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Dr. Nwaukoni is an accomplished physician dedicated to health equity, medical education, and community advocacy. She completed her residency at Northwestern McGaw Family Medicine Residency in Lake Forest, Illinois, where she served as Administrative Chief Resident, guiding departmental operations, mentoring peers, and championing initiatives to improve maternal health outcomes and address healthcare disparities.
Dr. Nwaukoni earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), where her leadership and academic excellence were recognized with the Presidential Leadership in Diversity Award and induction into the Arnold P. Gold Humanism Honor Society. Before medical school, Dr. Nwaukoni earned a Bachelor of Science in biology and society with a minor in global health from Cornell University, graduating cum laude.
Dr Nwaukoni’s dedication to advancing medical knowledge is evident in her extensive research contributions, which span Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, health disparities, and international work. Among her notable achievements is her work on an APO1 project, where she and her team helped secure over $200,000 to pilot a research study in Ghana, focused on risk variants of a SLE protein prevalent in women of African ancestry. She has co-authored several peer-reviewed publications and presented at national and international conferences, showcasing her passion for bridging the gap between clinical research and patient care.
As a former Resident Member of the Board of Directors for the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and Task Force Member for Family Medicine Midwest, Dr. Nwaukoni actively advocates for diversity, inclusion, and innovation in healthcare education. She has led numerous initiatives, including mentorship programs for underrepresented students, curriculum development for health equity, and global health collaborations in Ghana and Tanzania.
Her leadership has been recognized with numerous honors, including the AAFP Award for Excellence in Graduate Medical Education, the IAFP President’s Award, and the John E. Franklin, MD, Commitment to Diversity Award. A tireless advocate for underserved populations, Dr. Nwaukoni integrates evidence-based practices with a compassionate, patient-centered approach.
Dr. Nwaukoni’s commitment to medical education is deeply personal, reflecting her own journey and the challenges she witnessed among her peers. She is passionate about guiding applicants to find their voices and craft narratives that genuinely reflect their values, resilience, and readiness for medical school. Her coaching approach simplifies the application process by breaking it into achievable steps, offering personalized strategies, and creating a supportive environment where candidates feel seen, valued, and heard. Additionally, she prepares students for interviews through tailored coaching sessions, ensuring a strong approach for every question.
Her greatest strengths as a coach lie in her ability to identify and highlight the individual strengths of each candidate, ensuring their unique stories shine through in personal statements, interviews, and essays. With her background in leadership, research, and community engagement, Dr. Nwaukoni brings a well-rounded perspective that resonates with applicants from diverse backgrounds.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Dr. Nwaukoni is an avid traveler, photographer, and fitness enthusiast, enjoying Zumba and cardio-kickboxing. Her cross-cultural experiences—spanning over 20 countries—continue to shape her vision of global health and community empowerment.