Dr. Okeke attended Vanderbilt University, where he earned a BA in neuroscience. There, he worked as a tour guide, spending time with admissions counselors and learning more about the process. Following graduation, he spent two years as a clinical trials coordinator in the neurology department at Vanderbilt Medical Center working on trials dedicated to neurodegenerative disorders, which further affirmed his decision for a career in medicine.
Dr. Okeke has published research on the indirect effects of racial discrimination on brain white matter and was a Symposium Speaker at the Society of Biological Psychiatry Conference, where he discussed the mediation between prefrontal white matter integrity, racial discrimination, and health outcomes. He plans to subspecialize in vascular neurology (stroke medicine) to gain expertise in the evaluation, management, and treatment of acute vascular emergencies, as well as better expertise in supporting neurorecovery and neurorehabilitation in the post-stroke period.
Dr. Okeke's research interests are primarily focused on traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury, with a particular emphasis on the recovery process. He aims to continue researching implantable devices that can aid rehabilitation and improve patients' quality of life.
As a prior medical school student interviewer, Dr. Okeke brings expert insights into what admissions committees look for in applicants. He emphasizes the importance of crafting a compelling application narrative, focusing on threading different traits and strengths, especially for applicants with lower GPAs or test scores.
Dr. Okeke's approach to mentoring is empathetic, compassionate, and solution-oriented. As a person from a group underrepresented in medicine, he understands the challenges applicants face. He is passionate about making the daunting medical school process more accessible while instilling confidence in students.
With his combination of academic excellence, research experience, and commitment to diversity in medicine, Dr. Okeke is prepared to guide aspiring medical students through every step of their application journey. His dedication to helping students reach their fullest potential makes him a great source of knowledge and support for those navigating the path to a career in medicine.