It's always exciting when a member of the family goes to medical school. It's also a huge accomplishment. Being a doctor or a nurse requires a lot of time, patience, and intelligence. That's why the world couldn't believe it when a picture started circulating on National Siblings Day that included six siblings, side by side, all in their medical gear.
Yes, it's true. One Nigerian family happens to include seven siblings, all who have a degree in medicine. Unfortunately, the photo is actually missing one of those siblings — Lillian Okpaleke, MD, isn't featured but is also a doctor.
The picture does include Okway Okpaleke, MD; Chinelo Okpaleke, PA; Nkiru Osefo, MD; Ifeoma Okpaleke, NP; Queenate Okpaleke, NP; and Chinyere Okpaleke, MD.
The siblings all had two wonderful mentors by their side throughout their childhood and education. Dad Andrew Okpaleke, MD, and mom Celina Okpaleke, PA, round out this medical family. It's almost strange that not only did every sibling feel the need to go into medicine, but they're all thriving in their own way. Obviously, the Okpaleke family is very intelligent.
"We are Nigerian, so we have that cultural background of my parents being immigrants and basically sacrificing coming here for a better life," Chinyere Okpaleke, also lovingly known as "Dr. Chi," said to Good Morning America. "Their idea of wanting us to succeed came across in how they raised us." And it's apparent that their siblings all followed the wisdom that they brought.
Dr. Chi was actually responsible for sharing the photo, which shows most of her siblings and gives them their well-earned labels. "If I had to choose between The Okpaleke's Vs The Kardashian's… I would choose US every single time!" she wrote. (And to be fair, they'd have quite the interesting reality show.)
"I have a friend who says my mother's womb 'must be very blessed to produced so many doctors.' That one is probably the funniest one," she shared with the outlet. There's a good chance that Dr. Chi never thought that the photo would end up going viral. But it's good that it did — because it showcases that everyone in a family can find their own success. It's also a reminder that Black women can, will, and should be powerful doctors.
Representation matters so much, and the Okpaleke family are doing just that. And Dr. Chi seems to know that, which makes the image even more powerful. Altogether, the family includes five medical doctors, two physician assistants, and two nurse practitioners. So it's safe to say that if you're sick and happen to know an Okpaleke, you're in excellent hands.
"African Americans make up less than 5% of all physicians in the United States. Of that 5%, African American women make up less than 2% of that population," she wrote on Instagram with an image featuring Black women in the medical field. "With over 15 medical specialties represented in this photo, it is our hope to inspire those to pursue medicine even when you do not see a familiar face. It is our hope to motivate others to continue this narrative."
Dr. Chi has also felt wonderful over the amount of inspiration her own family's photo has brought. People haven't shied away from contacting her after seeing it. "I've had someone say they printed it out and they have it on their refrigerator so their children can see it as motivation," she said. "It's very touching. I'm happy that we're able to shed some light in today's world."
Out of everyone in the family, Dr. Chi seems to have the most online presence. And she's using her platform for good. Every message she posts seems to encourage other women, especially Black women, to join the medical field. It's important to showcase that women can hold powerful jobs like this. Even before going viral, Dr. Chi has been inspiring.
People couldn't stop praising Dr. Chi and her siblings on LinkedIn, as the post racked up nearly 7,000 comments. "This family is truly something special and I can only imagine the parenting that took place in their home," wrote Jennifer Peery. "Kudos to the parents for instilling a belief in God, hard work, commitment and a never give up attitude, alongside a heart of compassion to help others. Congratulations to each of you for your accomplishments and being a positive role model to everyone who works towards their dreams!"
The photo that went viral was reportedly taken by a family friend named Nola Laleye. The picture was from a visit in Tampa, Florida, where the siblings grew up. Back in 2020, Dr. Chi shared another picture that features her mom and her dad. In the photo, everyone is brightly smiling.
"We are Nigerian," she wrote in the caption. "We represent resilience, strength, and grit. We are a culture that breeds success. We are on the frontlines of health and racial pandemics and injustices. We are powerful. When united, we cannot be stopped."
"We are human beings that deserve to live!" her message continued. "And our lives DO matter. The revolution has just begun! Our people have suffered enough! This is the beginning of an outcry for change that is well overdue! I stand with my people in Nigeria and proud to represent the Nigerian diaspora. We may be the 'White Coat Family' but we represent so much more."
America is filled with so many different cultures, nationalities, and stories — and that's why it's such an amazing place to live. By being in America, we learn all about different backgrounds and struggles. Dr. Chi and her family are incredible for all of the education and strength they put forward toward making this world a safer place.
While being in the medical field is a huge accomplishment, it's incredible to have an entire family filled with doctors and nurses. And the fact that they have such support for one another is also inspiring. On National Siblings Day, we're meant to honor the people we grew up with, who encouraged us and stood behind us every step of the way.
