We strive to continuously improve the quality of care provided to our patients with the goal of improving population health both in the United States and Cameroon.
Core Values
Professionalism
We maintain the highest standards in competence and integrity in all our activities. We are honest with our patients and maintain strict confidentiality in their care.
Patient-Centered Care
We identify and respect individual patient needs being ever so sensitive to our diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs. We advocate disease prevention and promote healthy lifestyles
Evidence-Based Medicine
We integrate the very best research with our clinical expertise to ensure the delivery to top-notch care to our patients, and participate in learning and research to address medicine’s most pressing needs.
Community Service
We contribute to the growth of our communities and actively engage in nurturing the next generation of medicine and healthcare leaders
Continuous Quality Improvement
Board of Directors
Dr Shirley-Ayuk Takem
Immediate Past President
Dr. Shirley Ayuk-Takem
Argyle, TX
Dr. Shirley Ayuk-Takem, D.O is an ICU physician based out of the Dallas, TX metro area. She is the CEO of Soleil Medical Group and completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, AL obtaining a BS degree in Respiratory Therapy. She worked for a few years as a Registered respiratory therapist and continued on to medical school on scholarship at the School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona which is located in Mesa, AZ. She went on to do an Internal Medicine residency in Detroit, MI and a Critical care medicine fellowship in NJ.
Dr. Cassandra Ndiforchu
Non-Voting Member
Palos Verdes, Califronia
Dr. Cassandra Ndiforchu is a physician with Master of Public Health and Master of Business Administration degrees. She has over twenty years of post-training clinical work; twelve years experience in managed care including: quality management, utilization management, peer review, physician credentialing, contracting, claims medical review, program design, implementation and management, appeals, risk management, and policy development. Experience in the HMO, self-administered and government plans, and private hospital settings.
Dr Tabi Tabe-Ebob
Non-Voting Member
Dr. Emmanuel Enohmbi
Non-Voting Member
Dr. Emmanuel Enohmbi
Board Member
Dr. Emmanuel Enohmbi got his medical degree from University of Benin, Benin-city, Nigeria,followed by private medical practice in Nigeria and Cameroon respectively. He relocated to the United Kingdom where he was a training physician in internal medicine before completing an internal medicine residency from St John’s Episcopal hospital in NewYork.
He practices as a hospitalist for one of the largest non for profit healthcare system in the Nation for which he also serves as a physician leader. He has served as a physician champion for Patient experience and site based medical director for hospitalist medicine. Establishing and intergrating clinical guidelines and processes through a collaborative approach while enhancing physician engagement and improving quality and financial performance. He currently serve as a regional medical director with responsibility over different hospitalist practices including rural, urban acute care and acute rehab practices. He is responsible for physician and ACP recruitment and intergration,care coordination and standardization with focus on improving patient care and financial outcome.
He has a particular interest in care transition and efficiency and has led practice initiatives including choosing wisely an American board of internal medicine foundation initiative which led to more than 6 million dollars cost savings for patients and the healthcare system over a 3yrs period.
He and his wife are own Salexinc and Salex rentals, a real estate development and rental companies respectively and the Sam and Alex Foundation which provides educational support to underprivileged kids and to religious initiatives to communities in Cameroon.
He enjoy spending time with his family, reading, traveling and supporting Carolina Panthers in the Natioal football league and Arsenal Football club in the English premiership.
Dr Efua Leke (Ob/Gyn)
Member
Dr Chris Bime (Pulmonary Critical Care)
Member
Dr. Mathias AL Fobi
Advisor
Interim Treasurer
In 1981, he opened the Center for Surgical Treatment of Obesity in Los Angeles with a multiple disciplinary approach where more than 12,000 patients were treated. Dr. Fobi is a senior staff surgeon (retired) at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. He served as the Medical Director of the Bariatric Surgery Program at St. Mary Medical Center in Long Beach California where he developed an ASMBS accredited Center of Excellence. He also served as the Medical Director of Tri-City Regional Medical Center Bariatric Program in Hawaiian Gardens, CA also an ASMBS accredited Center of Excellence
Dr. Fobi was one of the founding members of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS) in 1983. He has served as the President of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Foundation (ASMBS Foundation) the President of the California Chapter of the ASMBS (CCASMBS) the President of the International Federation for Surgery of Obesity (IFSO) and was the Chairman of the IFSO Board of Trustee 2013-2015. Dr. Fobi is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, the International College of Surgeons and the American College of Nutrition. He is a member of many medical associations, including Los Angeles County Medical Association, Charles Drew Los Angeles Medical Society, the California Medical association, the American College of Nutrition, Los Angeles Surgical Society, Southwestern Surgical Association, National Medical Association, American College of Surgeons, the US Section of the International College of Surgeons and the American Medical Association. He is an honorary member of many International Bariatric Surgery Societies.
Dr. Fobi lectures worldwide, is on several editorial boards, has numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals and has written chapters in books on obesity and Bariatric surgery. Dr. Fobi’s modification of the gastric bypass surgery, the banded gastric bypass, called “The Fobi Pouch”, is one of his major contributions to the field of Bariatric Surgery
He is the founding President of Bariatec Corporation, a medical device company that produces the GaBP Autolock SystemTM that is used in bariatric operations to enhance the restriction mechanism of the operations.
