Oluwatosin Adesoye’s Advocacy Journey as a Columnist

News Summary

Oluwatosin Adesoye’s remarkable journey as a sickle cell disease columnist began in late 2022 when she found a position that resonated with her personal experiences. With her background as a medical doctor, Adesoye has authored over 50 columns, blending personal storytelling with advocacy. Her work, celebrated for its engagement, emphasizes the importance of understanding sickle cell disease and patient advocacy, while showcasing her growth and the support she has received throughout her journey.

Oluwatosin Adesoye: A Journey of Growth and Advocacy as a Sickle Cell Disease Columnist

From LinkedIn to Columnist

Imagine scrolling through LinkedIn and stumbling upon a job that resonates with your personal journey. That’s precisely how Oluwatosin Adesoye found herself stepping into the role of a sickle cell disease columnist, embarking on an incredible journey that began in late 2022. Her story started when she saw an intriguing job posting looking for a columnist who could shine a spotlight on this often-overlooked condition. As someone who lives with sickle cell disease, Adesoye was ready to share her story and create a supportive space for others.

A Unique Perspective

Oluwatosin’s experience as a medical doctor gives her a unique perspective on the challenges faced by those with sickle cell disease. This dual insight allows her to bridge the gap between clinical knowledge and patient experience. Before taking her role, she had already begun sharing her experiences on social media as “Dr. Tee,” connecting with others on platforms like Facebook. Her candidness had developed a following, and Bionews recognized the potential for Adesoye to craft a more significant narrative.

The Process of Getting Hired

Excited by the prospects of working with an internationally diverse team, Adesoye submitted her application in hopes of being part of something impactful. To her delight, she was invited for an interview just 24 hours later with two leaders at the organization. The interview process not only affirmed her desire to join the team but turned out to be one of the most enjoyable experiences of her career.

Turning Words into Advocacy

On January 27, 2023, her onboarding marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life. She decided to call her column “The Sickle Cell Crusader,” signaling her commitment to advocacy. Her first column made its debut on February 15, 2023, and since then, she hasn’t looked back. In an impressive feat, Adesoye has authored over 50 columns, each exploring various aspects of living with sickle cell disease.

Growth and Self-Discovery

Reflecting on her evolution as a columnist, Adesoye expresses a deep sense of pride. Initially reserved about sharing her personal stories, she discovered the power of vulnerability in connecting with readers. As time passed, she became more open and confident, discussing additional health challenges like cardiomegaly and hypothyroidism. This evolution wasn’t just personal; it also touched her professional journey, as feedback from her peers and managers inspired continual improvement.

A Winning Streak

Over her two years as a columnist, her work has consistently landed in the Top 10 most-read columns. This accomplishment speaks volumes about her ability to engage and resonate with her audience. Tracking her columns’ performance has been not only gratifying but also motivating for her to keep raising awareness about sickle cell disease.

Community and Support

Adesoye acknowledges the support system that has been crucial to her success. She highlights the encouragement she has received from colleagues, particularly her column lead, the columns manager, and the director of community content. Their backing has fostered a collaborative environment where ideas flourish.

Gratitude and the Future

Gratitude is a recurring theme in Adesoye’s narrative. She appreciates her copy editors for refining her work and gives thanks to the CEO for being a guiding light in the rare disease community. As she embraces new challenges, she looks forward to continued growth in both her personal and professional life.

The Importance of Advocacy

Adesoye’s work isn’t just about storytelling; it’s about fostering a deeper understanding of sickle cell disease. She emphasizes the critical role of patient advocacy and the imperative for healthcare professionals to grasp the perspectives of patients. Her columns aim to serve not only as a platform for personal experiences but also as a rallying cry for awareness and understanding.

In summary, Oluwatosin Adesoye’s journey as a sickle cell disease columnist symbolizes the power of storytelling, advocacy, and community support. Her path has transformed her from a reserved individual to a confident crusader, dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of others.

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Additional Resources

• My 2-Year Evolution as a Sickle Cell Disease Columnist
• Wikipedia: Sickle Cell Disease
• Here’s the Truth About Disability Employment
• Google Search: Sickle Cell Disease Advocacy
• Living with Sickle Cell Disease: A Never-Ending Battle