He’s smart, stylish, and uses his influence to contribute social impact. Meet Dr Olawale Ogunlana, affectionately known as Dr Wales, the Nigerian medical doctor and TikTok creator redefining digital health education.
Recently nominated for TikTok’s Social Impact Award of the Year, Dr Wales has become a trusted voice in digital health, using short-form content to educate, empower, and inspire healthier choices across Africa and beyond.
We caught up with Dr Wales on the red carpet at the TikTok Awards Sub-Saharan Africa, recently hosted at The Forum in Hyde Park. Looking effortlessly dapper and every bit the modern gentleman, the doctor-turned-creator was all smiles as he spoke about purpose, collaboration, and the growing power of digital health.
Glamour: Please introduce yourself and tell us about your approach to content creation?
Dr Wales: My name is Dr Olawale Ogunlana, though many people know me on TikTok as Dr Wales. I’m Nigerian, a medical doctor, and I’ve been in clinical practice for 13 years. My content journey started about six years ago, but I became active on TikTok around two and a half years ago. For me, content creation is about impact. I use simple, relatable storytelling to break down complex medical topics so people can understand their health better and make informed decisions. Being nominated for TikTok’s Social Impact Award of the Year has been incredibly affirming, it tells me the work is resonating and truly making a difference.
Glamour: How does it feel to be recognised by a platform like TikTok for social impact?
Dr Wales: It’s honestly humbling and very exciting. When I started, I had no idea that something like this even existed, let alone that it could happen so quickly. I truly owe my creator journey to TikTok. What excites me most is that TikTok recognises health conversations as valid and necessary. As a medical doctor, that means everything. The platform is actively supporting digital health conversations that can transform mindsets, behaviours, and ultimately people’s health outcomes. I genuinely believe TikTok has the potential to become one of the greatest public health tools of the 21st century.
Glamour: Collaboration seems to be a big focus among creators right now. Why is it so powerful?
Dr Wales: Collaboration is one of the most powerful tools any creator can use. It allows you to tap into other people’s strengths, their audiences, and their perspectives, and you learn so much in the process. I’ve collaborated with dermatologists, cardiologists, obstetricians, and gynaecologists to create meaningful, credible content, and the impact has been incredible. Events like this make collaboration even easier. I’ve connected with creators who collectively reach over five million followers, and we’re already planning exciting projects together. My philosophy is simple: collaboration first, competition after. You can still be unique in your space while lifting others up.
Glamour: What message would you like to share with TikTok for creating and hosting a space like this?
Dr Wales: First and foremost, a big thank you. I’d love to see even more creators recognised and celebrated every year for the work they do. I also want to encourage TikTok to continue promoting health content and driving health literacy, especially across Africa. Access to the right information, at the right time, from the right professionals can trigger positive behavioural change. If we get that right, digital platforms like TikTok can play a major role in transforming Africa’s healthcare system as a whole.
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