Dr. Ola Orekunrin once had a personal tragedy struck, that brought an idea that would change her life.

While she visited Nigeria, her younger sister became very ill, and the family struggled to find an air ambulance to get her to a suitable hospital.

The nearest available service was in South Africa, hours away, and sadly, by the time arrangements were made, her sister had passed away.

This experience made Ola determined to build a service that would save lives in emergencies by getting help there faster.

And the most unique and inspiring thing about her is that she didn’t just become a medical doctor she founded West Africa’s first air ambulance service to deliver emergency care swiftly where it was most needed.

That combination of medical expertise, innovation, and caring leadership makes her stand out.

Through her work, she has helped bring urgent medical care to hundreds of people in remote places.

Her Educational Background

Dr. Olamide “Ola” Orekunrin was born and raised in London, England, where she grew up in a foster home in the seaside town of Lowestoft.

She studied medicine at the Hull York Medical School and graduated at just 21 years old as one of the youngest doctors in the United Kingdom.

After graduating, she worked in the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) and later received a Japanese Government Scholarship (MEXT) to carry out research in regenerative medicine in Tokyo, Japan.

From the beginning, Ola was passionate about healthcare, not just treating patients in hospitals, but finding better ways to reach people who could not easily access care.

Flying Doctors Nigeria

The flying doctor: Fellows Friday with Ola Orekunrin

In 2007, Dr. Orekunrin foundedFlying Doctors Nigeria (West Africa’s first air ambulance service).

Based in Lagos, the company uses fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters to transport critically injured or sick patients quickly to hospitals.

This service provides medical care en route, offering a lifeline when every minute counts.

Flying Doctors Nigeria helps people in remote or hard‑to‑reach areas, where road travel to good medical facilities can take many hours and sometimes puts lives at risk.

The company also supports medical logistics, such as transporting essential supplies and equipment when needed.

Today, Flying Doctors operates a fleet of aircraft and a team of medical professionals who carry out emergency evacuations and support healthcare delivery across Nigeria and neighboring West African countries.

Why She Stands Out

Dr. Ola is more than a doctor, she is an innovator and entrepreneur who saw a serious problem and built a solution:

• She founded the first indigenous air ambulance service in West Africa.

• She trained not only as a physician but also as a helicopter pilot, understanding both flight and medicine.

• She has published medical textbooks and articles, and spoken internationally about emergency care and healthcare innovation.

Her story inspires young people, especially girls, showing that determination and creativity can turn challenges into opportunities to help others.

Her Impact and Legacy

Under her leadership, Flying Doctors Nigeria has airlifted hundreds of patients and made emergency medical care faster and safer for many families.

It has bridged a critical gap in healthcare, especially for those living far from major hospitals.

Dr. Ola’s story proves that healthcare doesn’t have to stay the same just because challenges are big — with vision, courage, and resilience, one person truly can make a difference.