Ebima Clifford Okundaye, MD, FASN, FACP
Nephrologist
Managing Partner of Premier Renal Clinic
President of Golgotha Pharmaceutical LLC
— MEDICAL SCHOOL —
University of Benin, Nigeria
— INTERNAL MEDICINE RESIDENCY —
Internal Medicine Residency—Queens Hospital Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Geriatric Fellowship—University of Rochester
Nephrology Fellowship—New York Hospital of Queens
What is your current position?
I am a nephrologist in Houston, Texas; Managing Partner of Premier Renal Clinic; and President of Golgotha Pharmaceutical LLC.
Where did you attend medical school and postgrad training?
My medical school and undergraduate degree was at University of Benin, Nigeria, with a residency in internal medicine at Queens Hospital Mount Sinai School of Medicine, a geriatric fellowship at University of Rochester, and a nephrology fellowship at New York Hospital of Queens.
Why did you choose to become a physician?
Being a physician is challenging, and I love challenges. However, I chose to become a physician thanks to my educational system, where I had the privilege of a wide overview of several areas that I found intriguing. I loved archaeology, was fascinated by history, was enthused by electrical systems, and loved to play with numbers. However, I never wanted a career in any of these areas. It came down to the principle of elimination. There were no doctors in my family. I was fascinated by the human body and how it works; in my mind’s view, it was a perfect system that needed more exploration.
What field of internal medicine did you select and why?
Internal medicine and a subspecialty of nephrology. I chose nephrology because my first rotation during internship was in the renal unit, and I was moved by the patients. I wanted an area where I can positively impact patients by improving their quality of life. I also wanted to be in a field where l could see a 360° view of the physiology and workings of every part of the body. I didn’t want to be limited in my practice of medicine.
Please describe a typical day in your practice.
A typical day starts at 7:00 a.m. with rounding and teaching. I attend to patients in the clinic between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. I then review patients receiving dialysis and attend to consults. I cannot tell when the day ends.
What are some of your special interests professionally?
I am interested in finding permanent solutions to kidney replacement and researching toward this vigorously.
What are your interests and hobbies outside of medicine?
I enjoy traveling, reading novels, and watching movies.
What advice would you like to share with medical students, or what do you wish someone would have told you while you were in medical school?
Medicine is a journey, ensure you live a balanced life, and no one is an island.
Which living person do you most admire?
My mother.
What is your most treasured possession?
My Christian values.
What is your motto?
Be intentional, rise up, and become established in your career.