it’s a really good read, asking for change and equality, etc.
Definitely a worthwhile read.

[Dale Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly motivating and inspiring story.

Also an inside look into what it's like to train to be a doctor - and what it takes. Amazing for students, people, professionals and organizations wanting to learn how to lead and persevere through immense challenges.

[Mckenna Batstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great, informative read. I think every pre-med, med student, and physician should read this book. It can be one of the many ways of creating a safe and inclusive space for not only patients but for everyone.

[Justin Mulder · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very detailed look into the medical education experience of a black UofT student. While quite interesting in her breakdown of situations where she experienced racism and prejudice, I found the book a bit disorganized on the whole.

[Melanie]

Obviously I haven't read this yet, but I just came from hearing Dr. Oriuwa speak and now I can't wait to read her book.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very inspiring! What a great advocate the author is! Making me reflect on what more I can do to make the world a better place for my future mixed race kids.