Pediatrician | Researcher
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MY WORK |
A Physician Leading
Through A Time of Change
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Dr. Toluwalasé "Lasé" A. Ajayi (pronounce) is a pediatrician, a palliative care physician, and a researcher. She is a Trustee of the American Medical Association and is the first black woman to be President of the San Diego County Medical Society. In 2022, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors recognized Dr. Ajayi for her “outstanding leadership, service, and commitment to the citizens of San Diego County" and, in 2023, the California Legislative Women's Caucus recognized her as a Woman Making Herstory in the 39th Senate District.
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Dr. Ajayi is a first-generation immigrant, mother of three, physician spouse, researcher, and Black woman physician who cares for patients at both ends of the life spectrum. She's a pediatrician who practices adult and pediatric medicine in the hospital, in the clinic, and in the home--in both an academic and community practice setting. Dr. Ajayi's clinical translational research is at the intersection of mobile health and maternal-fetal health disparities as well as in cutting edge techniques to reduce pain management inequities in palliative care.
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Passionate About Her WorkDr. Ajayi is a leader, teacher, researcher, & advocate. She is the Director of Clinical Research & Diversity Initiatives at Scripps Research Translational Institute, the medical director of the Scripps Mercy Palliative Care team, a pediatric hospitalist, and a home-based pediatric palliative care physician.
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I wanted to be a doctor since I was seven. Before then, I wanted to be a superhero. My daughter tells me I am both!
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HOW I WORK |
Translating Bedside Expertise
CollaboratingUsing her clinical expertise to enact change at the regional, state, and national levels through organized medicine advocacy and physician-led health care policy.
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EducatingTeaching medical students, residents, & fellows; pharmacy students & residents; and research interns. She is a sought after speaker and mentor.
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ResearchingDesigning studies which produce outcomes that translate directly into improved patient care, more equitable health care, and innovative tools that physicians want.
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I would love it if the people who are conducting the research studies looked more like the people we are trying to recruit and create more funding opportunities for. I would also like us to really look at what barriers exist in enrolling Black women in medicine, trials, and research, because a lot of times you don't take into account transportation and childcare. We don't consider the things that make it hard to be a Black woman in general because those are not the people who are doing the studies.
Leading the Way ForwardDr. Ajayi's clinical work, research, and life story are what drive her advocacy to improve the lives of her patients and her colleagues. She has been featured in local & national fora for her diverse skill set, her unique clinical perspective, and her groundbreaking research in digital health.
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My professional experience in advocacy and clinical practice is augmented by my personal experiences: I am a mother of three young children, a researcher, a physician who cares for patients at both ends of the life spectrum, all while being a historically under-represented minority in medical practice.
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I love talking to families and helping them through crisis situations. Helping reduce or eliminate a child's pain or nausea so they can go back to being themselves is hugely rewarding. |