Dr Abiola Olugbenga Omodan whose doctoral study investigated craniofacial clefts, a rare disease of the face that affects children.Equipping Caregivers of Children Living with Craniofacial Cleft Disease
Dr Abiola Olugbenga Omodan’s doctoral study investigated craniofacial clefts, a rare disease of the face that affects children.
It leaves huge gaps and openings in the face that not only cause stigma, but may be life threatening. The study focused on how to help caregivers understand the condition. It proposes a new classification that will enable caregivers to communicate more effectively to promote awareness and prevent stigma.
‘My journey had its ups and downs but knowing that this was my project and I had to see it through, kept me going. I now have a feeling of fulfilment and would like to conduct further research in this field. My experience at UKZN’s School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences was fantastic and I wouldn’t choose anywhere else if I had to do it again,’ said Omodan.
He is currently working towards a postdoctoral fellowship to further explore this disease. He is also writing journal articles and is assisting other postgraduate students. His future plans include completing his post-doctoral studies and starting a career in academia as a clinician scientist. He notes that he has always been interested in diseases of the human body and that Clinical Anatomy will allow him to pursue this interest.
Words: Lihle Sosibo
Photograph: Supplied