Exclusive Interview with Dr. Babatunde Komolafe, Interventional cardiologist – Mansfield area, Texas; shares insights on how to manage the heart during this pandemic.
Tell us about yourself. Who is Tunde Komolafe?
I am an interventional cardiologist, dedicated to cardiac and vascular care, in a confident, competent, and compassionate manner. I practice in the Dallas Fort Worth area, specifically in the Mansfield area, Texas.
I am originally from Nigeria, Ondo state. Secondary school was at the federal government college, Odogbolu, Ogun State. Medical school was at Obafemi Awolowo University, Osun state Nigeria. Finished my training in internal medicine residency in cardiology at the University of Tennessee health science center, Memphis, Tennessee. Also had a 1-year additional training with interventional cardiology at Michigan State University, Borgess Medical Center, Kalamazoo Michigan
What Inspired you to into your current profession?
I was inspired to be a physician by my father growing up. I also grew up seeing a lot of ailments, hypertension, morbid obesity, and chronic medical problems in Nigeria, and I wanted to be a part of the solution
In all your years of practice, what has been your most challenging moment and how did you get through it?
Asides from being a cardiologist, what other profession would you have fancied?
I actually considered engineering as a secondary option.
How do you compare medical practice in the west compared to developing countries in Africa?
Medical practices here in the United States are definitely dynamic and ever-changing. We have access to a vast array of medications, devices, latest technology and this helps to keep the practice of medicine interesting and engaging. Medicine in developing countries is also improving and definitely, there is room for growth and improvement
How do you unwind Tunde?
I unwind with music, bodybuilding at the gym, family vacations with the wife and kids. Also enjoys a glass of red wine in the evening with dinner.
What’s your advice for young doctors aspiring to make a professional career abroad?
Young doctors aspiring to make a professional career abroad, need to work harder because the competition is stiff over here. Also, it is definitely rewarding and satisfying.
Can you tell us the best way to manage the heart especially during this pandemic period?
Prevention is always better than cure, it is always better to maintain a healthy body weight, exercise regularly, avoid smoking, limit alcohol consumption, regular checks for blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and blood sugar. These little things go a long way in maintaining a healthy person.
Do you think the government in Nigeria is doing enough to support and grow the health system?
In my opinion, the government has always not been supportive of the health sector in Nigeria, I do believe the private sector will be the way forward in the future to improve healthcare in Nigeria.
With your experience and contacts abroad, what should we expect from you in making a positive impact in the local healthcare system in Nigeria?
I am working with a team of interventional cardiologists, will come over to Nigeria several times during the year, to see patients, perform procedures on select patients in the country. There are goals to expand and improve these endeavors in the future.
Thank you for sharing these insights with us.
It is my pleasure. Thank you
