Student Spotlight: Okemefuna Okpara, MD, FACEP

In a nutshell, what is your job title and responsibilities?

I am an emergency medicine physician and serve as the medical director of a free-standing emergency room/center. My primary role as a physician involves treating and taking care of patients of all age groups who present to the emergency room without bias or prejudice.

In my role as medical director, I perform a myriad of duties including, but not limited to, orientation for new physicians and physician clinical peer review. I also work closely with the nurse manager/director of operations to address any issues involving ER staff (physicians, RNs, radiology techs, front desk/administrative staff), patient complaints, and all facility-related issues.

If you had to pick one area, which aspect of your role gives you the greatest satisfaction?

That one's easy. Patient care: particularly knowing that I can (help) resolve whatever issue caused a patient to seek care in the first place.

Why are you excited about the MS in Health Care Transformation Program?

I'm excited to learn—both what I know I don't know, and what I don't know I don't know.

I look forward to learning how to engage my expertise as an emergency medicine doctor in a health care system that truly prioritizes human wellbeing and incorporates the social determinants of health. I'm also excited at the opportunity to gain knowledge about the business of medicine and some knowledge about business in general.

What types of solutions do you hope to achieve or make progress towards through this program?

I hope to be a part of the solution to the problem of health care inequality in my community here in the US and potentially learn how to create a system of health care in my native country, Nigeria.

Anything else you want us to know about you or your health care journey?

I was born in the US but am a native of Nigeria and lived there for 10 of my most formative years. 

I'm married with two amazing young children and really enjoy traveling and learning about different cultures, having visited over 45 countries.

I've always known I wanted to be a doctor, helping people, but I didn't always know I would become an emergency room physician. Now, after over a decade and a half of practice, I still enjoy what I do, but feel there's something missing and want to be involved in something that improves the lives of the broader population.

October 2021