Dr. Fobi’s community involvement dates back to 1967 with his involvement in the Head Start program in Ann Arbor Michigan working with kids. He was President of the sickle cell awareness group in Cincinnati from 1972-74. In the last forty one years in Los Angeles Dr. Fobi has been a very active member in the greater los Angeles community through programs with the Los Angeles Medical association, The Charles Drew medical Society, the International Visitors Council of Los Angeles, the 100 Black Men, the NAACP, the African community, the Cameroon Community, the Nkwen Community, the Bafut Community and various Churches. Dr. Fobi and his wife, through a foundation have been involved in work in Cameroon and particularly his village Nkwen. They sponsored more than 150 students in Cameroon and in America. Dr. Fobi was a big contributor to the birth of multiparty politics in Cameroon. Dr. Fobi’s work has been recognized with coverage in the local, national and international media. He was one of the first African-American profiled on “African Voices” on CNN in 2011. He was featured in Ebony magazine as “Surgeon to the Stars”. Dr. Fobi has received numerous awards including lifetime achievement awards from the Beacon of Hope Foundation, the World Bank, American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and the International Federation for Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic disorders.
Dr. Fobi currently resides in Stone Mountain with his wife, Helen Jean Newton Fobi. They have four daughters—a medical doctor, two lawyers and a business executive. They have two grandchildren.
Dr. Denis Foretia
Advisor
Dr. Denis Foretia
Interim President
Dr. Bertrand Fote
Advisor
Dr. Bertrand Fote
Interim Secretary
Dr. Bonaventure Ngu
Advisor
Dr. Gwen Menga-Fote
Advisor
Houston, TX
ACPA Officers
Raissa Fobi Ngebi
President
Dr Shirley Ayuk-takem
Immediate Past President
Dr. Shirley Ayuk-Takem
Argyle, TX
Dr. Shirley Ayuk-Takem, D.O is an ICU physician based out of the Dallas, TX metro area. She is the CEO of Soleil Medical Group and completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, AL obtaining a BS degree in Respiratory Therapy. She worked for a few years as a Registered respiratory therapist and continued on to medical school on scholarship at the School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona which is located in Mesa, AZ. She went on to do an Internal Medicine residency in Detroit, MI and a Critical care medicine fellowship in NJ.
Founders Club
The Founders Club is made up of individuals who have committed themselves, financially and otherwise, to provide a very solid foundation for this wonderful association. They have dedicated themselves to use their resources and networks to grow the association and deepen its impact. Please contact us if you are interested in joining this distinguished group.
Dr. Ata Atogh
Miami, Florida
Miami, Florida
Dr. Atogho is a part of Miami Metro OBGYN. He is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Atogho is also a member of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
He received various awards which include Dean’s List at Howard University College of Arts and Sciences, Howard University Mitchell – Kiernan Surgical Fellowship Award,Howard University College of Medicine Admissions Office Service Award, and Drexel University College of Medicine 2007 Golden Apple and Stethoscope Award. Dr. Atogho is actively involved in the community through serving as National General Secretary and then Vice President at Cameroon Students’ Association and also raising funds to build the Cameroon Cultural Center.
Dr. Atogho gives each patient his focused attention, and he prides himself on delivering the best treatment available. He believes in listening to each patient and creating a partnership to maintain and improve lifelong health.
Medical School – Howard University, Doctor of Medicine
Internships
Drexel University, 2005, Obstetrics and Gynecology
Howard University Hospital, 2004, Infectious Disease
Residencies
Drexel University, 2008, Obstetrics and Gynecology
Certifications
American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology-Obstetrics and Gynecology
Dr. Shirley Ayuk-Takem
Mullica Hill, New Jersey
Mullica Hill, New Jersey
Her Internship and residency in Internal Medicine were done at St John Macomb-Oakland hospital in Detroit, MI suburbs. She is currently completing a Critical Care Medicine Fellowship in the Philadelphia/South Jersey area.
Currently she holds board certification in Internal Medicine from the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine. She is a member of multiple professional organizations and is passionate about patient care, health promotion, disease prevention and wellness.
When she is not busy caring for her patients, she enjoys spending time with loved ones, travelling, going to museums, leisure reading, going to the movies and going to the beach. She hopes to soon get some “free time” to finally take flying lessons and fulfill her other childhood dream of becoming a pilot.
Dr. Christian Bime
Tucson, Arizona
Dr. Susan Egbe-Tanyi
Salisbury, North Carolina
Dr. Emmanuel Enohmbi
Monroe, North Carolina
Dr. Emmanuel Enohmbi
Board Member
Dr. Emmanuel Enohmbi got his medical degree from University of Benin, Benin-city, Nigeria,followed by private medical practice in Nigeria and Cameroon respectively. He relocated to the United Kingdom where he was a training physician in internal medicine before completing an internal medicine residency from St John’s Episcopal hospital in NewYork.
He practices as a hospitalist for one of the largest non for profit healthcare system in the Nation for which he also serves as a physician leader. He has served as a physician champion for Patient experience and site based medical director for hospitalist medicine. Establishing and intergrating clinical guidelines and processes through a collaborative approach while enhancing physician engagement and improving quality and financial performance. He currently serve as a regional medical director with responsibility over different hospitalist practices including rural, urban acute care and acute rehab practices. He is responsible for physician and ACP recruitment and intergration,care coordination and standardization with focus on improving patient care and financial outcome.
He has a particular interest in care transition and efficiency and has led practice initiatives including choosing wisely an American board of internal medicine foundation initiative which led to more than 6 million dollars cost savings for patients and the healthcare system over a 3yrs period.
He and his wife are own Salexinc and Salex rentals, a real estate development and rental companies respectively and the Sam and Alex Foundation which provides educational support to underprivileged kids and to religious initiatives to communities in Cameroon.
He enjoy spending time with his family, reading, traveling and supporting Carolina Panthers in the Natioal football league and Arsenal Football club in the English premiership.
Dr. Arnold Etame
Tampa, Florida
Dr. Arnold Etame
Tampa, Florida
Education & Training
BOARD CERTIFICATION:
Neurological Surgery
FELLOWSHIP:
Labbatt Brain Tumour Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto – Neurosurgery Oncology
RESIDENCY:
University of Michigan Medical Center – Neurosurgery
MEDICAL SCHOOL:
University of Iowa College of Medicine – MD
Dr. Mathias A. L.
