Morohunkeji Sofuyi-Basi, an Advanced Biomedical Scientist at St George’s Hospital, was honoured at the Gesh25 Hall of Fame awards for her remarkable 26 years of dedicated service to the NHS, exemplifying commitment and excellence in healthcare in August.
For over two and a half decades, Morohunkeji “Keji” Sofuyi-Basi has been a steadfast presence at St George’s Hospital. Keji’s journey began in 1998, and today, 26 years later, she continues to serve as an Advanced Biomedical Scientist in the Microbiology Department at South West London Pathology (SWLP). Her career is a testament to her passion for science, commitment to her colleagues, and deep-rooted love for the institution that has become a second home to her.
A deep connection to St George’s
When asked about her long tenure at St George’s, Keji’s response is filled with warmth and loyalty.
“I think the only reason why I’ve stayed at St George’s for so long, apart from the fact that it fits so nicely around my personal life, is that I just really love being at St George’s. I love being in this lab,”
Her words reflect a profound connection to the hospital, a place where she has forged lifelong friendships and grown both personally and professionally.
Keji remembers fondly her performance of a song named ‘Who cares for the carers.’ That St George’s choir wrote to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the NHS. Keji viewed the choir as a unique opportunity to meet and form lasting friendships with colleagues across the Trust, bringing together people from diverse roles to unite in their shared love for music and community.
Professional growth and contributions
Throughout her career, Keji has continuously sought to expand her skills and knowledge. One of her proudest achievements is earning her Master’s degree, which enabled her to advance further within her field, all while remaining at St. George’s.
“I trained here. I did my Master’s here, all supported by the lab in St George’s directly,”
she recounts, emphasising the institution’s role in her professional development.
Beyond her day-to-day responsibilities, Keji has taken on additional roles that contribute to the broader hospital community. For the past four to five years, she has served as a Recruitment Inclusion Specialist, a role that allows her to participate in interview panels across different departments, helping to ensure diversity and inclusion in the hiring process.
This position has given her the opportunity to learn about various areas of the hospital, from the surgical team to the emergency department, broadening her perspective and deepening her appreciation for the diverse work done at St George’s.
Navigating challenges: The Covid-19 pandemic
Keji’s career, like many others in the healthcare sector, was profoundly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. The experience, she recalls, was both challenging and rewarding.
“Despite the fact that it was the worst of times, at times, it felt like it was the best of times,”
The pandemic tested the resilience of the microbiology team, but it also brought them closer together. They supported one another through long hours and unprecedented demands, embodying the spirit of teamwork and solidarity.
The evolution of pathology
Over the years, Keji has witnessed significant changes in the field of pathology, particularly in microbiology. The shift towards automation has been one of the most impactful advancements.
“When I first started, microbiology was more hands-on, but now we’re shifting more and more towards automation,”
This transition has allowed the department to handle higher volumes of work more efficiently.
Looking ahead, Keji envisions a future where microbiology continues to evolve, with improved automation leading to faster, more accurate results. She anticipates that these advancements will enhance the quality of service provided to patients, making the department more efficient and reliable.
Advice for the next generation
As someone with extensive experience, Keji offers valuable advice to those just starting their careers in pathology. She emphasises the importance of identifying which area of pathology aligns with individual interests, as each branch offers different challenges and opportunities. Reflecting on her own journey, Keji advises newcomers to be open to learning and to embrace the cultural value of education and hard work—a mindset deeply ingrained in her from her Nigerian roots.
As she looks towards the future, Keji remains as passionate and dedicated as ever, ready to continue her work at the hospital that has become an integral part of her life. Her journey is an inspiration to all who aspire to make a lasting impact in their field, reminding us that true success comes from a combination of skill, passion, and an unwavering commitment to the community we serve.