Mojisola Ukabi, MD, Joins Wheeler in Waterbury

Mojisola Ukabi, MD, a family medicine physician with experience managing both common and complex medical conditions in patients of all ages, has joined Wheeler’s Family Health & Wellness Center in Waterbury (855 Lakewood Road).

Throughout her career and education in medicine in the US and Nigeria, Dr. Ukabi has been dedicated to providing culturally competent care for a wide variety of patients with diverse needs and meeting those patients at the point of their needs. She previously was a registered nurse, which she says helped prepare her for the role of a family physician in the medical system, and the importance of strong “bedside manners.” She has worked in hospitals and family medicine practices across the country, including Connecticut, Texas, Iowa, and Georgia, most recently in the Danbury, Connecticut area.

What attracted you to come to Wheeler?

What attracted me most are the people that Wheeler serves, and the kind of work Wheeler does, particularly in medically underserved communities. I have always felt that is my mission in medicine.

What's the best way for someone to keep themselves and their family healthy today?

With COVID, I would say it would be to follow simple infectious disease control guidelines, like proper hand-washing, staying home when you are sick, and if you have to be in public, please wear a mask and respect other people’s personal space. And, of course, getting vaccinated.

How can parents help put their kids more at ease with the pandemic, balancing school, and everything going on right now?

The best thing parents can do for their kids is to listen, and explain to them what they know about this virus, encourage them to get vaccinated if they are eligible, wash their hands frequently, and wear a mask when in public. Let them know that the virus will one day disappear or at least be more controlled.

What's been the biggest change you've seen in your patients since the start of the pandemic?

Since 2020, I have noticed a sharp rise in anxiety and depression in all ages. Anxiety about the unknown and anxiety about getting the virus or dying from it if they catch it. I also hear a lot of fear about losing income from being sick. Taking care of your mental health, in a pandemic or not, is so important, and we can offer patients many services right here to help them to stay well and learn to manage anxiety and depression.

To schedule an appointment at Wheeler's Family Health & Wellness Centers, please call our Navigation Center at 888.793.3500.