Fobi Stone Mountain, Georgia
Interim Treasurer
In 1981, he opened the Center for Surgical Treatment of Obesity in Los Angeles with a multiple disciplinary approach where more than 12,000 patients were treated. Dr. Fobi is a senior staff surgeon (retired) at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. He served as the Medical Director of the Bariatric Surgery Program at St. Mary Medical Center in Long Beach California where he developed an ASMBS accredited Center of Excellence. He also served as the Medical Director of Tri-City Regional Medical Center Bariatric Program in Hawaiian Gardens, CA also an ASMBS accredited Center of Excellence
Dr. Fobi was one of the founding members of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS) in 1983. He has served as the President of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Foundation (ASMBS Foundation) the President of the California Chapter of the ASMBS (CCASMBS) the President of the International Federation for Surgery of Obesity (IFSO) and was the Chairman of the IFSO Board of Trustee 2013-2015. Dr. Fobi is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, the International College of Surgeons and the American College of Nutrition. He is a member of many medical associations, including Los Angeles County Medical Association, Charles Drew Los Angeles Medical Society, the California Medical association, the American College of Nutrition, Los Angeles Surgical Society, Southwestern Surgical Association, National Medical Association, American College of Surgeons, the US Section of the International College of Surgeons and the American Medical Association. He is an honorary member of many International Bariatric Surgery Societies.
Dr. Fobi lectures worldwide, is on several editorial boards, has numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals and has written chapters in books on obesity and Bariatric surgery. Dr. Fobi’s modification of the gastric bypass surgery, the banded gastric bypass, called “The Fobi Pouch”, is one of his major contributions to the field of Bariatric Surgery
He is the founding President of Bariatec Corporation, a medical device company that produces the GaBP Autolock SystemTM that is used in bariatric operations to enhance the restriction mechanism of the operations.
Dr. Fobi’s community involvement dates back to 1967 with his involvement in the Head Start program in Ann Arbor Michigan working with kids. He was President of the sickle cell awareness group in Cincinnati from 1972-74. In the last forty one years in Los Angeles Dr. Fobi has been a very active member in the greater los Angeles community through programs with the Los Angeles Medical association, The Charles Drew medical Society, the International Visitors Council of Los Angeles, the 100 Black Men, the NAACP, the African community, the Cameroon Community, the Nkwen Community, the Bafut Community and various Churches. Dr. Fobi and his wife, through a foundation have been involved in work in Cameroon and particularly his village Nkwen. They sponsored more than 150 students in Cameroon and in America. Dr. Fobi was a big contributor to the birth of multiparty politics in Cameroon. Dr. Fobi’s work has been recognized with coverage in the local, national and international media. He was one of the first African-American profiled on “African Voices” on CNN in 2011. He was featured in Ebony magazine as “Surgeon to the Stars”. Dr. Fobi has received numerous awards including lifetime achievement awards from the Beacon of Hope Foundation, the World Bank, American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and the International Federation for Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic disorders.
Dr. Fobi currently resides in Stone Mountain with his wife, Helen Jean Newton Fobi. They have four daughters—a medical doctor, two lawyers and a business executive. They have two grandchildren.
Dr. Denis Foretia
Baltimore, Maryland
Dr. Denis Foretia
Interim President
Dr. Bertrand Fote
Miami, Florida
Dr. Bertrand Fote
Interim Secretary
Dr. Emmanuel Menga
San Antonio, TX
Dr. Emmanuel Menga
San Antonio, Texas
Dr. Corentine Kwende Ako
Dallas-Forth Worth, Texas
Dr. Corentine Kwende-Ako
Dallas – Forth Worth, TX
Dr. Efua Leke
Houston, Texas
Dr. Efua Leke
Houston, Texas
Dr. Roland Iboni
Miami, Florida
He is survived by his wife, Flo Iboni of McKinney, Texas; children, Julius Iboni, Roland Iboni Jr, Etoile Iboni and Mina Iboni all of McKinney, Texas; brother, Kenneth Ikpeme Nigeria West Africa; and sister, Florence Ikpeme of London.
Dr. Iboni is preceded in death by his mother, Jacobine Ekeni Ikpeme.
A funeral service will be held at Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church, on Saturday, December 3, 2016 at 2pm in Allen, Texas. Interment will follow at Ridgeview Memorial Park. The family will receive friends during a visitation being held Friday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home in Allen, Texas.
Dr. Fombe Ndiforchu
Palos Verdes, CA
Dr. Cassandra Ndiforchu
Palos Verdes, CA
Palos Verdes, Califronia
Dr. Cassandra Ndiforchu is a physician with Master of Public Health and Master of Business Administration degrees. She has over twenty years of post-training clinical work; twelve years experience in managed care including: quality management, utilization management, peer review, physician credentialing, contracting, claims medical review, program design, implementation and management, appeals, risk management, and policy development. Experience in the HMO, self-administered and government plans, and private hospital settings.
Dr. Bonaventure Ngu
The Woodlands, Texas
The delicate and complex composition of the spine requires the expertise of a specialist. Dr. Ngu, a board certified orthopaedic surgeon with fellowship training in spinal surgery, is highly qualified to diagnose and treat a multitude of disorders affecting the cervical (neck) and lumbar spine (lower back). He specializes in relieving back and neck pain resulting from degenerative conditions, deformity, and injuries.
