Dr. Omotayo Eluwole (Nigeria)

What is your role at your work?

I am a Senior Lecturer and researcher at the Department of Medical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria. My research interests are cardiovascular and metabolic sciences. I am also interested in toxicology and clinical trials. I teach pharmacology to both undergraduate and postgraduate students. 

How did you get interested in your career path?

My parents and maternal grandfather are Educators. I love to teach and impact knowledge. However, during my childhood, I run errands to get medications for sick family members, therefore, I got fascinated with the management of patients. Later, I realised my parents and grandparents were hypertensive, this influenced my passion for cardiology. As a young medical student, I was attracted to cardiovascular studies and became curious about further studies that are related to cardiovascular disease and its management. 

What are you most proud of in your career or otherwise?

I am proud of my research interest (Cardiovascular Pharmacology) because, cardiovascular disease is a global challenge that warrants urgent attention. I am the first woman to explore this research area in an environment with high prevalence of hypertension (essential) that is most attributed to non-modifiable risk factor (genetics). I look forward to adequate support that will help me to resolve cardiovascular related diseases among Nigerians and other people from African ancestry. 

What important career challenges have you faced and how did you overcome them?

Cardiovascular pharmacology is a crucial aspect of medicine that is yet to be thoroughly explored in my environment. Therefore, I lacked mentorship and necessary equipment to carrying out my research ideas. I resolved this through collaboration and training outside my environment.  I attended workshops and conferences to search for knowledge and discuss with great minds. 

What advice would you give your younger self?

Be determined and focused. Set your priorities right and always be positive.  

Highlight your most significant research contributions and publications (3-5) – if relevant to you.

1. Touyz RM, Eluwole OA, Camargo LL, Rios FJ, Alves-Lopes R, Neves KB et al. Molecular mechanisms underlying vascular disease in diabetes. In Blood Pressure Disorders in Diabetes. Eds. AE. Berbari and G. Mancia. Springer Nature. 2023; 7; 105-122.
2. Touyz RM, Camargo LL, Rios FJ, Alves-Lopes R, Neves KB, Eluwole OA. et al. Arterial Hypertension. Comprehensive Pharmacology. 2022; pp. 469-487. https://doi.org/10.1016/B78-0-12-820472-6-00192-4. 
3. Touyz KB RM, Rios FJ, Montezano AC, Neves, Eluwole OA, Maseko MJ, Alves-Lopes R, Camargo LL. The vascular phenotype in hypertension. In The Vasculome: From Many to One. Ed. Z. Galis. 2022. 
4. Eluwole OA: Lead-induced Hepatorenal injury; Ameliorative and Protective Antidotes. J Pharma Care Health Sys JPCHS, 2020; 7 (4): 221-235. 

Have you had any significant career mentors? If yes, please provide further details.

Yes! Prof. Rhian Touyz. She is a foremost Clinician Scientist in hypertension and vascular medicine. She is the Executive Director and Chief Scientific Officer of the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Dr. Phil Gold Chair in Medicine and Professor in Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada. She is a visiting Professor at the School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health (SCMH). She was the former Director of SCHM previously known as the institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences (ICAMS).  

Prof. Touyz was the president of the International Society of Hypertension (2014-2016) and President of the European Council for Cardiovascular Research (2019-2021). She was the founder and Chair of the ‘Women in Hypertension Research Network’ of the International Society of Hypertension. She invited me to University of Glasgow for a short training during my PhD programme. She is my role model and a supportive mentor. 

How can we support the next generation of women scientists?

I believe the mission and vision of the group; Women in Hypertension Research evolve round supporting women scientists. The support should include research collaboration and special training for young women scientists.