PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (Jan. 31, 2025) – Practicing medicine in Nigeria, Uche Stanley Chukwuemeka saw a lot of malaria cases typical for the tropical region. Malaria is a life-threatening disease spread to humans by mosquitoes. Despite its deadly trait, malaria is preventable and curable.
Now, Chukwuemeka wants to take his health career to a global level by attending Prairie View A&M University for a master’s degree in health. “I wanted more for myself, so I decided to come here,” said the first-generation college student.
Initially from Nkwerre, a town in Southeast Imo State, Nigeria, Chukwuemeka says he wanted to attend PVAMU because it aligned with his future goals. “I chose PVAMU because of its strong commitment to academic excellence, a supportive community and comprehensive programs that align with my career goals in public health.” He praised PVAMU’s “unique blend of academic rigor” and “a culturally rich environment that fosters equity and diversity, as well as personal and professional growth.”
At 28, his academic career has taken him all over the globe. In addition to a license to practice medicine in Nigeria, Chukwuemeka earned his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree at Shenyang Medical College in Liaoning, China, in 2019. “Growing up, I always wanted to study abroad, and when my parents presented the opportunity to study in China or in my hometown, I jumped at the opportunity of studying abroad,” he said. “Who wouldn’t grab such an interesting opportunity with both arms?”
At PVAMU, Chukwuemeka still remains involved in various health initiatives back home. His medical future started in his hometown, where he saw a lot of blindness and disabilities that went unaided by the lack of medical care and an inadequate system. “As a kid in the street, I saw many sick, malnourished people who were on the brink of death,” he shared. “I also witnessed firsthand an accident in which no paramedic nor medical personnel were present that day. I was moved to study medicine and bring about the change I wanted to see.”
He decided to become a part of the solution. “I chose this path to contribute to better health policies and practices that can save lives.”
Chukwuemeka has already gained on-the-ground field experience – from consulting patients, prescribing medications, recommending preventive measures, and increasing public health awareness, as well as assisting with surgeries from brain surgeries to birth deliveries.
That hands-on experience practicing medicine in a third-world country where the patient-physician ratio is so high has given him a passion for global health equity. “I hope to change the world by advancing public health initiatives that prevent chronic diseases, promote mental health, and ensure equitable access to health care for all,” Chukwuemeka said.
With a master’s from PVAMU, he hopes to go on to work with global health organizations, from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to the World Health Organization, to focus on disease prevention and health promotion. “My degree from PVAMU will equip me with advanced knowledge and skills in public health, enabling me to design and implement effective health interventions and contribute to global health initiatives,” Chukwuemeka said. “My dream job is to work as a public health advisor or epidemiologist at the CDC, where I can influence public health policies and programs on a global scale.”
As the first in his family to attend college, obtaining his master’s will be even more meaningful. “This achievement is significant as it represents breaking barriers and setting a precedent for future generations in my family,” he said.
Chukwuemeka is expected to graduate in May.
By Christine Won
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