Voices of HMSOM: Ihionkhan Realizes His Calling

It’s often when we see suffering first-hand—and experience a feeling of powerlessness to help—that we find our drive to change our place in that situation.

Such is the case with Emmanuel Ihionkhan, a fourth-year medical student at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine. Ihionkhan may not have always known he wanted to be a physician, but his journey into medicine began at a young age, growing up in Auchi, Nigeria.

“I was able to witness the challenges of accessing quality healthcare,” Ihionkhan said after losing his cousin to lupus at age 16. “That was a pivotal moment for me.”

It was out of that moment of personal loss that Ihionkhan truly understood the discrepancies of public healthcare for underserved populations, and subsequently realized his calling.

“It really inspired me to pursue medicine as a way of helping other people make a difference in their lives, especially those without adequate resources,” Ihionkhan said.

Today, Ihionkhan is poised to graduate in the summer with both his Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine M.D. and an MBA from the Stillman School of Business at Seton Hall University, a program which is partnered between the two institutions. From there, he will pursue his residency in Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, a specialty inspired by his time as a professional in the pharmaceutical industry, and the guiding hand of a great mentor—HMSOM associate professor and interventional radiologist Dr. Pranav Shah—who showed him his potential in the field.

“The ‘a-ha’ moment came when my mentor introduced me to an amazing interventional radiologist at Hackensack University Medical Center, whose name is Dr. George Ferrone,” remembered Ihionkhan. “I don’t think he remembers this, but shadowing him was eye-opening for me. It was really amazing to see how interventional radiology could combine cutting-edge technology with real-time patient care to make a difference and tangible impact in patients’ lives.”

In that short time shadowing Dr. Ferrone, Ihionkhan knew what he wanted to do, “and I don’t think I’ve looked back since.”

“Emmanuel Ihionkhan has brought a wealth of experience, proficiency, and drive in achieving excellence as an outstanding medical student,” said Jeffrey Boscamp, M.D., the president and dean of the school. “He thirsts for knowledge and always seeks to help. That makes him an outstanding M.D. candidate.”

FOLLOWING A PERSONAL VISION

Ihionkhan moved to the United States at age 18 to pursue his education and make his way in the world. He parlayed a bachelor’s degree at Kean University in cell and molecular biology—and another in psychology—wth a master’s degree in biomedical sciences from Rutgers University. He attributes such achievement to his upbringing.

“I think my parents instilled in me the value of hard work, discipline and education,” said Ihionkhan. “Moving to the U.S. to pursue my dreams really taught me a lot about resilience, determination, and independence, and I was able to stay dedicated to my goals with that training.”

Ihionkhan spent the next several years professionally in a lab setting, advancing in the leadership ranks as an expert in cell processing, microbiology, and laboratory technology, helping to manufacture CAR-T cells for cancer treatments in the pharmaceutical industry.

“That really taught me the importance of precision medicine and problem solving,” reflected Ihionkhan of his experience. “It helped me create a strong foundation for understanding the disease process, which made medical school a little bit easier for me and complemented the diagnostic focus of radiology.”

Ihionkhan also credits his experience for honing his work ethic, attention to detail, and resilience to help him handle both the short- and long-term processes of school on a macro level.

LIFE WITH A MISSION

“The Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine was the only medical school in New Jersey that I applied to,” Ihionkhan revealed. “The unique curriculum at HMSOM which allows students to complete the MD/MBA program in four years was a unique opportunity for me.”

Ihionkhan was also drawn to the Human Dimension program at HMSOM, a pillar of the curriculum which immerses students in the community to provide context behind being a healthcare provider.

“That was a highlight for me,” said Ihionkhan. “I was able to create an organization with my peers to address the delays in pediatric health screenings, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Ihionkhan was also connected with a Spanish-speaking family through the program, and said he learned to be an active and attentive listener in helping them to navigate the complexities of an often-confusing healthcare system.

“It also reminded me that healthcare doesn’t end at the hospital, rather it extends into the community and everyday life.”

From there, Ihionkhan seized every opportunity he could. He served on several committees, gained valuable leadership experience as a regional alliance leadership development intern for the Student National Medical Association (SNMA), and provided mentorship to fellow and aspiring medical students along the way.

Ihionkhan wished he had even more opportunity in his extracurricular activities, but said his mentorship experience through PriMES helped him to provide resources to med students while reinforcing his commitment to diversity in healthcare. His mentorship came from having wonderful mentors that “instilled confidence that I can achieve anything,” a feeling he wanted to impart to others. Finally, his committee membership with organizations like the Society of Interventional Radiology and American College of Radiology helped him keep a finger on the pulse of innovation in healthcare, and improvement on healthcare delivery. All three facets enriched his career as a med student.

“I like to keep a full plate,” joked Ihionkhan about such ambitious pursuits, “and I’m pretty much a servant leader.”

Building from all of these experiences, Ihionkhan has a professional goal of being a great, well-rounded physician, with a long-term goal of addressing the gaps in healthcare abroad that made him want to become a doctor in the first place.

“I want to go back to the community that raised me and establish something in Nigeria,” said Ihionkhan about his passion for global healthcare. “My goal is to help as many people as I can and make a lasting impact on their lives”.”

DRAWING STRENGTH FROM FAMILY

Through all his hard work and dedication, Ihionkhan credits his close-knit family for being supportive of him through his journey.

“Growing up, life wasn’t always easy,” recalled Ihionkhan,”but I’m very grateful for my upbringing.”

Ihionkhan grew up with two sisters and one brother, who have pursued education and professional success with the same work ethic and dedication he has. He also has an uncle who is a physician and a cousin completing residency.

“My uncle has been through it coming from Nigeria and being successful here in the U.S., “ said Ihionkhan. “He’s really supported me in all aspects and has been a solid character in my life.”

From all this support, Ihionkhan remains dedicated to maintaining relationships and staying in touch with his family and loved ones, despite being separated in most cases by at least one ocean.

“It’s hard, but it’s life,” said Ihionkhan.

Through his time at HMSOM, Ihionkhan uses his personal and professional experience to advise young med students, “Enjoy the journey and have fun. It goes by incredibly fast. I still look back and can remember my first day of medical school and it’s just crazy now that it’s ending,” he said.

“If I had to go back, I don’t think I would change anything. It’s been a great experience, all around.”