Matida Bojang, OB/GYN resident physician, University of Wisconsin Hospitals & Clinics
What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your job?
One of the most challenging aspects of my job is caring for patients and families through difficult and sometimes devastating outcomes. This is especially true when caring for patients with gynecologic cancers, where you may meet someone during one of the most vulnerable moments of their life. At the same time, OB/GYN is incredibly rewarding. I have the privilege of being part of some of the most significant moments in people’s lives, from welcoming a new baby into the world to helping someone through their first surgery or performing a procedure that improves their quality of life. It is an incredible responsibility to be trusted during these moments, and that trust is something I never take for granted.
Who do you look up to or admire in business?
One person I deeply admire is the late Michael Johnson, who served as president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County. Michael was a wonderful mentor to me and someone who had a profound impact on my life. He consistently advocated for me, including in rooms where I was not present, and taught me the importance of using your position to create opportunities for others. He believed deeply in young people and in the potential of our community. He is greatly missed. As I continue to grow as a physician and leader, I hope to carry forward his example.
What has been the high point of your career so far?
One of the accomplishments I am most proud of is co-founding the Mbama Care Foundation with my mother. We started the nonprofit in 2020 to support women and families affected by maternal mortality in The Gambia, the country where I was born. Our work has included supporting blood donation efforts for women experiencing obstetric emergencies and providing basic necessities for families affected by maternal deaths.
What advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
Keep going, even when the path ahead feels uncertain. Being the first person in your family to pursue medicine can sometimes mean navigating a system without a roadmap, but you do not have to figure everything out alone. Take advantage of the resources and opportunities around you, ask questions, and never be afraid to seek mentorship. There are wonderful people who will genuinely invest in your success and advocate for you when you need it most.
What would you say are the best things about Dane County?
Dane County has always felt like home to me. I moved to Madison when I was 12, so it has been incredibly meaningful to return and train as a physician in the community where I grew up. I love Madison’s lakes, spending time downtown, and how easy it is to enjoy both city life and nature. I also appreciate the sense of community here and the opportunity to care for people from across Wisconsin. Compared with many larger cities, the reasonable traffic is definitely a plus! The weather keeps things interesting, but there is something special about experiencing all four seasons in Wisconsin, even if winter occasionally makes me question how much I love it.
Do you have any secret talents or abilities?
I have a creative side. I love photography, content creation and crocheting. Photography and content creation give me an opportunity to tell stories in a completely different way, whether I’m documenting my travels, sharing fashion and beauty, or giving people a glimpse into my life in medicine. I also love crocheting, which gives me a chance to slow down and create something with my hands.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Travel is definitely my guilty pleasure. A couple of months ago, I traveled to Egypt, which had been on my list for a long time. I loved experiencing the history, culture, food and architecture and, of course, taking plenty of photos and creating content along the way.
