Honouring Trust: Dr. Ayodele Odutayo on Advocacy, Mentorship, and Closing Gaps in Care
Looking back on what drew him to medicine, Dr. Ayodele Odutayo highlights two key influences that shaped his path. First, like many physicians, he had a keen interest in science and biology. The second, however, is rooted in his upbringing. Born in Nigeria, Dr. Odutayo moved to the British Virgin Islands at age 7 and then to Canada at 12. Even at a young age, he recognized how much easier it was to achieve health and well-being in Canada and in the British Virgin Islands compared to Nigeria. His commitment to medicine grew during his undergraduate years when he began conducting research. It was there that he discovered the opportunity to merge research with clinical medicine as a clinician-scientist, blending his passion for science with his desire to help people reach their potential.
Coming from a single parent immigrant family, Dr. Odutayo’s lived experience showed him how much community and social environment shape who you are and what you can achieve. However, he also learned that while these factors influence a person’s life, they should not define their identity or limit their potential. When treating patients, Dr. Odutayo strives to understand not just their lifestyle and circumstances, but also the broader social factors that shape their health. This broader perspective enables him to advocate more effectively, breaking down barriers to help them achieve better health outcomes. He carries the same philosophy into mentorship. While social circumstances can influence a person’s journey, they do not determine their future. With the right support—and the right provider—patients can improve their health, and mentees can overcome obstacles.
Dr. Odutayo's journey to finding mentorship provides a valuable lesson for young physicians. It began in his first year of his undergraduate degree, in December 2006, when he was considering how to spend his summer. Someone suggested that instead of a typical job at Tim Hortons or Footlocker, he could explore research opportunities. Until then, he hadn’t realized working in a hospital and conducting research over the summer was an option. Determined to pursue this path, he spent his holiday break cold-emailing every doctor he could find. After sending about 100 emails, he received two responses: one polite rejection and the other, an offer to work with nephrologist Dr. Michelle Hladunewich, on research exploring pregnancy and kidney disease.
At the time, Dr. Odutayo knew little about pregnancy and kidney disease—he only knew that he wanted to pursue medicine. While he wasn’t sure which specialty interested him, his eagerness to learn and take on any opportunity led him to a mentor that was deeply committed to his growth as an undergraduate and medical student. His advice to others is simple: "I encourage you not to be bashful about approaching people." He emphasizes that, with medical school and mentorship becoming increasingly competitive, persistence is essential. While he may have sent 100 emails, today’s students may need to send even more—but they shouldn’t be discouraged. Dr. Odutayo urges aspiring physicians to keep reaching out and not to take a lack of response personally.
In 2013, Dr. Odutayo received the Rhodes Scholarship, which provided full funding for both his academic and living expenses at Oxford University. Recognizing the privilege of this experience, it reignited his passion to bring that knowledge back to his community in several ways. First, through clinical care, by directly helping his patients. Second, through mentorship, by guiding others through the challenges of higher education. Third, his time abroad deepened his focus on fairness and justice—not just in individual interactions, but by considering the broader social factors that shape people’s lives, both in Canada and globally. Studying abroad reinforced the importance of using our voices, no matter how small, to advocate for what we believe is fair and just, aiming to improve others’ lives. Dr. Odutayo continues to focus on equity, ensuring that this perspective is adopted by everyone on his team. He consistently thinks beyond his own work to consider how he can break down barriers and bring more fairness and justice to others. This experience has shaped his approach not only as a physician but also as a global citizen.
As a nephrologist, Dr. Odutayo is especially interested in the intersection of cardiovascular and renal outcomes in people with chronic kidney disease. When asked about the impact he hopes to have on his field, Dr. Odutayo highlights two key goals. First, he is driven to develop and advance treatments that slow kidney disease progression and reduce cardiovascular disease—two conditions that significantly affect both quality and length of life. Seeing new treatments move from development to the bedside would be incredibly fulfilling for him. Equally important to Dr. Odutayo is closing the gap in care. As a physician, he understands the immense trust patients place in him—they invite him into their lives, rely on his guidance, and trust him to help navigate their health. What fulfills him most is honouring that trust by dedicating time to educate and advocate for his patients. He believes in a reciprocal approach: because patients trust him with their care, he is committed to breaking down barriers that stand between them and better health. For him, closing gaps in care across social and demographic lines is not just rewarding—it’s a responsibility.
With March being Kidney Health Month, Dr. Odutayo stresses that protecting your kidneys starts with a healthy lifestyle—eating well, exercising, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking. Staying connected with your doctor is also essential for managing risk factors like high blood pressure and diabetes. Regular checkups and proactive care can help slow disease progression and support long-term well-being. Dr. Odutayo continues to make remarkable strides in his field, most recently earning the Rising Star Award in Diabetes Cardiorenal & Metabolic Medicine at the upcoming Annual Heart in Disease conference. Highlighting his work on diabetes and cardio-renal diseases.