PROFESSIONAL POSITIONS:
Premier Spine Institute, Woodlands, TX
CEO
June 2012-Present
www.premierspineinstitute.com
Orthopaedic Spine Surgery
Sadler Clinic – The Woodlands & Conroe, TX
August 2006 – May, 2012
Chief Resident
University of Maryland School of Medicine
Department of Orthopaedics
Baltimore, Maryland
EDUCATION:
Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering
Magna Cum Laude
Howard University
Washington, DC
1993-1996
Doctor of Medicine
University of Maryland School of Medicine
Baltimore, Maryland
1996-2000
POST-DOCTORAL TRAINING:
Internship in General Surgery
University of Maryland Medical Center
Baltimore, Maryland
Director: Bruce Jarrel, MD
2000-2001
Residency in Orthopaedic Surgery
University of Maryland Medical Center
Shock Trauma Center
Baltimore, Maryland
Director: Vincent Pellegrini, MD
2001-2004
Chief Resident in Orthopaedic Surgery
University of Maryland Medical Center
Shock Trauma Center
Baltimore, Maryland
Director: Vincent Pellegrini, MD
2004-2005
Fellowship in Spine Surgery
Leatherman Spine Institute
Louisville, Kentucky
Director: Mladen Djurasovic, MD
2005-2006
HONORS AND AWARDS:
Mayo Clinic Research Fellow 1993
Trustee Scholar 1994
Tau Beta Pi National Engineering Honor Society 1994-1996
All American Scholar 1993-1996
Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities 1994
Golden Key National Honor Society Meritorious
Service Award1994
Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Medical Student Scholar Award 1994
AOA Resident Leadership Award 2004
ORGANIZATIONS/SOCIETIES:
North American Spine Society (NASS)
American Medical Association
University of Maryland School of Medicine Alumni Association
Student National Medical Society
FOREIGN LANGUAGES:
French
PRESENTATIONS:
Scientific Presentations (International):
1. Ngu BB, Belkoff SM, Gelb DE, Ludwig SC: A Biomechanical Comparison of Sacral Pedicle Salvage Techniques. 11th International Meeting of Advanced Spine Techniques. Bermuda, July 2004
PUBLICATIONS:
1. Ngu BB, Dewald H, Ludwig SC: Conservative Therapies for Degenerative Lumbar Problems. Seminars in Spine Surgery 2003;15:384-392
2. Ngu BB, Khanna JA, Pak SS, McCarthy EF, Sponseller PD: Eosinophilic Granuloma of the Atlas presenting as Torticollis in a child. Spine 2004;E98-E100
3. Ngu BB, Belkoff SM, Gelb DE, Ludwig SC: A Biomechanical Comparison of Sacral Pedicle Salvage Techniques. Submitted for publication Spine
RESEARCH SUPPORT/GRANTS:
1. Ngu BB: Binding potentials of radiolabled ligands to dopamine D2 and D3 Receptors in schizophrenic patients. Radiological Society of North America Medical student scholar research Grant -$5,000. Division of Neuroradiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. 1997
2. Ngu BB: Biomechanical Analysis of Sacral Pedicle Screws Salvage Techniques. Research Grant Depuy Spine and EBI Medical Systems. University of Maryland Department of Orthopaedics 2004
CONSULTANT/CLINCICAL ADVISOR:
- SPINEFRONTIER
- GLOBUS MEDICAL
- STRYKER
CERTIFICATIONS:
Mazor Robotics: Certified and trained in performing robotic spinal surgery
Dr. Elna Saah
Flint, Michigan
Dr. Elna Saah is a pediatric hematologist-oncologist in Flint, Michigan and is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including McLaren Greater Lansing Hospital and Sparrow Hospital. She received her medical degree from University of Nigeria Faculty of Medicine and has been in practice for more than 20 years.
Dr. Ronny Tchokonte
Houston, TX
EDUCATION:
Université catholique de Louvai – Doctor in Medicine
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN – MASTERS OF SCIENCE, CLINICAL RESEARCH DESIGN AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
CERTIFICATIONS:
- Board Certification in Critical Care Medicine
- Board Certification in Internal Medicine
- Board Certification in Pulmonary Medicine
- Certification in Healthcare Quality and Management
- Lean/Six Sigma Black Belt
Dr. Enaka Yembe
Frisco, TX
Dr. Eneka Yembe is an inspiring, informative and dynamic speaker/coach whose primary mission is to empower entrepreneurs to gain the leadership skills to run and grow successful businesses.
Dr. Nina Lum
London, KY
Nina N. Lum, MD is a practicing Family Practitioner in Lexington, KY. She completed a residency at University of Kentucky Medical Center.
Dr. Dione Mbame
NY, NY
Dr. Edwin Shadzeka
Washington D.C
Washington D.C
Houston, TX
Dr. Daisy A. Ayim is a Diplomate of The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Fellow of American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She received her Bachelor’s of Science (B.S.) degree in Biochemistry with a concentration in Business from Louisiana State University. She was accepted into medical school at 19 years old, which is greatly reflective of her accolades in undergraduate. She obtained her Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from University of Texas Medical Branch. Dr. Ayim completed a year of General Surgery internship at The Methodist Hospital in Houston and pursued Obstetrics and Gynecology at the prestigious Howard University Hospital in Washington D.C. She was appointed Administrative Chief Resident in her final year of residency. Dr. Ayim also received several awards during her residency training such as Wyeth Grant Recipient for 19th Annual Resident Reporter Program by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and National Institute of Health/NMA Fellows in Academic Careers Grant Recipient. Upon graduation, she was appointed Clinical instructor to the renowned Johns Hopkins Hospital Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and became board certified with admission to the fast track pathway a year after completing her residency.
Dr. Ayim owns a successful solo private practice in Houston, TX (http://www.drdaisyayim.com) centered on a patient first model and multi-tasks with many ventures. She has special interest in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery, Fertility, Aesthetic Vaginal Surgery, and Skin Care. Dr. Ayim was sought after to start up a hospital-based Obstetrics and Gynecology private practice for Gulf Coast Medical Center in 2008. This opportunity allowed her to use her business skills to build a robust private practice. Soon after, she started another Obstetrics and Gynecology private practice called Hope Clinic for the Asian American Health Coalition in 2011. The women’s health clinic allowed Dr. Ayim to provide an invaluable service to the Houston community while simultaneously managing her own solo private practice.
