“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
-Mother Teresa
Biography
Board-Certified Neurologist, Stroke and Vascular Dementia Specialist, Neuroscientist, Patient Advocate
Dr. Eseosa Ighodaro is a board-certified neurologist with subspecialty training in vascular neurology, a neuroscientist, and a nationally recognized advocate for health equity. She currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Neurology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, the academic core of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hospital.
A native of Kentucky, Dr. Ighodaro graduated summa cum laude from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and minors in Chemistry and French. She went on to make history as the first African American woman to complete the University of Kentucky College of Medicine’s rigorous combined MD/PhD program. Her doctoral research laid the foundation for her lifelong commitment to understanding and addressing disparities in neurological health.
Dr. Ighodaro completed her neurology residency at the Mayo Clinic, followed by a fellowship in vascular neurology at Emory University Hospital and Grady Memorial Hospital. Her clinical and research expertise centers on the intersection of neurology, aging, and social justice. She investigates how social determinants of health—including systemic racism, socioeconomic status, and access to care—contribute to disparities in stroke, cerebrovascular disease, and dementia, particularly among underrepresented populations.
Her research has been published in leading scientific journals such as Nature, BMJ, and Nature Medicine. In recognition of her expertise, Dr. Ighodaro has been interviewed by major media outlets including CNN, The New York Times, and the American Academy of Neurology. She also serves on the scientific advisory board for Hilarity for Charity, a nonprofit founded by Lauren and Seth Rogen that supports families impacted by dementia and promotes brain health awareness.
Beyond her academic and clinical work, Dr. Ighodaro is a passionate educator and community leader. She has established mentorship initiatives that support an international network of aspiring medical professionals. Her contributions to medicine and the community have earned her numerous awards for leadership, advocacy, and community engagement.
Photo was taken by Caroline Yang for The New York Times
Upcoming Events
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Brain Health
Welcome to the Brain Health group where I educate the public on evidence-based brain health topics.& brain diseases.
For educational purposes ONLY. These are NOT medical advice.
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Virtual Neurology Study Group
Welcome to Dr. Ighodaro’s Virtual Neurology Study Group! This is a group where premed students, medical students, residents, fellows, and attendings can come together and discuss the exciting field of neurology. Participation is free.
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Disclaimer: These sessions and their contents are for educational purposes ONLY. These are NOT represent medical advice.
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Medical Students & Residents
Hello! If you are medical trainee interested in participating in Dr. Ighodaro’s study group, then please fill out the sign-up form below. Reminder, space is limited.
Spotlight
Dr. Ighodaro was featured on Science Sistas of the month in May 2021. Click on the image above to read the article and to check out Science Sistas not-for-profit organization.
Dr. Ighodaro was featured in the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement panel talk on Tuesday, June 8th. Click on the image above to watch the video. You’ll get to listen to three medical professionals talk about “Aging and Your Brain: What’s Normal, What’s Not?”
"In 2019, Dr. Ighodaro became the first African-American female to graduate from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine's MD/PhD combined degree program, paving the way for future learners." Click on the image above to read more about the article that UK did about Dr. Eseosa Ighodaro MD, Ph.D.
Dr. Ighodaro was featured on Science on Tap podcast. Talking about what it’s like to get an MD and a Ph.D. at the same time. Find out what inspired her to study brains and about her interest in the racial disparities of People of Color. Click on the image above to listen to the podcast.
Dr. Ighodaro was featured on Battle Cry podcast. Talking about her education with M.D. and Ph.D. journey, what she would like to do after her residency, and also talks about how she mentors students and creates educational videos for students. Click on the image above to listen to the podcast.
Before Dr. Ighodaro graduated from UK, they made a video talking about her journey during college and what it meant to be making black history at UK. Click on the image above to be taken to a video.