“I am currently working on a romance novel, a genre that has unfortunately been unfairly criticized for reasons rooted in misogyny,” shares Shirlene Obuobi, a cardiologist and author whose latest book, Between Friends and Lovers, just hit the shelves. When not writing, Shirlene enjoys drawing cartoons. She opens up about her personal style and shares five vibrant looks, along with insights on writing sex scenes.
“I am one of only 13% of women cardiologists and 4% of Black cardiologists. In medical school, I struggled with how feminine clothing might affect people’s perceptions of my seriousness. But as a cardiologist, I decided to embrace my style and stand out,” she explains.
“After completing my medical training, I realized I lacked personal style. Hiring a stylist was a game-changer. My closet is now bursting with color, and I rarely wear black,” she adds.
“During the pandemic, I turned to fiction writing as a stress reliever. I’m always either writing or drawing. They are my go-to activities for unwinding,” Shirlene reveals.
She also shares her love for Ankara print, a traditional fabric used in modern designs by diaspora designers. “I am Ghanaian-American, and I love how designers are incorporating traditional fabrics into contemporary pieces.”
On a lighter note, Shirlene gushes about her admiration for Megan Thee Stallion. “I’m a huge fan, so much so that I dedicated my second book to her. Her confidence and openness about mental health are inspiring.”
Shirlene ends on a note of gratitude for her mentor in women’s heart health, who taught her the importance of forging a new path. She admires her mentor’s bold fashion choices at conferences, which defy traditional expectations.
We salute you, Dr. Shirlene Obuobi, for being unapologetically yourself!
