Dr. Louisa Nneka Nwachukwu is a dedicated General Surgeon based in Galmi, Niger Republic, where she serves at SIM Galmi Missions Hospital. Born on March 19th in Maiduguri, Borno, Nigeria, Dr. Nwachukwu is a proud Igbo Nigerian and a trailblazer as the first female PAACS Nigerian Graduate. With a passion for saving lives, she thrives in the theatre and is committed to teaching and mentoring fellow Christian surgeons. Guided by the mantra ‘WWJD: What Will Jesus Do?’, Dr. Nwachukwu’s work is driven by her faith and a desire to serve others. Outside of medicine, she enjoys meeting new people, traveling, and dancing. Her work and personal life are a testament to her commitment to inspiring and serving others.
Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the impact of my mother’s nursing work. People would come to our home sad and distressed, only to leave with renewed hope and gratitude. Seeing the joy and healing she brought to others sparked a desire within me to follow in her footsteps. I wanted to be a vessel for healing, to take away pain and restore happiness to those in need.
This calling led me to study medicine, despite numerous setbacks along the way. In medical school, I discovered CMDA, a Christian student group that further shaped my vision and mission. Through CMDA, I volunteered in villages, prisons, and orphanages, and later with CAPRO (Calvary Ministry) across Nigeria and Africa. These experiences deepened my faith and commitment to serving others.
After graduating, I volunteered with ProHealth International, providing free medical services in northeastern Nigeria. It was a blessing to give back to God and society. During this time, I connected with SIM Galmi Hospital, where I learned about PAACS (Pan African Academy of Christian Surgeons). It felt like God was preparing me for this moment. I had prayed for guidance, and this opportunity brought peace and clarity.
Today, as a General Surgeon, I’m grateful to be part of God’s plan to save thousands of lives. My journey is a testament to His faithfulness and purpose. As I continue to serve, I’m reminded that He’s not done with me yet. My advice to fellow surgeon
To fellow surgeons, I say: the journey has just begun! Don’t let pride creep in – stay humble, keep learning, unlearning, and relearning. Hold onto your faith and values, they’ll be your anchor in tough times. Remember, we need God’s guidance, especially in complex cases. And to my fellow female surgeons, be confident – you’ve got a whole host of people cheering you on! If I can do it, you can do it, and more!