When people in Memphis think of trusted medical experts who care about both science and the community, many immediately point to Dr. Chinelo Okafor-Animalu, also known as Dr. Chi. Her career is built on a rare combination of clinical knowledge, public service, and educational outreach. She has made her mark as a professor, practicing physician, researcher, and television host. Her speciality is infectious diseases, sexually transmitted diseases in Memphis, Tennessee, and her influence reaches from hospital wards to living rooms across the Mid-South.
Building strong roots in medicine
Dr. Okafor-Animalu’s story began in Nigeria, where she earned her medical degree from the University of Nigeria in Enugu. After completing her training there, she moved to the United States to continue her education. She entered residency in Internal Medicine at St. Joseph Hospital in Chicago, an affiliate of the University of Illinois, where she refined her clinical skills. This path led her to Memphis for a fellowship in Infectious Diseases at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.
Alongside her medical training, she pursued a Master of Public Health at Tulane University in New Orleans. This added dimension prepared her to look beyond treating individual patients and think about entire communities. It gave her the tools to address not only infections in the clinic but also the larger public health challenges that affect people’s daily lives.
Professional recognition and fellowships
Dr. Chi’s qualifications go far beyond her degrees. She is board-certified in both Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases by the American Board of Internal Medicine. These certifications reflect her commitment to the highest standards of care and clinical expertise. She is also a Fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America and a Fellow of the American College of Physicians. These honors are given only to physicians who have distinguished themselves through professional excellence, leadership, and contributions to the field.
Her peers recognize her as a leader whose influence extends from teaching and mentoring to shaping how healthcare systems approach infection prevention.
Academic and clinical responsibilities
As an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, she plays a vital role in teaching medical students, residents, and fellows. Her work in the classroom complements her hands-on practice as an Infectious Disease Attending Physician at Methodist University Hospital.
Her clinical focus spans many areas, including HIV treatment, hospital-acquired infections, transplant-related complications, orthopedic infections, and antimicrobial stewardship. She is frequently called upon for the most complex cases where careful judgment and up-to-date knowledge can mean the difference between recovery and serious complications.
Leading through Vicada Healthcare Services
Dr. Okafor-Animalu’s leadership also extends into entrepreneurship. She is the founder and CEO of Vicada Healthcare Services, a company dedicated to infection prevention, control, and patient-care management. Vicada supports hospitals and clinics in the United States and partners with healthcare providers in Africa.
Through this initiative, she has provided training for doctors, nurses, and pharmacists in Nigeria, focusing on infectious disease management and patient safety. This work highlights her commitment to global health while maintaining her focus on Memphis communities.
Medical Class 901: Health education on television
One of Dr. Chi’s most notable achievements is creating and hosting Medical Class 901, a television program broadcast on Xfinity cable. The show focuses on educating Mid-South communities about infectious diseases, with episodes dedicated to common but misunderstood topics such as HIV, seasonal viruses, sexually transmitted infections, sepsis, and the importance of vaccines.
In the studio, she is filmed explaining medical concepts in plain language, often using examples that connect directly to everyday life. This approach makes health knowledge more approachable and gives families practical tools they can use immediately. Medical Class 901 is proof of her belief that education is a cornerstone of prevention, and that accurate information can save lives.
Recognition as a community health leader
Her dedication has been formally acknowledged. The Memphis Business Journal recognized Dr. Okafor-Animalu as a finalist in the 2025 Health Care Heroes Awards, specifically in the Community Outreach category. This award celebrates her ability to bridge academic medicine with community needs, showing that healthcare leadership is about more than what happens inside hospitals.
Research and publications
As a scholar, Dr. Chi has published research on topics that affect both local and international communities. Her work has explored the relationship between HIV and COVID-19 outcomes, examined the consequences of prolonged antibiotic use, and provided insights into lesser-known infections such as Cyclospora, Streptococcus gallolyticus, Ehrlichiosis, and Legionnaires’ disease.
One of her standout publications focused on disseminated histoplasmosis and hemophagocytosis in HIV patients living in the United States “Histo Belt.” This case study highlighted the difficulty of diagnosing overlapping infections in immunocompromised individuals and emphasized the importance of awareness for healthcare providers.
Addressing sexually transmitted infections in Memphis
Memphis faces significant challenges with high rates of sexually transmitted diseases, making Dr. Chi’s role even more critical. Her speciality is infectious diseases, sexually transmitted diseases in Memphis, Tennessee, and she actively works to combat these public health concerns.
Through her clinic work, TV program, and community outreach, she stresses the importance of routine testing, timely treatment, and prevention strategies. She educates about newer preventive tools such as PrEP and PEP for HIV prevention, and addresses common myths that often create barriers to care. Her compassionate approach helps reduce stigma, encouraging more people to seek the treatment they need.
Professional memberships and civic roles
Dr. Okafor-Animalu is also active in professional organizations that extend her influence beyond Memphis. She is a member of the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas, contributing to initiatives that strengthen ties between U.S. doctors and African healthcare systems. She also participates in the Southern Society for Clinical Investigation, a network of physicians and researchers committed to advancing clinical science across the region.
These affiliations allow her to contribute to broader conversations on healthcare policy, infectious disease research, and best practices in patient care.
Exploring her professional journey online
Those interested in her work can find more about her achievements and affiliations on her LinkedIn profile. There, she shares highlights of her career, including her teaching roles, clinical expertise, and outreach projects. It provides a window into her professional life and is a valuable resource for those who wish to connect with her or learn from her journey.
The significance of her work today
The last few years have reminded the world just how crucial infectious disease specialists are. With global pandemics, the rise of resistant bacteria, and ongoing struggles against HIV and STIs, the role of physicians like Dr. Okafor-Animalu is essential. Her ability to balance clinical care, teaching, research, and public education shows the multidimensional impact of her work.
Her presence in Memphis ensures that families have access not only to expert care but also to reliable information that helps them make informed decisions. At the same time, her contributions abroad strengthen healthcare systems in countries that need additional support.
Inspiring future healthcare leaders
Looking ahead, Dr. Chi is likely to continue expanding her reach through research, teaching, and media. She has already inspired many young professionals to see medicine as more than a career but as a service to humanity. By blending clinical expertise with public outreach, she sets a powerful example of how healthcare professionals can make a difference both inside and outside the hospital.
Her journey illustrates the potential of combining science, compassion, and communication. In Memphis and beyond, she continues to shape healthier communities, strengthen healthcare systems, and inspire the next generation of medical leaders.