TRANSFORMATION OF PEDIATRIC CARE
CECIL EGBELE writes on how Dzungwenen Raymond Tyohemba, a Nigerian Priest, is making a difference in pediatric chaplaincy in the United States
In a dimly lit hospital room, a young girl clutches her stuffed animal, her eyes wide with fear as machines beep around her. Suddenly, a warm smile breaks through the sterile atmosphere as Father Dzungwenen Raymond Tyohemba enters, his clerical collar a stark contrast to the white coats surrounding him. With a gentle voice and a comforting presence, he transforms the cold, clinical space into a sanctuary of hope. This scene unfolds daily in the bustling corridors and rooms of the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Benioff Children’s Hospital, where Father Tyohemba, a Nigerian-born priest, serves as the Lead Catholic Chaplain. He is among the top one percent of Catholic priests in pediatric chaplaincy in the US, and his role goes far beyond traditional religious duties; he’s a beacon of hope in dire situations, a spiritual and emotional compass, and a crucial member of the healthcare team in one of America’s top pediatric hospitals.
“When a child is hospitalized, it’s a deeply traumatic experience for both the child and their parents,” Father Tyohemba explains, his voice filled with compassion. “Adults often feel vulnerable in hospitals. Now, imagine how overwhelming it must be for a child with limited life experience and coping skills.” Father Tyohemba’s work in pediatric chaplaincy is a specialized form of spiritual care that requires unique skills and training. “Children are at different stages of spiritual development,” he notes. “They communicate and interact differently from adults. That’s why understanding child development is crucial in our field.”
Director of Spiritual Care Service at UCSF, Susan Conrad, says that Father. Tyohemba is responsible for caring for some of the most vulnerable members of our UCSF community, including critically ill infants and children and their families. “Father Tyohemba is a loving, wise companion to our patients and their loved ones, and a skillful and collaborative colleague with our staff chaplains, chaplain learners and administrative staff.” She recounts a scene that left the UCSF in awe of his mastery of spiritual care and guidance. “He recently collaborated with our staff chaplains, pediatric social worker, and hospital interpreter to offer an emergency baptism for a critically ill infant, which brought this baby’s Spanish-speaking family so much comfort and reassurance.” She added, “The entire medical team, as well as the family, was so grateful for his skillful care.” Ms Martinez recalls her own encounter with him during her son’s precarious stay in the NICU: “We were in despair, completely overwhelmed by the situation, but the moment Father Raymond walked in, it felt like the entire atmosphere shifted. He didn’t just pray; he connected with us on a deeper level. His presence brought light into the darkest place.”
Father Tyohemba’s approach is spiritual care deeply rooted in childhood psychology. “Children are egocentric; they
see the world through their
own lens,” he explains. “They often believe their thoughts
or actions cause things to happen. If they become sick, they might think it’s a punishment from God for being ‘bad’. Our role is to address these misconceptions and provide age-appropriate spiritual support.” The scarcity of specialized pediatric chaplains underscores the importance of Father Tyohemba’s work. “Only about 3% of board-certified chaplains in the United States focus on pediatric care,” he says, citing a 2020 study from the Journal of Pastoral Care & Counseling. “This shortage makes our role even more critical in addressing the complex spiritual needs of children and their families.”
Father Tyohemba’s expertise extends beyond spiritual guidance. As a Healthcare Ethics Consultant-Certified (HEC-C), he navigates complex ethical dilemmas in pediatric care. “In critical situations, we’re not just supporting the child, but helping families and medical teams make difficult decisions,” he explains. UCSF prides itself on being a diverse community, and Conrad says Fr Tyohemba’s presence is a rare gift. “Raymond’s identity and life experience as a Black Nigerian man adds tremendous value to the care of our patients and families. We are grateful to have him”.
Indeed, his cultural competence, honed by his Nigerian heritage and extensive training, allows him to provide care that resonates across diverse backgrounds. “In U.S. hospitals, we serve patients from all walks of life,” Father Tyohemba notes. “Our ability to provide culturally sensitive spiritual care can significantly impact a child’s healing process.” Research supports the impact of specialized chaplaincy. A 2020 Journal of Health Care
Chaplaincy study found that spiritual care from specialized chaplains correlates with improved patient satisfaction and better health outcomes in pediatric settings.
As the sun sets over San Francisco Bay, Father Tyohemba makes his final rounds for the day. In each room, he leaves behind a sense of peace and hope. “Our work goes beyond religious rituals,” he reflects. “We’re here to support the child’s entire being – body, mind, and spirit. In pediatric chaplaincy, we’re not just treating an illness; we’re nurturing the whole child and supporting the entire family through their journey.” In a world where medical advancements often take center stage, Father Raymond Tyohemba stands as a powerful reminder of the human element in healthcare. His work at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital is not just filling a crucial gap in pediatric care; it’s pioneering a more holistic approach to healing, one child at a time.
Egbele is a journalist, producer and a postgraduate student at the University of California, Berkely, California, United States of America
Letter1
PAIN AMID RENEWED HOPE
It is no longer news that President Tinubu, who promised Nigerians a renewed hope, is now being referred to as “T Pain” by many in less than two years of his administration. His reforms, which focus on the long-term economic prosperity of the country, have brought hardship to the common man. Leaders have failed Nigerians in the past, which has led to a lack of trust in the government, making people doubt that the hardship is short-term and worth the sacrifice, especially as the promised interventions have not arrived promptly.
During his campaign, President Tinubu said he would make bold decisions for the betterment of Nigeria. In his 2024 Independence Day speech, he stated that Nigeria must reform for progress or collapse. For the common man on the street, this may not make sense; when the cost of living rises, the default reaction is to blame the current government.
Therefore, Nigerians need to be better educated on the economy inherited by the current administration, where we are now, and the future prospects in light of the consequences of maintaining the current reform. Just as it is required in change management, those impacted by the change should be properly engaged.
When President Tinubu’s government came into power, the economy was in a state of comatose. The country’s debt service to revenue ratio was 97% with an uncleared forex backlog of over $6 billion. How can a country survive like this? Something drastic had to be done. President Tinubu directed the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira, which has saved the government money but has caused hardship for Nigerians due to the resultant inflation. The government has promised to invest these savings in infrastructure and the development of critical sectors of the economy.
Without the reforms of the current administration, the federal government must have started defaulting on its financial commitments like salaries and debt servicing, which would have been catastrophic. Nigeria has a revenue problem that must be solved urgently by optimizing oil production and diversifying the economy in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. It is also important to implement cost-efficiency measures and eradicate corruption. None of this can be achieved without the right cabinet in place.
President Bola Tinubu promised Nigerians renewed hope, not pain. According to him, the hardship being experienced is short-term and a sacrifice Nigerians need to bear for a better tomorrow. However, some of the current backlashes could have been prevented with prompt implementation of intervention programs and policies. The government should continuously educate Nigerians on its programs and achievements. President Tinubu has dared to do things differently. I would rather call him “T-Hope” because of his Renewed Hope Agenda for Nigeria.
Kenechukwu Aguolu,
