Chika C. Okafor named president-elect of veterinary epidemiology society, highlighting One Health focus

Chika C. Okafor, an associate professor at the University of Tennessee, has been appointed president-elect of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine’s epidemiology specialty, emphasising his leadership in veterinary epidemiology and One Health initiatives.

Chika C. Okafor, associate professor and director of veterinary public health at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, has been named president-elect of the Epidemiology Specialty of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, the university said. The appointment underlines his long involvement in veterinary public health, epidemiology and One Health, the college’s framework for linking animal, human and environmental health.

According to the University of Tennessee, Mr Okafor said epidemiology appealed to him because it moves the focus from individual cases to population-level patterns, risk and prevention. He has argued that the discipline gives veterinarians the evidence base needed for decision-making across clinical work, research, government and industry.

The ACVPM, an AVMA-recognised specialty body, certifies veterinarians in preventive medicine and epidemiology. Its epidemiology specialty recognises diplomates with expertise in teaching, research or practice, and seeks to advance the field’s use and development.

Mr Okafor has also played a substantial role in training the next generation of specialists. At Tennessee, he mentors veterinary and public health trainees and has helped develop diplomates in both general preventive medicine and epidemiology. His own interests include food safety, infectious disease surveillance, antimicrobial resistance and preventive medicine education.