EP122: Dr. Yemi Sokumbi on Finding Joy and Purpose Beyond Professional Success

In this episode of SEE HEAR FEEL, host Christine sits down with Dr. Olayemi "Yemi" Sokumbi, a dermatologist and dermatopathologist at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. Dr. Sokumbi, also the Medical Director for Business Development, shares her personal journey towards finding joy and purpose beyond her career achievements. Through personal anecdotes, she discusses the challenges of separating worthiness from professional success, the importance of self-reflection, and how she navigates her identity. The conversation highlights the pivotal role of self-awareness, community support, and the value of gratitude in overcoming burnout and finding alignment in one’s work and life. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 00:55 Personal Anecdote and Journey of Self-Discovery 01:56 Realizations and Shifting Perspectives 03:21 Challenges and Support Systems 05:24 Burnout and Finding Joy in Work 06:20 Embracing the Journey and Overcoming Perfectionism 07:38 Teenage Dreams and Impact of Medicine 09:18 Identity and Contribution in Medicine 11:57 Role in Innovation and Business Development 13:29 Wellness Tips and Reflection Practices 15:35 Conclusion and Teaser for Part Two  Dr. Olayemi (Yemi) Sokumbi, MD is a dermatologist and dermatopathologist who is currently working at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida where she also serves as Medical Director for Business Development. Additionally, she is involved with medical student and resident education in addition to her clinical work. She completed dermatopathology fellowship in 2014 at UT Southwestern Medical Center and was chief resident in dermatology at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine. She has won numerous awards, including a 2022 Dean’s Recognition Diversity & Inclusion Award from the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, a 2018 Outsanding Medical Student Teacher Award from the Medical College of Wisconsin, and the 2013 Richard K. Winkelmann Excellence in Research Award.