What was once child’s play for Dr. Nwando Okafor became a fast reality. She’s gratefully enjoying the daily actualization of the dream career that she imagined having as a little girl growing up in Enugu, Nigeria.  As a child, Dr. Nwando found excitement in playing “doctor” with her dolls by caring for them with items from the First Aid kit that she received as a gift on her 7th birthday. The gift was very important to her.  By tradition, Nigerian families instill strong accountabilities and indigenous values in their children. She’s always known that she would become a doctor; there were no other career options available in her opinion.

Life changed dramatically for her at 15 when her family migrated to the United States. After receiving her diploma from Gardena High School,  Dr. Nwando Okafor graduated, Cum Laude with a BS in Biology from the University of California, Riverside and she subsequently received her MD from UCLA.  She began her medical career working in residency at The University of Chicago Medicine in the ER Department.

Currently, Dr. Okafor is a practicing Emergency Medicine Physician and Chief Medical Officer based in Corpus Christi, Texas.  She’s also committed to the philanthropic work of World Health Advocate, a nonprofit organization that she co-founded with her sister, Dr. Adaeze Okafor-Nwosu. The two are dedicated to closing the healthcare gap among countries worldwide. They travel abroad to Nigeria, Haiti and other poverty-stricken countries to administer free healthcare services.

Medical Mission in Isuoffia, Nigeria

Dr. Okafor with mission trip volunteers

Dr. Okafor has a special passion for caring for others.  Her mission in life is to “live, learn, give back, and love.” “I am inspired by my family, humble past and I keep my focus through my belief in God.”  

In her free time, Dr. Okafor seizes the opportunity to enjoy her family.  She lends her life experiences through mentorship and encouragement for other young women and men. Like Dr. Nwando Okafor on Facebook!