Dr. Ayim is the epitome of a modern-day woman with multi-dimensional responsibilities. She has been featured in Houston Modern Luxury Magazine (the leading magazine for exceptional people, products, and destinations in the Houston area) as a “Dynamic Woman”. She takes tremendous pride in championing causes that empower women in health and business. Despite her schedule, she prioritizes mentoring to fellow female physicians who want to start up their own private practice by providing knowledge based on her experiences and resources within her extensive network. Additionally, she is available to provide private practice consulting for those seeking support. Despite her extraordinary efforts, Dr. Ayim remains grounded and focused on her core objectives, which are to be an exemplary surgeon for her patients, a positive influencer, a businesswoman, a visionary and a philanthropist.
Dr. Gwendoline Menga-Fote
Dr. Gwendoline Menga-Fote
Houston, TX
Dr. Barnabas Fote
Houston, TX
Bio coming soon
Dr. Danielle Tientcheu
Houston, TX
Dr. Danielle Tientcheu was born in Cameroon, Africa. After graduating from high school, she moved to the United States to attend the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor where she obtained a BS in Biology with Honors. She went on to complete her medical degree at Wayne State University School of Medicine where she was awarded a 4-year scholarship. She completed a residency in internal medicine at Barnes-Jewish Hospital/Washington University in St Louis and a fellowship in cardiology at the University of Texas Southwestern In Dallas.
Dr. Tientcheu has advanced training in clinical hypertension and research. Her clinical research in the Dallas Heart Study has highlighted the importance of both masked and white coat hypertension on cardiovascular outcomes. She was awarded the Young Investigator-In-Training from the American Society of Hypertension in 2015 for her contributions to this emerging field and her work was published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Dr. Tientcheu is board certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Diseases, Echocardiography and Nuclear Cardiology. Her special interests include preventive cardiology, cardiac imaging, hypertension and women’s heart disease.
During her spare time, Dr. Tientcheu enjoys running, cooking and spending time with her husband and their 2 daughters.
Dr. Ronald Ambe
Houston, TX
Dr. Ambe brings extensive experience in General Surgery and Colorectal Surgery to the northeast Houston area. After obtaining a bachelor degree in Biology at Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA; he then earned his medical degree from Howard University in Washington, DC where he gained membership into AΩA (Honor medical society). Dr. Ambe then completed a residency in General Surgery at Guthrie/ Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, PA. He served as staff general surgeon for four years while at Sacred Heart Hospital before pursuing fellowship training in Colon and Rectal Surgery at St. Vincent/ Hamot Hospital in Erie, PA. Additionally, Dr. Ambe is board certified in General Surgery and board certified in Colon and Rectal Surgery. He has published several articles in peer-reviewed journals as well as co-authored a book chapter in Crohn’s Disease: Strictureplasty- Classification, Diagnosis and Treatment Options. He has interests in laparoscopic surgery and anorectal diseases. Dr. Ambe has extended family in Houston, is married and has twins: a daughter and son. He enjoys spending time with family, gardening, photography, chess, tennis and soccer.
Dr. Claudia Fotzeu
Atlanta, GA
Claudia Fotzeu, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.P.
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR – Medicine
MEDICAL DIRECTOR & CO-DIRECTOR – Primary Care Clinic Yellow Pod & Pre-Op Clinic at Grady Hospital
MEDICAL SCHOOL:
Université du Burundi
Degree: Doctor of Medicine
PUBLICATIONS:
Fotzeu, C. Diagnosis of Heart failure in primary care: the syndrome and the spectrum. Heart. 2011 Mar; 97 (5): 436; author reply 436. doi: 10.1136/hrt.2010.221069.
Dr. Alan Tita
Birmingham, AL
Professor at UAB School of Medicine -OB/GYN – Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Medical Education
Fellowship – University of Alabama at Birmingham , 2005-2008
Residency – Baylor College of Medicine , 2001-2005
Medical School – University of Yaounde , 1996
Certifications
American Board of OB/GYN
Publications
Bailit JL, Grobman WA, Rice MM, SPong CY, Wapner RJ, Varner MW, Thorp JM, Leveno KJ, Caritis SN, Shubert PJ, Tita AT, Saade G, Sorokin Y, Rouse DJ, Blackwell SC, Tolosa JE, Van Dorsten JP;Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network. Risk-adjusted models for adverse obstetric outcomes and variation in risk-adjusted outcomes across hospitals. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2013 Jul 24 [Epub ahead of print] PMID:23891630.
Bates E, Rouse D, Chapman V, Mann ML, Carlo W, Tita ATN. Fetal Lung Maturity Testing Before 39 Weeks and Neonatal Outcomes. Obstet Gynecol. 2010;116:1288-1295
Cantu J, Biggio J, Jauk V, Wetta L, Andrews W, Tita A. Selective Uptake of Influenza Vaccine and Pregnancy Outcomes. J Mat Neonatal Med 2013 Aug;26(12):1207-11.
Cantu J, Tita A. Management of Influenza in Pregnancy. Am J Perinatol 2013 Feb;30(2):99-103. PMID: 23271379.
Doss AE, Davidson J, Cliver SP, Wetta L, Andrews WW, Tita AT. Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Cesarean Delivery: Survey of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Physicians in the U.S. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2012;25(8):1264-6.. PMID: 21762043
Edwards RK, Cantu J, Cliver S, Biggio JR Jr, Owen J, Tita AT. The association of maternal obesity with fetal pH and base deficit at cesarean delivery. Obstet Gynecol 2013 Aug;122(2 Pt1):262-7. PMID:23969793.
