Kingsley Okai, MD

Why I chose general surgery as a career: I spent the first few years of my life living in rural Africa, where health care providers were local herbalists and self-trained “surgeons.” Growing up, I began to appreciate the impact these men and women have on the community; however, it was during the several weeks of informational overload and long hours in the OR in medical school that I finally realized my dreams. I wanted to use my physical skills to operate and my mental capacities to make quick decisions that could ultimately save lives. I loved the operating room. I found the general surgery cases riveting, and I couldn’t see myself in any other specialty. More than the operations themselves, I was impressed with the breadth of understanding and commitment required of surgeons.

Why I chose the IU School of Medicine General Surgery Residency Program: I wanted to train in a surgical program that preeminently provides a comprehensive clinical and a rich academic experience for its residents. Indiana University School of Medicine’s nationally ranked surgery program has a high-quality faculty with impressive resumes and many research funded programs that are available for residents during the academic development years. One of the main reasons why I chose this program is the Global Health opportunity program through its partnership with Moi University in Kenya. I was excited by the opportunity to participate in this global surgery experience in my residency training.

Professional/Research Interests: My professional interests are varied and lie primarily in two domains. First, I have always been interested in translational research in cancer biology and molecular pathology and I look forward to developing this throughout the course of my surgical career. My other passion lies in Global Health. One of the main reasons I chose a career in surgery is to have the ability to directly alleviate the suffering of people who would otherwise not be served. I envision myself specializing in endocrine surgery, dividing my time between practice in the US and leading surgical mission trips abroad to provide effective healthcare and patient education to those less fortunate.

Personal Interests/Hobbies: On my weekend off, I like to have friends over to watch European soccer leagues. I like to try out different restaurants in downtown; I enjoy playing soccer, attending church service, working out, cooking, and taking road trips, especially to Chicago. I enjoy live jazz music and comedy shows. And I finally decided to take swimming lessons!