Chidiebere Emmanuel Okechukwu, PhD, FRSPH

Dr.

Positions

Healthcare scientist , University Hospitals Plymouth NHS trust 2022 -

Location

Plymouth

Devon

Pl68DH

United Kingdom

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Member of

Royal society for public health Fellow 2023 -

Clinical Activities

Clinical echocardiography Clinical echocardiographer 2023 -

Research Overview

Academic Qualifications: PhD ( 2023, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy); MSc (2019, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy); BSc ( 2015, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria).

Dr Chidiebere Emmanuel Okechukwu, PhD, FRSPH, stands as a distinguished figure in the domains of healthcare science, particularly in clinical echocardiography and public health. His relentless pursuit of knowledge and commitment to improving health outcomes have carved out a notable career characterised by excellence and dedication.

Early Life and Education

Born in Aba, Nigeria, Dr Okechukwu showed an early interest in the sciences, particularly the intricacies of human physiology. This fascination led him to Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria, where he completed his Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Physiology, with a particular focus on cardiovascular physiology. Chidiebere furthered his education in Italy, earning a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Physical Activity and Health Promotion from the University of Rome, Tor Vergata. Here he specialised in cardiac rehabilitation, which was pivotal in shaping his understanding of the interplay between physical health and cardiac disease management. His academic journey continued as he pursued a Postgraduate Certificate with Distinction in Clinical Echocardiography from the University of the West of England. This rigorous training enabled him to master echocardiography, a critical diagnostic tool for assessing cardiovascular health.

Advanced Studies and Specialisation

Dr. Chidiebere Okechukwu's quest for knowledge did not cease after attaining his initial degrees. He pursued a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in infectious diseases, microbiology, and public health at the prestigious Sapienza University of Rome. Specialising in health promotion and health protection, he focused on designing effective policies and strategies to address communicable disease outbreaks and manage infection incidence. His research contributed valuable insights into public health practices and interventions.

Professional Experience and Contributions

With over five years of experience in clinical science and public health, Dr. Okechukwu has made significant contributions to the healthcare sector. His career is marked by a combination of clinical practice, policy design, and program implementation. As an adept healthcare scientist, he specialises in monitoring and assessing public health programs, enabling him to identify gaps and opportunities for improvement in health service delivery.

Dr Okechukwu's expertise in transthoracic echocardiography allows him to provide high-quality care for patients with cardiovascular conditions. His proficiency in this area enables timely and accurate diagnoses, which are essential for effective treatment and management of heart diseases. This skill is particularly crucial as cardiovascular health remains one of the leading concerns in global health. In the realm of public health, Dr. Chidiebere Emmanuel Okechukwu is recognised for his ability to manage health services research at multiple levels, ranging from local community health initiatives to national programs. His strategic vision and hands-on approach have been instrumental in driving successful public health initiatives aimed at tackling infectious diseases.

Research and advocacy

Dr Okechukwu’s research endeavours delve deep into the intersection of healthcare delivery, infectious diseases, and public health threats. He has more than 100 publications in healthcare science in reputable journals worldwide. As a Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health (FRSPH), Dr Chidiebere is committed to continuous professional development and advocacy for best practices in public health. His fellowship status signifies his dedication to public health practice and his contributions to the field. He actively engages with peers and emerging professionals, sharing his knowledge and experiences to inspire the next generation of healthcare leaders.

Nursing workplace health research

Dr. Chidiebere Emmanuel Okechukwu stands out in the medical research community for his significant contributions to understanding the mental health challenges faced by healthcare professionals, particularly nurses. His groundbreaking research on the correlation between working night shifts and the prevalence of depression among nurses has illuminated critical insights into occupational health. Given the growing recognition of mental health as a paramount concern within the healthcare profession, his work provides an essential foundation for future studies and interventions.
In his research, Dr. Okechukwu meticulously analysed the implications of night shift work on nurses' mental health. Nurses frequently endure erratic schedules with extended shifts that often trade normal circadian rhythms for the demands of healthcare delivery. This abnormal work pattern can lead to various psychological issues, with depression being a prominent concern. Dr. Okechukwu employed a robust methodological approach, utilising quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gather comprehensive data on the experiences of nursing staff regarding night shifts.
His findings revealed a significant link between working night shifts and increased rates of depression among nurses. Critical factors identified included disrupted sleep patterns, social isolation, and the accumulation of chronic stress due to the high-stakes nature of the job. Dr. Okechukwu's research has been instrumental in highlighting the need for systemic changes in nursing schedules, advocating for institutional policies that allow for better work-life balance, mental health support, and awareness programs targeted at mitigating the negative effects of night shift work.
The implications of Dr. Okechukwu's research are far reaching. By demonstrating the detrimental effects of night shift work on mental health, he has not only contributed to academic discourse but also informed policy changes within healthcare institutions. His findings have prompted discussions about the importance of mental health resources tailored for nursing staff and the necessity for workplaces to implement strategies that could alleviate the psychological burden of shift work. Moreover, Dr. Okechukwu’s work encourages a broader acknowledgement of health professionals' mental health needs and highlights the ethical responsibility of healthcare systems to safeguard the well-being of their employees.

Future research interests: echocardiography and heart failure diagnosis

Building upon his solid training in clinical echocardiography, Dr. Okechukwu is now pivoting towards a promising area of research focused on echocardiography in the diagnosis of heart failure. The decision to shift attention to cardiovascular health stems from an observed intersection between cardiovascular health and chronic physical and mental conditions.
In modern medicine, echocardiography serves as a pivotal tool for the diagnosis and management of heart failure. Dr. Okechukwu’s area of investigation will explore the nuances of echocardiographic imaging techniques and their effectiveness in early detection and monitoring of heart failure symptoms in primary practices. He intends to assess the potential of advanced echocardiographic modalities, such as strain imaging, to identify subtle changes in cardiac function that could herald the onset of heart failure.
This research is poised to contribute significantly to the field of cardiology, emphasising not only the diagnostic capabilities of echocardiography but also its role in guiding therapeutic interventions. By integrating his expertise in mental health with cardiovascular research, Dr. Okechukwu aims to foster a comprehensive understanding of how psychological factors impact cardiovascular conditions and vice versa, ultimately contributing to improved clinical outcomes for patients experiencing both mental and physical health challenges.
Dr. Chidiebere Emmanuel Okechukwu's research accomplishments highlight the critical connection between mental health and cardiovascular well-being, particularly in high-stress environments. His pioneering work on the implications of night shift work promotes necessary discussions on mental health support for nurses, ultimately aiming to enhance their quality of life and work conditions. As he embarks on his future research in echocardiography, Dr. Okechukwu continues to exemplify a commitment to bridging gaps in understanding the interplay between mental health and chronic illness, promising a significant impact on both individual patient care and broader healthcare strategies.

Keywords

Cardiology, echocardiography, public health, epidemiology

Clin-STAR Database

Chidiebere Emmanuel Okechukwu, PhD, FRSPH

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