Igho Ofotokun Embarks on New Journey
Igho Ofotokun, MD, MSc (Emory), has stepped down as co-chair of the Mentoring, Career Development and Training Committee (MCDC) to pursue an exciting new opportunity as the Chair of Medicine at University Hospitals/Case Western in Cleveland, Ohio.
As he departs for this new opportunity, the IDCRC is thrilled to welcome Zanthia Wiley, MD (Emory), into this role, as of August 1, 2025. She shares the following about her former mentor. “Having Dr. O as my primary mentor over the past five years has been a MasterClass in mentorship. He challenged and motivated me to be my best. He held me accountable, served as a sounding board, provided constructive feedback, and shared opportunities, advice, and experiences that have helped me attain many of my career dreams. I am incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to be guided by him and will aim to instill many of the lessons that I learned from him into my own mentees.”
In addition to his work with the IDCRC, he has been an invaluable contributor to the Emory community as a highly respected investigator, clinician, educator, and leader. He has served in several roles and leadership positions, including a Grady Distinguished Professor of Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine and professor of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences at Emory University Rollins School of Public Health. He also worked as a staff physician at Grady Health System and Ponce de Leon Center, the associate dean for research development, Emory School of Medicine, the associate division director for research, infectious diseases division, and co-director of the Emory Center for AIDS Research Clinical Core.
"At a dinner once with many members of Emory leadership in attendance, Igho came and took an open seat at the table with early-stage faculty, and stayed, engaging with us for essentially the entire evening. This spoke volumes about Igho’s priorities. His passion for mentorship and his support of the next generation are authentic and deep. Thank you, Igho, for making time in your busy and impactful career for us," says Erin Scherer, PhD, Emory VTEU.
The network extends our gratitude to Dr. Ofotokun for his many years of service, leadership, and dedication as co-chair of this program. We wish him the best in his new role and look forward to the continued success and contributions he will bring to the field.
“I want to thank Igho for his many contributions to the IDCRC, but especially his work in the IDCRC Mentoring and Career Development program for junior investigators. He has been spectacular as a leader, mentor, role model, and enthusiastic supporter of young investigators. We wish him all the best as the new Chair of Medicine at Case Western Reserve and University Hospitals in Cleveland," shares David Stephens, MD, IDCRC contact PI and Leadership Group chair.
"Working with Igho throughout three cohorts of the MCDC has been a real pleasure. Although he spreads his time across many programs and studies, he is always kind and engaging with the mentees, shares his personal experiences, and is eager to spend time with them one-on-one. He will be missed at the IDCRC," shares Kellei Johnstone, project director, IDCRC Leadership Operations Center.
Dr. Ofotokun reflects on his time with the IDCRC and what's next for him professionally.
Could you briefly describe your experience with the IDCRC?
I have been actively involved with the IDCRC since its inception. I felt tremendously honored when the leadership entrusted me with the responsibility of developing the MCDC with Kathy Edwards, MD (Vanderbilt). Being part of the foundational stages of this program has been both inspiring and rewarding, as it represents a significant effort to foster the growth and development of future leaders in infectious diseases research.
What was your role in developing the MCDC?
My role, alongside Dr. Kathy Edwards, was instrumental in shaping the initial concept and framework of the MCDC. During the application phase, we collaborated with the leadership team to craft a vision that would serve as a cornerstone for supporting early-career scientists. Once the IDCRC was funded, our joint efforts focused on transforming that conceptual framework into a practical, implementable program. Our overarching goal was to establish a mentorship and career development forum tailored to nurturing the next generation of scientists with interests spanning vaccinology and other areas of infectious diseases research. I played a key part in ensuring that the program's design would be both sustainable and impactful in fostering meaningful mentorship experiences and professional growth.
What was a memorable highlight from your time with the MCDC?
One of the most memorable and rewarding aspects of my experience with the MCDC has been witnessing the enthusiasm and commitment of the trainees from the very first cohort through to the present. It has been incredibly gratifying to see them embrace the program’s vision and actively work with us to shape it into the dynamic, career-enhancing forum it is today. Their dedication, feedback, and growth have confirmed that our efforts are making a real difference in their professional journeys. Ultimately, watching these young scientists flourish and take ownership of their careers has been a true highlight and affirmation of the program’s positive impact.
What will your new role entail?
Starting October 1, 2025, I will assume the position of Physician-in-Chief and Chair of the Department of Medicine at University Hospitals/Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. In this new role, I will be responsible for guiding the clinical and academic vision of the department, fostering excellence in patient care, advancing innovative research, and promoting the professional development of faculty and trainees. My focus will be on strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration, expanding educational opportunities, and implementing strategic initiatives that enhance our department’s mission to improve health outcomes and scientific discovery.