Breaking Barriers in Medicine: In Conversation with Professor Francis Chinegwundoh MBE

Some careers move in straight lines but Professor Francis Chinegwundoh MBE’s journey carved a whole new path. Known to colleagues as Frank, or simply ‘Prof’, he’s a pioneer in urology whose work has saved lives, shifted narratives and widened doors for those coming after him. Urology – the branch of medicine dealing with the urinary system (kidneys, bladder, urethra) and male reproductive health – might not sound glamourous, but Prof transformed it into a field of influence. From tackling prostate cancer risks in Black men to building organisations that challenge inequality, his story is one of resilience, precision and presence.

Roots in London

Born and raised in South East London in the 1960s, Prof’s childhood was a layered one. He attended a “rough” primary school where social survival mattered as much as learning. “I was always studious, and I liked reading” he recalls. “But I was also sporty and good at football. So even though I was studious, I wouldn’t get bullied or picked on because I was good at sports.” At eight, while most children were glued to cartoons and gameshows, Prof found inspiration in medical soaps like General Hospital and Emergency Ward 10. By eleven, a transfer to a grammar school shifted his academic path before he eventually started his medical degree at St. George’s Hospital seven years later.

The Name Game

In his early years as a medical student, Prof faced many challenges, particularly around name bias. “A senior doctor said I should change my name from Chinegwundoh to an English sounding name like Smith or Jones” he recalls. Back then, consultants would “chuck out any foreign-sounding names” and Prof witnessed some of his Eastern European colleagues changing their names to “fit in”. Despite advice from his seniors, Prof made a decision that would shape his career: to stand by his name, his culture and his identity.

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“When Arnold Schwarzenegger left Austria for America, he couldn't speak any English and he never changed his name. If Arnie can make it, I'm gonna make it with my name too.”

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Inspired by Arnold Schwarzenegger’s rise in America, Prof refused to compromise on his name. The cost? Watching less-qualified peers get jobs while he signed on for six months of unemployment benefits. The benefit? More time to revise and pass his surgical exams, which allowed him to practice general surgery before specialising in urology. At the time, he was already a qualified doctor – but these additional surgical exams opened up his pool of job opportunities and practice surgery.

Prostate Cancer and Advocacy

After twelve years of training in the UK and USA, Prof was appointed as a Consultant Urological Surgeon in 1996. Ten years and 1,000+ hours of research later, he published a paper in 2006 which found that Black men were twice as likely to get prostate cancer than their white counterparts. At the time, it was more than science – it was a disruption. The data gave language and proof to what many had long suspected, and almost two decades later, Prof continues to raise awareness. The ‘why’ remains a mystery with no conclusive prevention, but working backwards from the data, Prof believes men can lower their risk of prostate cancer through practical changes:

• Diet: Reduce red meat. Substitute for chicken or fish and eat more vegetables. Vitamin D rich foods like Brazil nuts and pomegranates may also play a role.

• Lifestyle: Regular exercise and weight management are critical.

• Testing: The biggest game changer. Early blood tests can catch prostate cancer before symptoms appear. This is particularly encouraged for those with family history of prostate or breast cancer.

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“The average age of onset prostate cancers are mid-50s to mid-60s. It's relatively uncommon under the age of 50 and even rarer under 40, but we start testing earlier [around 40] to get a baseline.”

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Away from his day job as a urologist, Prof is the Chair of Cancer Black Care - a charity dedicated to supporting Black patients and their families through the complexities of cancer treatment and the cancer journey. Founded by Isaac Dweben in 1995, the organisation was set up at a time when Black patients “found it very difficult to get information about prostate cancer”. Cancer Black Care offers counselling, guidance information, day trips and group meetings to create a space where patients and their families feel seen, understood and cared for. Prof is also a Founding Trustee of the British Association of Black Surgeons (BABS), which aims to foster long-term excellence for surgeons, students and patients while tackling systemic inequalities in the medical profession. From his early experience of

name bias to wider inequalities around data and healthcare provision, Prof and the BABS team are committed to enriching patient care through inclusive leadership and mentorship programmes. Both initiatives are more than charities or associations; they’re infrastructure, built to outlast Prof’s individual career.

Innovation in Practice

Even after decades in the field, Prof hasn’t stopped learning and evolving. He was one of the first to use AI tools like Heidi, which transcribes consultations, generates letters, and even translates between languages. For him, tech isn’t just about efficiency - it’s about sharpening communication, reducing paperwork, and freeing up more time to listen and provide better patient care.

Prof’s Legacy

Professor Francis Chinegwundoh MBE is more than a surgeon. He is an architect of change; building structures that outlast individuals and proving that identity doesn’t need to be compromised for success. From the football pitches of South East London to the surgical theatres of Britain, he’s shown that persistence and principle can cut through barriers. His legacy is not just in research papers or surgical milestones, but in the communities he’s uplifted and the future surgeons he’s inspired. The white coat may once have symbolised neutrality, but in Prof’s hands, it represents something bigger – resilience, representation and the quiet flex of redefining what medicine can look like.

Get to know Prof:

Born: London, UK

Ethnicity: Nigeria 🇳🇬

Typical week: Includes working on operating lists (those who need to be operated on in the week), working on the outpatients’ ward and doing surgeries in theatre

Quotes to live by: ‘Be proactive about your health’ and ‘Know your numbers’ (e.g. blood pressure, blood sugar levels, PSA for men).

Song on rotation: How Deep Is Your Love by PJ Morton and Yebba

If you’re interested in reading more about Prof, check out his website - www.urologyconsultant.co.uk

** This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any health concerns, diagnoses, or treatment options.