From the time he was a young boy waiting in his mother’s office at Meharry Medical College, Wabi Tela unknowingly formed a bond with the institution that would later help shape his life. For his mother, Zudi Takizala, MD, MPH, MBA, Meharry was more than just a workplace, it was a place of service, purpose, and legacy. That legacy quietly wove its way into Wabi’s own story.
“I was thinking about service**, social justice, and caring** for people who are often ignored**, marginalized, and forgotten. I realized** that was what I was looking for in my education—no matter where I went or what stage of life I was in. I wanted to be part of an organization or institution that prioritized those values. It wasn’t until I attended the Black Male S.T.E.A.M Summit at Meharry in 2018 that I saw physicians who looked like me. That meant everything to me,” he said.
Wabi became the first in his family to attend medical school in the United States. His journey to becoming a physician was anything but linear. When he first arrived at Meharry as a medical student in 2019, he was full of hope, determination, and a deep commitment to social justice.
However, his medical school experience began with a difficult challenge—Wabi had to repeat his first year. The weight of rigorous academics, the pressure to succeed, and the anxiety of falling behind nearly overwhelmed him. But he didn’t give up. With the support of mentors and advisors, he made the courageous decision to step back, reassess, and return stronger. That moment of humility and perseverance became a defining chapter in his story, reminding him that every path looks different—and that’s okay.
“Everything I experienced shaped me to be able to succeed,” he said. Through the trials and triumphs, Wabi found his “why” in pediatrics. From watching over his younger siblings to being the go-to cousin at family gatherings, his heart had always leaned toward caring for children.
At Meharry, that instinct found its purpose. He saw the profound impact a pediatrician could have—not just on a child, but on entire families, especially in communities often overlooked by the healthcare system. He remembered the words of Dr. Theodora Pinnock: “Know your why.” For Wabi, it became crystal clear—to serve, to uplift, and to be a trusted presence in the lives of children who needed an advocate.
In 2011, Wabi founded Kemi’s Friends, a nonprofit providing resources to impoverished children in the Democratic Republic of Congo. As he progressed through his education, he mentored his siblings to take leadership roles within the organization. During his time at Meharry, Wabi was a member of the Saburo Hara Pediatric Interest Group and served as a panel moderator at the 2023 Black Male S.T.E.A.M Summit.
Now, as a proud soon-to-be graduate, Dr. Wabi Tela is preparing to begin his pediatric residency at the University of Illinois Chicago. He is committed to ensuring that no child—particularly Black children—is left behind when it comes to early developmental support and care. He looks forward to continuing his medical training and making a lasting impact.
Written by: Brandon Marshall