DR. JOVITA ORUWARI
Oncologic Breast Surgeon
Mercy Clinic – Breast Surgery
Dr. Jovita Oruwari is a physician who uses her voice to empower women and help change views of health and wellness, whether she’s working out at the gym, attending top galas around town or saving a woman’s life on the operating table.
Oruwari is inspired by her patients on a daily basis, amazed by the strength of women who continue to raise their families and hold down jobs, while going through treatment for a devastating diagnosis. As a breast surgery specialist for 18 years, she approaches her role as a doctor with compassion and empathy, striving to give the kind of care to her patients that she would want given to her own family. She is dedicated to making the process of breast cancer treatment a little easier.
Oruwari graduated from The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, now New Jersey Medical School (Rutgers) in 1993.
Career Path
I was told I wanted to be a doctor from the age of 3, and I never wavered. The decision to be a surgeon came in medical school, and I focused on breast surgery after meeting a couple of amazing breast surgeons, while in training. Along the way, I have had the support of my family, especially my husband, who saw me cry many nights during residency and never doubted that I would succeed. It was not easy, but somehow, we got married and had babies, all while we were both going through residency training.
Biggest Mentor
My parents, for instilling in me the importance of education and hard work, and Drs. Elisa Santoro and Kathleen Ruddy, who let me know that this career was a possibility.
Biggest Impact
With my knowledge and expertise, I believe I have been able to help many women on their breast cancer journey.
Future Goals
I really want to be able to reach and inspire young women, as I believe that representation matters. I want the younger generation of women and minorities to see that if I can be where I am, looking like them, it is certainly possible for them.
Favorite Pastime
I am always on the go, whether it is working, socializing with friends or traveling. So I really love the rare moments when I can just sit and get lost in a book.
Memorable Life Moment
I believe we have not one, but many memorable life moments. For me, some of my most memorable are graduating from medical school, getting married to my husband, giving birth to my two children, and the very first time I held a scalpel in medical school.
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