Figueroa D, Paisley R, chapman-Jauk V, Szychowski J, Hauth J, Tita AT. Randomized Trial of Surgical Staples vs. Subcuticular Suture for Skin Closure After Cesarean Delivery. Obstet Gynecol 2013 Jan;121(1):33-8. PMID:23262925
Grobman WA, Gilbert SA, Iams SD, SPong CY, Saade G, Mercer BM, Tita AT, Rouse DJ, Sorokin Y, Leveno KJ, Tolosa JE, Thorp JM, Caritis SN, Van Dorsten JP;Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and human Development (NICHD) Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units (MFMU) Network. Obstet Gynecol 2013 Jun;121(6):1181-6. PMID:23812450.
Grobman WA, Thom EA, Spong CY, Iams JD, Saade GR, Mercer BM, Tita AT, et al. 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate to prevent prematurity in nulliparas with cervical length less than 30 mm. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2012 Nov;207(5):390.e1-8.
Iams JD, Grobman WA, Lozitska A, SPong CY, Saade G, Mercer BM, Tita AT, Rouse DJ, Sorokin Y, Wapner RJ, Leveno KJ, Blackwell SC, Esplin MS, Tolosa JE, Thorp JM, Caritis SN, Van Dorsten PJ; Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network. Adherence to criteria for transvaginal ultrasound imaging and measurement of cervical length. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2013 Oct;209(4):365.e1-5. PMID:23958649.
Moye LA, Tita ATN. Defending the Rationale for the Two-Tailed Test in Clinical Research. Circulation. 2002;105(25):3062-5
Pittman S, Tita ATN, Barratt MS, Rubin SR, Hollier LM. Seasonality and Immediate Antecedents of Sexual Intercourse in Adolescents. J Reprod Med. 2005;50(3):193-7
Roach M, Abramovici A, Tita A. Dose and Duration of Oxytocin to Prevent Postpartum Hemorrhage: A Review. Am J of Perinatol [epub ahead of print 12/12]
Subramaniam A, Jauk V, Figueroa D, Biggio J, Owen J, Tita AT. Risk Factors For Wound Disruption Following Cesarean Delivery J Mat Neonatal Med 2013; Oct. 4 [Epub ahead of print] PMID 24090116.
Tita A, Lai Y, Bloom SL, Spong CY, et al. Timing of Delivery and Pregnancy Outcomes Among Laboriing Nulliparous Women. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2012;206:1.e1-1.e8
Tita AT, Szychowski JM, Rouse DJ, Bean CM, Chapman V, Nothern A, Figueroa D, Quinn R, Andrews WW, Hauth JC. Higher-dose oxytocin and hemorrhage after vaginal delivery: a randomized controlled trial. Obstet Gynecol. 2012 Feb;119(2 Pt 1):293-300.
Tita AT. When is primary cesarean appropriate: maternal and obstetrical indications. Semin Perinatol 2012;36(5):324-327.
Tita ATN, Andrews WW. Chorioamnionitis: Diagnosis and Management. Clin Perinatol. 2010;37:339-354
Tita ATN, Biggio J, Chapman V, Neely C, Rouse DJ. Perinatal and Maternal Outcomes in Women with Sickle or Hemoglobin C Traits. Obstet Gynecol. 2007; 110(5):1113-9. (PMID 17978127)
Tita ATN, Cliver SP, Goepfert AR, Goldenberg RL, Conner M, Hauth JC, Andrews WW. Clinical Trial of Interconceptional Antibiotics to Prevent Preterm Birth: Subgroup Analyses and Possible Adverse Antibiotic-Microbial Interaction. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2007;197(4):367.e1-6 (PMID 17904962)
Tita ATN, Cliver SP, Goepfert AR, Goldenberg RL, Conner M, Hauth JC, Andrews WW. Impact of Interconceptional Antibiotics on the Endometrial Flora. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2007;196(3):226.e1-6 1Tita ATN, Stringer JS, Goldenberg RL, Rouse DJ. Two Decades of the ‘Safe Motherhood Initiative’: Time for Another Wooden Spoon Award? Obstet Gynecol. 2007;110(5):972-6
Tita ATN, Grobman WA, Rouse DJ. Antenatal Herpes Serologic Screening: An Appraisal of the Evidence. Obstet Gynecol. 2006 Nov;108(5):1247-53
Tita ATN, Hauth JC, Grimes A, Owen J, Stamm AM, Andrews WW. Decreasing Incidence of Post-Cesarean Endometritis with Extended-Spectrum Antibiotic Prophylaxis. Obstet Gynecol. 2008;111(1):51-56
Tita ATN, Hollier LM, Waller DK. Seasonality in Conception of Births and Influence on Late Initiation of Prenatal Care. Obstet Gynecol. 2001; 97(6):976-81
Tita ATN, Lai Y, Landon M et al (MFMU Network). Timing of Elective Repeat Cesarean Delivery at Term and Maternal Perioperative Outcomes. Obstet Gynecol 2011;117:280-6
Tita ATN, Landon MB, Spong CY et al. (For NICHD MFMU Network). Timing of Elective Repeat Cesarean at Term and Neonatal Outcomes. N Eng J Med 2009;360(2):111-20. PMID: 19129525
Tita ATN, Owen J, Stamm A, Hauth JC, Andrews WW. Impact of Extended-Spectrum Antibiotic Prophylaxis on Incidence of Post-Cesarean Surgical Wound Infection. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2008; 199(3): 303.e1-3
Tita ATN, Rouse DJ, Blackwell SC, Saade G, Spong CY, Andrews WW. Evolving Concepts in Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Cesarean Delivery: A Systematic Review. Obstet Gynecol. 2009;113:675-682
Tita ATN, Rouse DJ. Progesterone for Preterm Birth Prevention: An Evolving Intervention. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2009;200(3):219-24 Tita ATN. Intraamniotic Infection. UpTodate 2010; (17.3)
Tita ATN, Salifu H, Ramsey PS. Impact of Anomalous Triplets on Morbidity Outcomes of Normal In-Utero Siblings. Obstet Gynecol. 2006;107(6):1352-1356
Tita ATN, Selwyn BJ, Waller DK, Kapadia AS, Dongmo S. Evidence-Based Reproductive Health Care in Cameroon: Population-Based Study of Awareness, Use and Barriers. Bulletin of the World Health Organization 2005;83:895-903
Tita ATN, Selwyn BJ, Waller DK, Kapadia AS, Dongmo S. Factors Associated with Awareness and Practice of Evidence-Based Obstetric Care in an African Setting. BJOG. 2006;113(9):1060-6
Vandorsten JP, Dodson WC, Espeland MA, Grobman WA, Guise JM, Mercer BM, Minkoff, HL, Poindexter B, Prosser LA, Sawaya GF, Scott JR, Silver RM, Smith L, Thomas A, Tita AT. NIH concsensus development conference: diagnosing gestational diabetes mellitus. NIH Consens State Sci Statements. 2013 Mar 6;29(1):1-31.
