Asia Matthew-Onabanjo, MD, PhD '21

Urology resident, University of North Carolina

“UMass Chan Medical School is an amazing place with amazing people. The supportive environment helps people tap into their potential. You will grow a lot here.” 

Asia Matthew-Onabanjo, MD, PhD’21, continues to be supported by her UMass Chan Medical School mentors even though she is now in the second year of her urology residency at the University of North Carolina.

“These mentors will be lifelong mentors and I’m grateful for their guidance,” Dr. Matthew-Onabanjo said.

While at UMass Chan, Matthew-Onabanjo studied the impact of the protein Beclin 1 on tumor progression in a breast cancer model in the lab of Leslie Shaw, PhD, professor of molecular, cell & cancer biology.

“One project that stands out to me is my lactation study, which explored the barriers and obstacles that physician moms endure to maintain the breastfeeding relationship. My study was a pilot study that really helped to establish some creative ideas to help physician moms continue their breastfeeding relationship while continuing their clinical duties,” Matthew-Onabanjo said.

Originally from Boston, Matthew-Onabanjo majored in chemistry at Xavier University. She studied at UMass Chan alongside her twin sister, Ashley Matthew, MD, PhD’20.

“UMass Chan Medical School is an amazing place with amazing people. The supportive environment helps people tap into their potential. You will grow a lot here. I definitely grew at UMass Chan!” Matthew-Onabanjo said.