Award: Physician Assistant
Olushola Ilogho is described in her Healthcare Heroes nomination as a “tireless advocate for health equity and access to care” who has “unwavering commitment to patient care,” and is dedicated to education and mentorship.
Ilogho is this year’s physician assistant (PA) Healthcare Hero. She practices at Sentara Health and is an assistant professor for Eastern Virginia Medical School’s PA program at Old Dominion University.
She has more than a decade of clinical experience and developed a system-wide Advanced Practice Provider Mentorship Program at Sentara to facilitate new clinicians to receive guidance, support and professional development.
Ilogho is an active advocate for diversity, inclusion and representation of her patients’ voices to expand health care access to underserved populations, according to her nomination. She serves multiple regional and national boards and committees, including representing Virginia as a delegate to the American Academy of Physician Associates, and is also a past president of the Virginia Association of Minority Physician Assistants.
She also participates in several community service ventures, including sickle cell disease awareness walks, Special Olympics MedFest, heart walks and Sentara’s Day of Caring.
“Ilogho has consistently gone beyond the expectations of her clinical role to improve health outcomes, elevate professional standards, and serve diverse communities with compassion and integrity,” her nomination said.
Ilogho shared more with Inside Business:
Q: Why did you choose this path in health care?
A: My path into health care was shaped by early experiences growing up and witnessing how access to care can influence the trajectory of a person’s life. I was drawn to the physician associate profession because it combines clinical rigor with a strong focus on patient connection and improving access to care. I value my role in hospital medicine and the opportunity to work alongside physicians, advanced practice providers (APPs), nurses and the broader care team to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care.
Q: What keeps you motivated?
A: What keeps me motivated is the impact we can have with each patient encounter while also contributing to improvements that extend beyond the bedside. Every day presents an opportunity to improve someone’s experience in the hospital, mentor colleagues or contribute to system improvements that benefit many patients. I am also motivated by the continued growth and recognition of physician assistants and nurse practitioners and the important role we play in strengthening the health care workforce. Seeing patients’ health improve, contributing to system processes and supporting the development of APPs within the health care system is deeply meaningful.
Q: How do you cope with challenges?
A: Health care is inherently complex and emotionally demanding. I cope by staying grounded in purpose and focusing on what I can influence. I also rely on collaboration, leaning on colleagues, learning from difficult cases and maintaining perspective. Challenges often become opportunities to grow, refine processes and strengthen the teams around us.
Q: What are you most proud of?A: While I take pride in the work I have been able to contribute to in health care, I am most proud of my family. They are my foundation and a constant source of strength and perspective. Professionally, I am also proud of the people I have had the opportunity to support and mentor. Whether it is a student exploring the PA profession, advocating together for the profession, a nurse gaining confidence in clinical decision-making, or a colleague stepping into leadership, those moments of growth are incredibly rewarding.
Q: What lessons have you learned?
A: One of the most important lessons I have learned is that leadership is not defined by title. It is defined by influence, integrity and consistency. Small actions make a difference: how we communicate with patients, how we support colleagues and how we advocate for improvements in care. Over time, those actions shape culture.
Q: Any advice for advocating for patients?
A: Patient advocacy begins with listening. Taking the time to understand a patient’s concerns, fears and goals often reveals what matters most to them. Effective advocacy also requires collaboration, working closely with nurses, case managers, APPs, therapists and physicians to ensure the patient’s voice is represented in care decisions. Finally, the health care system evolves when clinicians bring forward ideas, ask thoughtful questions and advocate for approaches that strengthen patient care.