Varner MW, Rice MM, Anderson B, Tolosa JE, Sheffield J, Spong CY, Saade G, Peaceman AM, Louis JM, Wapner RJ, Tita AT, et al. Influenza-like Illness in Hospitalized Pregnant and Postpartum Women During the 2009-2010 H1N1 Pandemic. Obstet Gynecol. 2011;118(3):593-600. PMID: 21860288
Waller DK, Tita ATN, Annegers JF. Rates of Twinning Before and After Fortification of Foods in the US with Folic Acid, Texas, 1996-98. Pediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology. 2003;17(4):378-83
Waller DK, Tita ATN, Werler M, Mitchell A. The Association between Pre-Pregnancy Maternal Body Mass Index and the Risk of Having an Infant with a Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia. Birth Defects Research Part A: Clinical and Molecular Teratology 2003; 67:73-76
Wetta L, Biggio J, Cliver S, Abramovici A, Barnes S, Tita AT. Midtrimester Vitamin D Status and Pregnancy Outcomes. Am J Perinatol 2013 Sep 10.[Epub ahead of print] PMID:24022379.
Wetta L, Szychowski J, Seals S, Mancuso M, Hauth J, Tita ATN. Risk Factors for Uterine Atony at Vaginal Delivery. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2013 Jul;209(1):51.e1-6. PMID:23507549.
Wetta L, Tita AT. Early Term Births: Considerations in Management. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am 2012;39(1):89-97
Zork N, Biggio J, Tita AT, Rouse D, Gyamfi-Bannerman C. Decreasing prematurity in twin gestations:predicaments and possibilities. Obstet Gynecol 2013 Aug;122(2 Pt1):375-9. PMID:23969808
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Tita%2C%20Alan%20T%20N
Dr. Jeffrey Chenyi
Lexington, KY
Dr. Chenyi is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and specializes in comprehensive care for the entire family including child, adolescent and adult healthcare.
It’s been a long life journey from his native Cameroon in Central Africa to Russellville, Alabama, and Dr. Jeffrey Chenyi has already seen more of the world than many witness in a lifetime.
But Russellville’s newest physician, having lived in Africa, Sweden, the Caribbean island of Curacao, Maryland, Chicago and Flint, Michigan, believes he’s found a home in northwest Alabama.
Chenyi spent one-and-a-half years operating a medical clinic in Lynn, Alabama, before opening Chenyi Family Medicine earlier this month in the medical office complex adjacent to Russellville Hospital.
Chenyi, along with his office administrator Stephanie Jett and nurse Courtney Atkinson, is now welcoming patients of all ages in his new clinic.
Family medicine is Chenyi’s passion. With nine brothers and sisters, the concept of family has always been part of the physician’s life.
Although his training included residency and rotations in several areas of concentration, Chenyi fell in love with family medicine while doing a rotation in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
“I quickly realized I wanted the traditional path in family medicine that most doctors don’t do these days. I wanted to stay with my patients during outpatient and inpatient medical treatment,” Chenyi said. “It’s important to me to really get to know my patients. Your time becomes more efficient then because you know them.
“My attending physician in residency was in his 60s. Four generations of families had been to him.He knew conditions of each family. It’s easier for the family to have medical care available in one location. From babies to parents, in one visit I’m able to see all the family members. That also helps people with transportation and/or financial problems.”
Chenyi Family Medicine offers comprehensive care for the entire family, including child, adolescent and adult healthcare. Chenyi also offers women’s health care; occupational medicine for employers; diabetes, cholesterol and hypertension treatment; adult and child immunizations; baby and child care; and sports physicals.
“That’s one part of family medicine I most enjoy—it gives you a very broad range of care to offer your patients,” Chenyi said.
Raised in Bamenda in northwest Cameroon, a city of 275,000, Chenyi’s mother was a nurse and his father a banker. Chenyi’s secondary education included a Presbyterian boarding schoool and Catholic high school. He earned his undergraduate degree in biochemistry from Cameroon’s University of Buea.
Chenyi earned his M.D. at the picturesque St. Martinus University School of Medicine on the Caribbean island of Curacao. Not only did he earn his medical degree on the shores of the Caribbean’s blue waters, Curacao was where he met his wife-to-be.
His United States medical training came at hospitals in Baltimore and Chicago, and he took a teaching assistant position in Chicago where he did research with the anesthesia department. After a family medicine residency in Flint, he started a medical clinic in Lynn and became the first doctor in the small community in two decades.
One advantage Chenyi now has practicing in Russellville is a large base of physicians available for consult for surgery. With a cardiologist nearby, for example, there is specialized care for patients without having to travel a long distance.
