WAUSM Student Brings Hope to the Hopeless

Growing up in a refugee camp in Zambia, Richard Kevin Irakiza once felt like he had nothing to look forward to. Now, as a WAUSM student and future physician, he is pursuing his calling to bring healing and hope to others.

From Struggle to Strength

Life in the refugee camp demanded that Irakiza grow up quickly to help support his mother and relatives. The camp offered limited resources, and much of daily life revolved around survival.

“Life in the camp was difficult and painful,” said Irakiza. “At just 11 years old, I was already cultivating food for us to eat.”

When he started high school, he walked nearly three hours every day to get there. At that time, he felt like his life was a blank page with no clear direction.

“It felt like there was nothing to look forward to because opportunities for education and growth were so limited,” said Irakiza.

A Call to Heal

Irakiza’s aunt, a nurse, often allowed him to accompany her as she cared for patients.

“Watching the compassion and dedication she showed them inspired me deeply,” said Irakiza. “It was then that I felt God place a vision and dream in my heart: to become a doctor so I could bring hope to the hopeless and healing to the sick.”
Years later, that vision was strengthened.

“My grandmother was diagnosed with cancer twice, and I helped take her to her surgeries and treatments along with my family,” said Irakiza.

Sitting in the waiting room during these trips, Irakiza was inspired by the other patients.

“I saw something on the faces of other patients – hope,” said Irakiza. “Even though they were going through so much, there was a quiet strength in knowing that healing was possible.”

For Irakiza, this reaffirmed his calling.

“Witnessing that hope brought me so much joy and reminded me of why I wanted to become a doctor – to help the hopeless and be a source of comfort and care during life’s most difficult moments,” said Irakiza.

Following his Calling

Irakiza followed his calling to the United States, where he attended college at Arizona Christian University. Four years after graduation, Irakiza began his pursuit of medical school. He applied to 10 medical schools, including WAUSM.

“As I prayed for God’s guidance and for the right opportunity, WAUSM opened its doors to me,” said Irakiza. “I understood that this next chapter would require hard work, perseverance, endurance, and above all, discipline.”

Strength Through Challenges

Irakiza was ready to embrace the challenge of medical school.

“Facing challenges has always been a part of my life,” said Irakiza. “I began encountering them at a young age in the refugee camp, and those experiences taught me perseverance and faith.”

In Fall 2025, Irakiza received his white coat at WAUSM’s White Coat Ceremony, signifying the start of his journey in patient care.

“I’ve learned that overcoming challenges requires prayer, discipline, focus, patience, planning and the willingness to learn from others and from my own failures,” said Irakiza. “Whenever I feel like giving up, I look to the cross and remember how far God has brought me – from the hardships of the refugee camp to the blessing of studying medicine today.”

A Life of Purpose

Irakiza hopes that one day, he will be able to give back to those who are suffering or hurting from diseases and health conditions.

“Knowing that I can one day help ease someone’s pain and make a difference in their life is what truly drives me to become a doctor,” said Irakiza. “The call to medicine is rooted in compassion, gratitude, and faith.”

Irakiza’s desire to bring healing and hope to others has guided him through every challenge along his journey.