A specialty doctor in neonatology at East Kent Hospitals University #NHS Foundation Trust has been recognised for two decades of service caring for some of the region’s most vulnerable patients.

Dr Olubunmi Akinnawonu, based in the neonatal unit at William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, reached the 20-year milestone this year, having first joined the Trust in 2006 as a senior house officer.

She moved into her current role as a specialty doctor in neonatal care in 2009 and has since combined frontline clinical work with a strong commitment to medical education and leadership.

A Career in Neonatal Care
Neonatology focuses on the treatment of newborn infants, particularly those born prematurely or with complex medical needs. Over the past two decades, Dr Akinnawonu has supported families during some of the most critical moments of their lives.

Her dedication has also extended into academia. Since 2018, she has served as an honorary senior lecturer with King's College London, contributing to the training of future doctors.

In 2019, she took on the role of block lead for child health at King's College Hospital, balancing educational leadership with her clinical responsibilities in Kent.

In 2020, she completed a postgraduate diploma with merit, achieving distinction in neonatal transport. She later chose to focus her growing interest on medical education and workforce development.

Leadership Beyond the Ward
Alongside her clinical and teaching roles, Dr Akinnawonu has held several leadership positions within the Trust, including:
- BAME Network Chair (2020–2024)
- Trust Appraiser
- Member of the Local Negotiating Committee (LNC)
- Staff Governor

Most recently, in 2025, she was appointed Trust LED (Locally Employed Doctors) Tutor, further strengthening her involvement in training and professional development.

Colleagues describe her career as defined by both compassion and resilience. Reflecting on challenges she has faced, she is known for a simple motto: “When life serves you lemons, make lemonade out of it.”

Families Pay Tribute
Messages shared publicly by former patients’ families highlight the impact of her work.

One parent wrote that Dr Akinnawonu helped save her son’s life after he was born at 24 weeks in 2015. Another family described how she supported their daughter, born at 28 weeks, who is now thriving as a teenager.

For many, her work represents more than clinical expertise — it reflects reassurance, steadiness and hope during highly uncertain times.

Diaspora Excellence in the NHS
Her 20-year milestone also speaks to the contribution of international medical professionals within the NHS. Doctors from overseas continue to play a significant role in neonatal and paediatric services across the UK.

As Dr Akinnawonu marks two decades at East Kent, colleagues say her influence can be seen not only in the babies she has treated, but also in the doctors she has trained and mentored.

The Trust described her career as one dedicated to “caring for our smallest and most vulnerable patients, while uplifting colleagues, students and the wider Trust community.”

Image Credits: East Kent Hospitals University #NHS Foundation Trust