Uchenna Okereke

 

Dr. Uchenna Okereke had a non-traditional route to becoming a physician. From interning on Capitol Hill in the Office of Senator John Kerry to appearing in a national Verizon print campaign, each experience was necessary to lead her to a career in medicine. After completing her dual BS/BA undergraduate degrees in Biology and International Affairs from The George Washington University, Dr. Okereke began a career in the pharmaceutical industry.

 

Following a successful tenure at Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Okereke decided to chase her original dream of becoming a physician. She attended Meharry Medical College, graduating cum laude. She then completed a dermatopharmacology research fellowship while concurrently pursuing a Master of Science in Clinical Investigation (MSCI) at New York University School of Medicine. Throughout her training, Dr. Okereke was recognized in various capacities for her excellence in the field. In 2014 she was awarded for her research at the Skin of Color Society Symposium. She also presented her research on perceptions of skin cancer susceptibility in people with skin of color at the American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting. Most recently she was the recipient of the 2015 Research Grant from the American Skin Association. Dr. Okereke will begin her residency in dermatology at the University of Iowa in July 2016.

 

Dr. Okereke is committed to treating underserved communities. Whether it is through her work on medical mission trips to Nigeria or working on a Native American reservation in the Pacific Northwest, Dr. Okereke carries the motto of her alma mater in everything she does: Worship of God through service to mankind. Dr. Okereke is also deeply committed to mentoring young women of color hoping to pursue a career in medicine. Dr. Okereke is currently bi-coastal, working in Oregon and residing in New York City.