Chukwuemeka “Emeka” Iloegbu

Chukwuemeka “Emeka” Iloegbu
Photo courtesy of Chukwuemeka Iloegbu

SEAHEC alumnus Chukwuemeka “Emeka” Iloegbu has been keeping in touch with SEAHEC since his June, 2018 graduation from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. He considers himself fortunate to have received training and community experience at SEAHEC. Working in the community has transformed his way of thinking and has informed his approach toward the global issues marginalized groups face. Emeka hopes to apply what he has learned through community service to his upcoming opportunities. When Emeka last wrote to us, he was on his way to interview with the World Health Organization. Even though the position did not line up with his expectations, he will continue his research as a member of the Migration Health and Development Research Initiative. (MHADRI) as he continues to search for more community-related projects. “I am looking for something with a practical component,” he said in a recent email. He also shared the highlights of his summer and upcoming work: From September 24-28, Emeka completed the World Health Organization (WHO)Summer School on Refugee and Migrant Health, where following this experience, he received accreditation as a civil society special representative to attend a high level UN meeting in Marrakech Morocco December 4-11. He will participate in the adoption of the Global Compact on Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration. He will also engage representatives of non governmental organizations (NGO) and civil society groups on addressing health inequalities that marginalize people. Emeka is currently developing a concept for a project he is starting called Emarin Global. The project focuses on clinical laboratory workforce development and health systems strengthening. He hopes to expand the project’s mission to address other key global health issues. “I hope by next year I will be able to establish nonprofit (501c3) corporation status for the project,” Emeka said. “I want to focus on strengthening health systems in low resource settings. My experience at SEAHEC has fused with 10 years of working in clinical pathology. I believe I can put my skills to good use to empower communities and strengthen health systems at both the local and national level.” “It is important to mention that my journey and my search for opportunities to work in community started the moment I landed in Arizona. At SEAHEC I had the opportunity to work alongside the Winchester Heights Community continuing the theme of “The power of an internship.” “I became curious about the history of communities like Winchester Heights. I wanted to learn about the origin of families that found themselves living and working there. I feel a sense of responsibility and strong desire for change. My internship at SEAHEC helped me to foster those values.”