Episode #59: “Sometimes you have to tap into your inner self!” With Dr. Osmund Agbo & Robert Chelsea

Come join us for this inspirational conversation between Dr. Osmund Agbo, a Pulmonary and Critical Care physician, and Robert Chelsea, the world’s first black man to receive a full face transplant. Robert explains that his skin color is significant because indicators of tissue rejection, such as skin turning pink, and knuckles turning white would not be obvious. We share the perspectives of a critical care doctor and a critical care patient. Osmund talks about his inspiration to become a physician while growing up in Nigeria, and some of his interests outside of medicine, including being a prolific author, syndicated columnist, and real estate entrepreneur, which all makes life exciting! Robert shares his story of how a car accident resulted in 30 surgeries during a 6-month period while he was in a coma with a hospital stay of a year and a half, the importance of sharing his faith that carried him through, and being the oldest person to receive a face transplant. Osmund credits Robert for making the decision to take things into his own hands; instead of asking “Why me?” and thinking about how unfair life is, Robert chose to be the one to motivate others, rather than the one that everyone takes pity on. Osmund says that is very courageous, and it speaks to the idea of human agency, which he covers in his book, “Black Grit, White Knuckles.” Robert has become an advocate for organ and tissue donation, and he expresses gratitude to the family of his donor; less than 50 people in the world have received a full face transplant. “This experience has put me in a position where I can do nothing but appreciate it.” Robert has decided to “enjoy the ride.”He mentions some of the challenges faced as the first black facial transplant recipient, and Osmund speaks to the importance of unconscious cultural bias awareness, offering an example of what he has witnessed at work. Osmund agrees with Robert that faith can be a tremendous source of support. Treating critical care patients, and often unable to have a conversation with them, Osmund speaks to their families, as everyone distills what is important to them in life. Robert adds that we can discover “lilies and daisies and roses...even when we’re in the valley!”