Tag Archives: heart health

Dr. Elizabeth Ofili: Pioneering Cardiologist in Health Disparities

Uncategorized, , , , ,

Continuing to recognize black Americans during Black History Month, this week I’m featuring Dr. Elizabeth Ofili:

Dr. Elizabeth Ofili is a renowned Nigerian-American cardiologist, researcher, and professor. She is known for her contributions to cardiovascular health, particularly in underrepresented populations. She has been a leader in promoting diversity in medical research and advancing heart disease prevention.

Here are some Facts About Dr. Elizabeth Ofili:

  • Background & Education: Born in Nigeria, Dr. Ofili obtained her medical degree from Ahmadu Bello University in Nigeria. She later earned a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) from Johns Hopkins University. She also completed her cardiology training in the United States.
  • Medical Career: At Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia, Dr. Olifi is a Professor of Medicine and Senior Associate Dean for Clinical and Translational Research.
  • Research & Contributions:
    • Dr. Ofili has been a leading researcher in health disparities, focusing on how heart disease affects African American communities.
    • She conducted groundbreaking studies on hypertension, heart failure, and cardiovascular risk factors.
    • Led several major National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded projects, including initiatives to improve health outcomes in minority populations.
  • Leadership & Impact:
    • First female president of the Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC).
    • Instrumental in developing research networks to enhance participation of minorities in clinical trials.
    • Advocate for increasing diversity in STEM and medical fields.
  • Awards & Recognitions:
    • She has received numerous accolades for her contributions to medicine and public health, including recognition from national health organizations.
  • Sources:

https://cfmedicine.nlm.nih.gov/physicians/biography_240.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://cfmedicine.nlm.nih.gov/physicians/biography_240.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://academyhealth.org/about/people/elizabeth-o-ofili-md-mph-facc?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Celebrating Black History Month & Heart Health

black history month, Heart, , , ,
African American Historical Figures History Lesson Presentation in Brown Neutral Illustrative Style – 1

The month of February is rich in history as the country celebrates Black History Month as well as Heart Healthy Month! Here, I will try and enlighten you as well as recognize some of our history-makers in both black history and ways to have a healthy heart, not just in February but always!

This year, Morehouse School of Medicine, located right here in Atlanta, Georgia, is a private historically black medical school and is one of the nation’s leading educators of primary care physicians. In 2025, they have launched a year-long celebration marking five decades of advancing health equity. They were founded in 1975 as a two-year medical education program. Morehouse School of Medicine opened its doors at a single trailer on the campus of Morehouse College in the summer of 1978 with an inaugural class of 24 students in its two-year basic medical sciences program. Students who completed the program earned the ability to transfer to four-year institutions to complete their education. The medical school was incorporated in Georgia in 1980, officially became an independent institution in 1981 and established a four-year medical school as Morehouse School of Medicine in 1985. There have been nearly 1,900 physicians who have graduated from MSM, with approximately 60% choosing to practice in Georgia. Morehouse School of Medicine is commemorating its 50-year history with many different events open to the public throughout 2025.

Heart disease as been (and still is) the No. 1 leading cause of death since 1950 in the United States, according to the CDC. Also according to the CDC, the age-adjusted heart disease deaths rates dropped to 161.5 per 100,000 population in 2019 compared to 182.8 age-adjust heart disease deaths per 100,000 population in 2009. From 2009 to 2019, the age-adjust heart disease death rates were higher for males than females.

Known Facts:

  • Every year, about 805,000 people in the US have a heart attack.
  • Someone has a heart attack every 40 seconds in the United States.

These are some pretty alarming statistics regarding cardiovascular disease, but 80% is preventable. At ALL ages, these are just some of the many ways you can prevent cardiovascular disease: Eating healthy, being physically active, avoiding tobacco and managing your cholesterol. Throughout the remainder of February, I will delve deeper into many ways to prevent cardiovascular disease as well as knowing some of the signs of cardiovascular disease.

World Heart Day

world-heart-dayLittle did I know when writing about my medical terms today that September 29th is World Heart Day……and I have a scheduled appointment today to see my cardiologist.  Interesting.

According to the World Heart Foundation, World Heart Day was founded in 2000 to inform people around the world that heart disease and stroke are the two leading causes of death.  There are different events across the world that take place on this day to bring awareness of staying heart healthy. This year’s theme is creating heart-healthy environments.

Most of you who know me know my heart history, which is also detailed in my previous blogs.  I am SO incredibly thankful to be here, to have survived a significant heart attack 5 years ago.  Let’s participate in some way to World Heart Day, whether on a local level or national level, we are all able to empower each other to a healthier heart!