Infectious diseases remain one of the greatest health challenges of our time, demanding expertise, innovation, and compassion. In Memphis, one physician has consistently shown all three qualities. Dr. Chinelo Okafor-Animalu, often referred to as Dr. Chi, has become a trusted authority in clinical medicine, academic research, and community outreach. Her speciality is infectious diseases, sexually transmitted diseases in Memphis, Tennessee, and her work continues to shape the future of patient care and public health education.
Early education and medical training
Dr. Okafor-Animalu began her journey in Nigeria, where she completed her MBBS/MD at the University of Nigeria in Enugu. After earning her medical degree, she set her sights on the United States to advance her training. She joined the Internal Medicine residency program at St. Joseph Hospital in Chicago, which is affiliated with the University of Illinois, and later completed her fellowship in Infectious Diseases at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis.
Recognizing the importance of public health knowledge, she also pursued a Master of Public Health from Tulane University in New Orleans. This combination of medical and public health training gave her a unique perspective, enabling her to care for individuals while also addressing broader population health issues.
Professional credentials and achievements
Throughout her career, Dr. Okafor-Animalu has built a reputation for excellence. She is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases by the American Board of Internal Medicine, a distinction that confirms her clinical expertise. She has also been elected a Fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America and a Fellow of the American College of Physicians. These fellowships are granted to physicians who demonstrate exceptional contributions to medicine, leadership in their fields, and dedication to advancing patient care.
These credentials highlight her role as both a physician and a thought leader. She is respected not only for her medical knowledge but also for her ability to bring that expertise into practice in ways that directly improve patient outcomes.
Academic leadership in Memphis
Dr. Chi currently serves as an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. In this role, she educates medical students, residents, and fellows, preparing the next generation of physicians to tackle emerging and ongoing infectious disease threats.
Her academic work is deeply connected to her clinical practice as an Infectious Disease Attending Physician at Methodist University Hospital. Her areas of expertise include HIV management, transplant infections, antimicrobial stewardship, orthopedic infections, and hospital-acquired infections. She is known for her ability to manage complex cases, often involving patients with weakened immune systems or multiple underlying conditions.
Bridging medicine and public health through Vicada Healthcare Services
Beyond her hospital and academic roles, Dr. Okafor-Animalu founded Vicada Healthcare Services, where she serves as CEO. Vicada provides consulting on infection prevention, control, and patient-care management across the United States and internationally.
Her work through Vicada has had a significant impact in Nigeria, where she collaborates with local hospitals to train healthcare professionals in managing infectious diseases. This cross-continental effort demonstrates her belief that healthcare solutions should not be limited by geography. By sharing best practices and providing training, she strengthens systems both locally in Memphis and abroad.
Medical Class 901: Bringing health education to the community
One of Dr. Chi’s most innovative projects is her role as host of the television program Medical Class 901, which airs on Xfinity cable. This show is dedicated to educating Mid-South communities about infectious diseases. Each episode addresses pressing health concerns such as HIV prevention, influenza, sexually transmitted infections, antimicrobial resistance, and sepsis awareness.
Filmed in a studio setting, Medical Class 901 offers viewers straightforward explanations of medical issues that might otherwise seem overwhelming. The show reflects her commitment to bridging the gap between medical professionals and the public. By making complex health information understandable, she empowers families to make informed choices and protect their health.
Recognition as a health leader
Her contributions have earned her recognition beyond the classroom and clinic. In 2025, she was named a finalist in the Memphis Business Journal’s Health Care Heroes Awards for Community Outreach. This award acknowledged her efforts to use her expertise not only in patient care but also in improving community health outcomes.
Such recognition underscores the importance of her work and the way she combines academic medicine with accessible public education. It shows that her influence extends well beyond her hospital and university roles.
Research contributions
Dr. Okafor-Animalu has also published extensively in medical literature, contributing valuable research to the field of infectious diseases. Her work has covered a wide range of subjects, including:
- The impact of HIV status and comorbidities on outcomes in COVID-19 patients.
- Risks of prolonged antibiotic therapy and its role in resistance.
- Rare and emerging infections such as Cyclospora, Streptococcus gallolyticus, Ehrlichiosis, and Legionnaires’ disease.
- Case studies highlighting diagnostic challenges in immunocompromised patients, including one on disseminated histoplasmosis and hemophagocytosis in the Histo Belt region of the United States.
These publications provide both local and international healthcare professionals with insights that directly influence patient care and clinical decision-making.
Tackling sexually transmitted diseases in Memphis
In Memphis, sexually transmitted diseases remain a critical health issue. Rates of HIV, syphilis, and other STIs are higher than national averages, creating an urgent need for awareness and treatment. Dr. Okafor-Animalu’s speciality is infectious diseases, sexually transmitted diseases in Memphis, Tennessee, and she dedicates much of her outreach to addressing these challenges.
Her approach includes encouraging routine testing, highlighting the importance of early treatment, and educating communities about preventive tools such as PrEP and PEP for HIV. She works to reduce stigma, reminding people that sexually transmitted infections are medical conditions that can be managed effectively. By taking this compassionate and evidence-based approach, she removes barriers to care and ensures more people receive the help they need.
Memberships and civic involvement
Dr. Chi is active in several professional organizations that extend her reach and influence. She is a member of the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas, through which she supports programs that connect U.S.-based doctors with healthcare systems in Africa. She also participates in the Southern Society for Clinical Investigation, an organization dedicated to advancing clinical research and collaboration in the Southern United States.
These roles allow her to contribute to discussions that shape policies, research priorities, and professional development for physicians across the country and internationally.
Finding more about her professional work
For those who want to explore her professional journey further, her LinkedIn profile provides an overview of her education, certifications, clinical roles, and outreach activities. It is a resource for colleagues, students, and collaborators who want to connect with her initiatives and contributions.
Why her story matters today
Infectious diseases have always posed a threat to communities, but today the stakes are even higher with global pandemics, drug-resistant bacteria, and rising rates of sexually transmitted infections. Dr. Okafor-Animalu’s work addresses these challenges head-on. She shows how a physician can integrate clinical expertise, teaching, and community engagement to create a comprehensive impact on public health.
Her combination of research, patient care, and community outreach ensures that Memphis and the wider Mid-South have access to expert leadership at a time when it is needed most. Her global collaborations further demonstrate that lessons learned in one part of the world can benefit communities everywhere.
Inspiring progress in healthcare
As she continues to expand her work through research, teaching, and media, Dr. Chi remains a powerful example of what healthcare leadership looks like in practice. She inspires young physicians to see their roles not only as caregivers but also as educators and advocates. Her career illustrates the profound impact one person can make when they combine scientific knowledge with a passion for service.
Through her dedication, Memphis gains more than a doctor. The city gains a teacher, a voice of reason in public health, and a champion for communities often left behind. Her journey shows how medical professionals can shape healthier futures, not only by treating disease but by building cultures of health and prevention.
