For Dr. Omonigho Ekhomu, the journey to becoming a pediatric cardiologist began long before she stepped into a medical school classroom. As a young student on a pre-med summer program in Virginia, she sat in on a lecture that would change her life. It was delivered by Dr. Arthur T. Garson Jr., a distinguished pediatric cardiologist and then-dean at the University of Virginia. He spoke passionately about congenital heart defects especially a condition known as tetralogy of Fallot and about the joy of healing children’s hearts. Dr. Ekhomu, enthralled, left that session with a clear conviction: she would become a doctor, and more specifically, she would dedicate her life to pediatric cardiology.
Raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Omonigho’s early dreams were shaped by a sense of purpose and community. After completing her medical degree at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, where she earned honors for her service and dedication, she went on to do her residency in pediatrics at Cook County Hospital in Chicago. But her connection to her home country remained strong. When it came time for Nigeria’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), she returned to serve. Her work during this time—especially her leadership and clinical contributions, earned her state awards.
While in Nigeria, Dr. Ekhomu partnered with local pediatric cardiologists and took on the role of Medical Director for Slum2School, an organization dedicated to providing education and healthcare access to children in underserved communities. She organized medical outreaches and witnessed firsthand the dire need for cardiac care among Nigeria’s youth. These experiences laid the groundwork for her future as both a clinician and a changemaker.
In 2017, she began her formal training in pediatric cardiology with a fellowship that included 18 months of research at the prestigious Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). In 2019, she continued her clinical fellowship at Rush University Medical Center. Her career progressed to working in the cardiac intensive care unit at CHOP, where some of the most complex and critical pediatric heart conditions are managed.
But it was during her first surgical mission with Hospitals for Humanity (HFH) that her calling truly crystallized. The organization was planning a pediatric cardiac surgical initiative in Nigeria, and Dr. Ekhomu joined as a volunteer. She describes the experience as “beyond words.” Over months of preparation, coordination, and medical planning, she joined a dedicated team of surgeons, cardiologists, and ICU staff to perform life-saving heart surgeries on Nigerian children.
Since its inception, HFH has conducted more than 200 surgeries for children with congenital heart defects in Nigeria. The missions, Dr. Ekhomu says, are both grueling and miraculous. “Sometimes the transformation in the child’s condition is like night and day,” she says. “The enormity of the burden we lift when we help these families… it feels like the hand of God is at work.” Each mission is carefully organized, drawing lessons from past experiences while adapting to the realities of the local settings. The team aims to increase their reach, with a goal of performing at least 150 pediatric cardiac surgeries annually in Nigeria.
Today, Dr. Ekhomu practices in San Antonio, Texas, while also serving as Global Development Clinician for HFH. In this role, she oversees the organization’s clinical strategy, research efforts, and mission planning. She remains a vital bridge between world-class pediatric cardiac care and the communities most in need of it.
In her journey, she has been mentored by many, but she credits Dr. Wale Olabiyi—HFH’s Director of Pediatric Cardiology as a particularly influential figure. His dedication to innovation, clinical excellence, and intercontinental collaboration through telemedicine has deeply shaped her own path.
Beyond the operating room and mission field, Dr. Ekhomu is also a strong advocate for preventive heart health. She emphasizes regular exercise, a diet low in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, and adherence to medical advice. She also sees artificial intelligence as a powerful ally in healthcare helping to automate routine tasks and reduce inefficiencies so that doctors can focus more on patient-centered care.
To young women considering a career in cardiology, her advice is simple but powerful: “Be tenacious. It is hard work, but if you love it and are called to it, persevere. Determine to excel.”
Whether she is treating a child in Texas or leading a medical mission in Nigeria, Dr. Omonigho Ekhomu is driven by one purpose: to heal tiny hearts and in doing so, restore hope to families around the world.
