Clinical sciences and embryology dissected by Dr Moses Obimbo

Dr Moses Obimbo in a laboratory during one of his many research engagements. PHOTO| COURTESY

What you need to know:

  • I am a professional clinician-scientist with 12 years’ experience with basic science training in Anatomy and clinical training in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Dr Moses Obimbo’s education background is impressive. At 37 years, he has a bachelor’s degree, postgraduate diploma, two masters, PhD and has undertaken two postdoctoral fellowships.

  

Tell us a little bit about yourself… how old are you into the profession and how you got into it?

I am a professional clinician-scientist with 12 years’ experience with basic science training in Anatomy and clinical training in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Currently, I work as a senior lecturer in the Department of Human Anatomy, Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Nairobi, Kenya and as an attending clinician at the Nairobi IVF centre. I am also a postdoctoral scholar under the Preterm Birth Initiative- University of California San Francisco.

What inspired you into this career path?

Growing up, I wanted to study medicine or a career related to it- our preclinical training at the medical school exposed us to an array of basic science courses and I was particularly fascinated by how the human body develops from a single cell (zygote) and eventually a mass of cells that form the full structure of a human being and the placenta.

Our tutors, in particular, were very inspiring and made my experience worthwhile with developmental anatomy commonly referred to as Embryology, being my favourite.

But to get here, I have had to undergo a lot of training. In 2006, I obtained a Bachelor of medicine and surgery, then residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology from the University of Nairobi. In 2009, I graduated with Master of Science (Human Anatomy), Master of science (Obstetrics and gynecology) in 2016, PhD from the same institution in 2014 and postdoctoral fellowship from the University of California Global Health Institute as NIH Fogarty fellow in 2017.

My previous work has focused on the adaptation of blood supply to the womb (uterine vascular biology) in and out of pregnancy in both humans and domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus).

At the moment, I am focused on fertility, assisted reproductive technologies including what is commonly referred to as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and the impact of HIV and antiretroviral treatment on the biology of the placenta.

 

There are just a few clinicians performing in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryology in the country. Why?

For one to perform IVF, they ought to have trained in Obstetrics and Gynecology and get advanced training in embryology (developmental biology).

Unfortunately, our current undergraduate training at the medical school or in biological sciences does not qualify one to become an expert embryologist-one has to seek advanced training outside the country.

At the end of the training, one can pursue a career path on fertility, andrology, research or teaching.

These experts work in hospitals, fertility centres, and academic institutions as lecturers or researchers.

For those interested following in my steps, they need to excel in sciences, math and languages. Also, the ability to pay attention to details, make proper records and patience is essential.

   

What’s your typical day like as a clinician scientist?

As I earlier mentioned, I wear many hats and for that reason, no single day is similar to the previous in terms of what needs to be done. Sometimes, I will be in the laboratory carrying out egg retrieval, assisting in vitro fertilization, sperm injection into the egg (ICSI) and other times, I will be maintaining clinical records or holding lectures.

However, my typical day starts at around 5 am and ends at 1 am the following day.

One of my most important tasks every day is to drop my children off to school. After dinner with my family, I dedicate time to read and create priorities for the following day.

 

What is the most interesting aspect of your work as a Clinician-Scientist? What gives you fulfilment?

I love my career. My training as both a clinician in Obstetrics and Gynecology and as a scientist gives me a very deep sense of purpose and fulfilment. Giving hope to couples struggling to achieve fertility and have children of their own is a blessing.

Also, training the next generation of clinician-scientists, doctors, and hopefully embryologists make me consider myself very fortunate.

I am determined to lead a translational science effort in Africa focused on infertility, placental biology and complicated pregnancies.

I am currently supervising a number of graduate and PhD students in different universities studying various aspects of Reproductive Medicine.

 

Tell us of your experience and perhaps what a young person entering the field today can expect of the job market.

Over time, I have learned that the only way to keep moving and breaking new grounds is by enjoying what you do.

I remind my students that this career path and life, in general, is not a rosy ride and for one to succeed, they must be willing to put efforts.

The job market is still unadulterated- there are many opportunities in the field of reproductive medicine and embryology. As it is, very few people in Kenya have a training in clinical embryology.

What is work/life balance like?

Although my work as a clinical scientist can be somewhat engaging because of the number of patients I see and my work as a lecturer, I still get time for family, friends and play.

I rejuvenate by going out for road trips and I am an aspiring golfer.

 

What’s the worst part of your job/ challenges?

As a clinician, having undesired clinical outcome can be somewhat devastating as we always hope to have the best outcomes for our patients. In addition, sometimes, our experiments fail. I have vivid memories of quite a number of times when I almost gave up on the research due to failed experiments.