Chigozirim “Chigo” Ekeke, M.D., joins the Section of Thoracic Surgery after completing an Integrated Thoracic Surgery Residency at the University of Pittsburgh. He attended The Ohio State University and earned a B.S in Biochemistry with Research Distinction before attending medical school from 2011-2015 at The Ohio State University College of Medicine.
His research interests focus on translational, innovative and clinical research, and his clinical specialty is Thoracic Surgery with a focus in minimal invasive surgery and robotic surgery. He is also a member of the Society of Black Academic Surgeons (SBAS).
Get to know Dr. Ekeke:
Q. Why Michigan Medicine? Tell us what excites you about being a part of the team.
A. Michigan Medicine’s reputation as a renown and top-tier academic and clinical powerhouse was one of many the reasons I considered the institution as an ideal fit for my career. Most importantly, Ann Arbor is a great environment for my family and I to enjoy and grow.
Q. Why surgery? Tell us what led you down this path.
A. Surgery captures the many cornerstones of managing disease: intervene to diagnose, cure and/or palliate.
Q. What drew you to your specialty?
A. Cardiovascular disease and cancer are the leading causes of deaths in the U.S, thus cardiothoracic surgery allows me the opportunity to train and apply a surgical skillset to treating both forms of disease.
Q. What drew you to your research interests?
A. Excellent mentorship cultivated my interest in research. I believe great doctors ask, do, and discover. Translational and clinical outcomes research are strong interests of mine, because both facets of discovery will make me a better surgeon.
Q. What’s a little-known fact about you?
A. My broad taste in music, which originated from listening to the samples that were used in old and new school hip hop music.
Q. What’s your secret talent?
A. I love to sketch.
Q. Favorite procedure and why?
A. I enjoy every aspect of thoracic surgery because I am able to access the disease through several approaches.
Q. Favorite way to spend time outside of the hospital or lab?
A. I love spending time with my family and friends, attending live sporting events, and travel.