Bio: Dr. Eseosa Ighodaro, M.D., Ph.D.

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. 

How Did I Get Started

Saying I love science is an understatement! If science was a person I would marry them in a heartbeat! I was always a phenomenal science student growing up and I just knew I had to make this my life. When I went to college, I assumed that if you love science, you major into a scientific discipline. That’s how I majored in biology, and I was able to study genetics, cell biology, and neuroscience. Overall, I fell in love with all of the opportunities that University of Kentucky had to offer me. One day my professor approached me and told me “You ask a lot of phenomenal questions. Have you thought about grad school?” Until this point, I never had thought about graduate school and this interaction lead me to a new opportunity.

The Opportunities

I had many opportunities during my college years. I was able to work in different research labs like Conductive Research at the University of Kentucky. Then I went to Stanford for one summer and worked in the Development Biology. I got an offer to study abroad in France, Spain, and London to do research in Neuroimmunology, and I fell in love with research. When exploring all of these opportunities I came to a crossroads in my life. “I love research and I love medicine. What am I going to do?” Then someone told me that I don’t have to decide on just one topic, that I can do both! I decided to stay at the University of Kentucky and enroll in the M.D./Ph.D. program.

Why Neuroscience?

I chose Neuroscience because it was the hardest class in medical school. It kicked me in the behind, but I just loved thinking about the brain. There were just many mysteries and puzzles that I was fascinated regarding the brain. I knew I had to make my research project about neuroscience. I came back to medical school and decided, “You know what? I love neuroscience, and I have a Ph.D. in neuroscience. I’m going to be a neurologist!” This is how it all came together.

Personals Goals

“I think there’s more to racial differences and diseases than genetics because we live in a society where racism unfortunately exists, so I study how racism and the stress of being oppressed affect our health. It can lead people of color to be more prone to stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, etc. I want to continue learning about this and start understanding how I can better my work.”

Last Updated: 2/1/2026