Drs Cynthia and Jasmine Kudji, mother and daughter respectively, have etched their names in the books of history by becoming the first mum and daughter to graduate medical school in the same year and be matched at the same institution.
Jasmine attended LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans, Louisiana while her mother Cynthia enrolled at The University of Health and Sciences on the island of St. Kitts and Nevis in the Caribbean.
The duo have shared their story and lovely photos of their big day to motivate people all over the world.
Dr Cynthia And Her Journey
An inspirational and remarkable feat, Cynthia, who emigrated to the United States from Ghana at the age of two, had her own share of challenges. Her dream of becoming a doctor had to be put on hold after she became pregnant with Jasmine when she was 23. After the birth of Jasmine, she took a different career path, working as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and then a Registered Nurse (RN). She eventually became a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) after earning a master’s in nursing.
A fulfilling nursing career spanning almost a decade, Cynthia was still adamant on pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor. At the age of 43, she gained admission to study medicine at UMHS in St.Kitts, graduating with a degree in Family Medicine. Jasmine, on the other hand, attended the LSU School of Medicine while her mother was also studying in the Caribbean. Both of them graduated this year.
“Medical school proved to be one of the most challenging journeys of my life. However, being able to go through this journey with my mom has been unbelievable,” Jasmine said on their blog.
Born in Kenyasi in Ghana, Cynthia told UMHS Endeavour she was inspired to become a doctor after an incident during a family trip back home.
Their massive achievement has gone viral and they have received many kind words.
The congratulatory message read: “Congratulations to this Ghanaian Mother-Daughter pair who both graduated medical school this year and will starting residency at LSU! These groundbreaking women are the first mother and daughter to attend medical school at the same time and match at the same institution.
They graduated in March 2020 and would officially begin their residency on July 1, 2020.
