Meet Dr. Uzoamaka Eke: Driven by supportive and inclusive environment at IHV

Dr. Eke Uzoamaka's story is one of determination, driven by an intrinsic passion for medicine and fueled by the unwavering support of her family, mentors, and colleagues. Born and raised in Nigeria as the eldest of five children to educator parents, Uzoamaka's journey to becoming a respected infectious disease specialist at the University of Maryland Institute of Human Virology (IHV) is a testament to her relentless pursuit of excellence. 

Despite not having any doctor role models, she was driven by an innate motivation, instilled by her parents' dedication to education. "I always worked hard and kind of lived up to that expectation of wanting to be a doctor, and eventually I became a doctor," she recounts. 

Her journey through medical school in Nigeria was characterized by a tight-knit community of fellow medical students, fostering an environment of camaraderie and mutual support. "We had study groups that we all worked together with," Dr. Eke reminisces, highlighting the importance of collaborative learning. However, the path to becoming a physician in Nigeria demanded resilience and self-motivation. "You have to go as a group to the ward and see patients with or without attending (physician)," she explains, emphasizing the need for independent and group-driven initiative. 

The pivotal moment Dr. Eke joined IHV happened because her family decided to move to Maryland to join her husband, who stayed on as faculty after completing his fellowship at Johns Hopkins. As Eke transitioned from private practice in Detroit to her new surroundings in Maryland, she had a pleasant interview with Dr. Anthony Amoroso, director of IHV Clinical Community Health Programs and IHV Clinical Innovation Programs. 

"I found that the faculty here are very supportive, and there's diversity, equity, and every colleague is supported by the division to pursue their passions,” she explained. "Even the LEAD(Association of American Medical Colleges' Leadership Education and Development Certificate Program) fellowship that I'm currently doing is supported by the division. It has been a blessing to me and to my family, in general, to work here.” 

At IHV, Dr. Eke's contributions extend beyond clinical practice. Engaging passionately in medical education, she has emerged as a dedicated mentor, guiding both students and faculty on their paths to success. "I actually have a passion for mentorship," she affirms, reflecting on her involvement in leadership development programs and mentorship workshops aimed at nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals. 

As a clinician educator, Dr. Eke’s work spans both inpatient and outpatient settings. She focuses particularly on infectious diseases and HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) management, including research on HIV and frailty among elderly patients. Additionally, she actively engages in medical billing compliance, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards within the division. 

Outside of her professional endeavors, Dr. Eke finds joy in pursuits such as classical singing and advocating for financial literacy. She also dedicates her time to Noela4kids, a nonprofit organization she founded in honor of her late sister, aimed at providing nourishment to underserved children. “I lost my sister seven years ago; this was my way of making sense of it; she was deeply passionate about the well-being of children. My sister's middle name is Noela because she was born on Christmas Day.” 

Looking ahead, Dr. Eke envisions a future marked by continued growth and impact, underscoring her commitment to academic excellence and community service. As she navigates her journey, Eke remains guided by her core values of compassion, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of knowledge. With each patient she treats, each student she mentors, and each life she touches, Dr. Eke continues to leave an indelible mark on the field of medicine and beyond.