As a young girl, Elizabeth Itotia was always curious. It was part of who she was, and she never shied away from the chance to ask questions, directing most of them at her parents. And they answered her to the best of their abilities. When in class seven at Tigoni Primary School, Elizabeth began hearing heart-breaking tales of many people losing their lives to cancer. Unfortunately, this was a phenomenon that nobody in her life had answers or a solution to. But it was a defining moment for her as she promised herself that one day she would uncover the mysteries of this disease.
Striving for Excellence
Elizabeth’s new drive coupled with her inquisitive nature led to her stellar performance in her KCPE exams in 2006. This earned her a spot at Limuru Girls’ High School for her secondary education. Beyond her studies, she actively took part in student leadership and she became the school captain in 2010. She sat her national exams that same year and emerged the best performing student in her school. Elation flooded Elizabeth when she received the news that she had been accepted into medical school. Her hard work had paid off and she was well on the way to achieving her childhood dream.
In 2012, Elizabeth began the next phase of her education as she enrolled into the University of Nairobi for a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy. Her studies delved into human biology and physiology, as well as the intricate work of preparing and dispensing of medicinal drugs. Her coursework was difficult, but Elizabeth enjoyed it immensely. She had a rigorous study routine that she adhered to. The countless sleepless nights and missed social engagements paid off when in 2017, she not only passed her final exams but also became the valedictorian of her year. From a student population of over 80,000, she was the top performer! Elizabeth had surpassed her own expectations of what she believed she could achieve.
Fulfilling her Destiny
Eager to put her skills to the test, Dr. Elizabeth Itotia began working as a Pharmacist at Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital (KUTRRH). This was an incredible opportunity for a new graduate, especially since the hospital was pioneering research around cancer. This alignment with her passion made her certain that she was exactly where she needed to be. And then, because of her university achievement, Elizabeth received an offer for a fully sponsored master’s degree scholarship from the International Atomic Energy Agency.
The choice between advancing her education and retaining her fulfilling job was not an easy one to make, especially because she was unsure of whether she would have the same opportunity upon her return. But Elizabeth also understood the value of competing her postgraduate studies. After struggling with this decision for a while, she opted to return to school. Elizabeth joined Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University in South Africa for a master’s degree in nuclear pharmacy. It proved to be the best choice as it enabled her to specialize in the production of radioactive drugs that are crucial to cancer treatment. Upon completion of her studies in July 2021, Dr. Elizabeth Itotia became the first female radiopharmacist in Kenya.
Her quest to find the cure for cancer has brought her full circle in her journey. Elizabeth resumed working at KUTRRH, where she promotes patient-centred cancer care. We applaud Dr. Elizabeth Itotia for growing up to become the healthcare worker she always knew she could be.