Chenyi sees an increased percentage of diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol in Alabama, as compared to other parts of the world. He attributes much of that to the area’s sedentary lifestyle.
“There is an increased issue of obesity here, and that leads to other serious health issues,” Chenyi said. “In Cameroon we had some obesity, but the lifestyle with more physical activity was much more active than it is here.”
Chenyi recalled a mission trip he took to Jamaica, an ‘uphill’ country as he describes it.
“Few people there have vehicles, and there’s a lot more walking,” Chenyi said. “That lowers the rate of some serious health problems, but there were more renal problems [kidney-related] there, probably because the standard of medical care wasn’t as good as it is here.
“In Cameroon, there’s a low incidence of diabetes and hypertension. Diet is one reason. Secondly is the difference in lifestyle. Less than half the people own cars, so they do a lot of walking. Families are physically active.Diet as a whole makes a difference. The human body is designed like a Pacman game. We’re built to work for food. People in Cameroon, even when they’re eating, do something extra. The typical dish is not one you can eat in 30 minutes. It’s not like processed food, where you can consume a thousand calories on three bites.”
Essentially, developed society lifestyles lead to more medical problems, but the positive is the standard of medical care is higher here than other countries, he explained.
Chenyi was attracted to northwest Alabama in part due to its rural nature.
“I love agriculture. I love to talk with my patients who farm about their gardens, crops, etc. Those patients have a little more control over what they eat,” Chenyi said.
Additionally, when deciding where to establish his practice, the young doctor sought guidance of a higher authority.
“When I was looking for a job, I prayed about the opportunities and felt I needed to be in Lynn,” Chenyi said. “There were a few drawbacks with the history of Alabama, but God led me there.And I’ve found that people in this area, including Russellville, Lynn and Haleyville, are so accomodating and friendly.
“I’ve been to 20 states, and people are different here. It’s been a wonderful place to start a family.”
Chenyi has learned that he can sometimes improve an entire family’s overall health if he succeeds in influencing the woman of the house in making improvements.
“I’m very interested in women’s health. If you’re strong in women’s health, you can really influence that patient population,” he said. “If the woman makes improvements in her diet and health, it positively influences the entire family.”
Chenyi said he quickly developed a respect for the quality of care offered at Russellville Hospital.
“For the services we offer, we absolutely have the technology, staff and equipment needed to provide high-quality medical care,” Chenyi said.
And the young doctor sees northwest Alabama as a home rather than a career steppingstone.
“This setting makes it feasible for me to follow patients through outpatient and inpatient care,” Chenyi said. “I’ve developed a real liking of smaller communities over larger ones, and I’ve been exposed to both. I can see being a part of this community for a long time.”
Dr. Pascal Kingah
Houston, TX
Dr. Kingah is an academic physician in the Department of Internal Medicine, Divisions of Critical Care and Pulmonary Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center. He is an assistant professor at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth and an active member of American Thoracic Society. He is board certified in Internal Medicine and currently board eligible in Pulmonary Medicine.
Dr. Kingah was born in Cameroon, West Africa. His special interests include interstitial lung disease especially Sarcoidosis and Pulmonary fibrosis. He is heavily invested in community outreach as well as improving asthma management and smoking cessation strategies. He has contributed to several publications in which he was first author. He likes sports and fishing.
Languages: English, French and Some Spanish
Dr. Remy Teqwimuah
Friendswood, TX
Personal Statement:
My mission is to provide exceptional quality care to my patients and provide clinical expertise to the diagnosis, treatment, and compassionate care of adults.
Experience:
Hospitalist at Memorial Hermann Houston, TX
Residency Internal Medicine at UTMB Galveston, TX
Internship in Internal Medicine, UTMB Galveston, TX
Charge nurse at a Sub-acute rehabilitation unit
Pharmacy Technician of Rite Aid Pharmacy
Hospital Affiliations:
Bay Area Regional Medical Center
Clear Lake Regional Medical Center
Houston Methodist St. John Hospital
Memorial Hermann Southeast
Education Background:
D.O, New York College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hunter College, Manhattan, New York
Borough of Manhattan Community College
Dr. Nelson Tajong
Birmingham, AL
Dr. Tajong earned his MD degree from Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia, PA and completed his Internal Medicine Residency at the University of Maryland Medical System/VA Medical Center in Baltimore, MD followed by his Gastroenterology Fellowship at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, PA. Dr. Tajong is a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Tajong is married with three children and currently resides in Montgomery County.
Research Projects In Progress
Interaction of proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers
Proton pump Inhibitor efficacy and the emergence of PPI resistance
Evaluation of Colonoscopy Preparation regimens
Lectures/Presentations
Pooled and WIP Polyp Miss Rates in Colonoscopy: A review of the literature; GI Journal Club AEMC April 2005
Multidose Delivery of PPI via enteral feeding tubes: Poster presentation at North American Conference Of GI fellows, Orlando, FL March 2005
Colorectal Cancer Screening: What Primary Care Doctors and other health professionals should know. Temple University School Of Medicine June 2004
Dr. Judith Peyechu
Humble, TX
Dr. Judith Peyechu is a family medicine doctor in Humble, Texas. She received her medical degree from Charité- Universitätsmedizin Berlin.
Dr. Luegenia Ndi
Lubbock, TX
Resident Instructor 2nd Year in Internal Med Dept Lubbock Genl, a department of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Medical School:
Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Dr. Susan Mbu
Pensacola, FL
Dr. Susan Mbu, MD is an internist in Pensacola, Florida.
Dr. Serge Awasum
The Woodlands, TX
EDUCATION:
1999-2002Gastroenterology Fellowship
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL 1996-1999
Residency
University of Kentucky,
Lexington, KY 1992-1996
Medical School
East Tennessee State University 1987-1991
Undergraduate
Howard University
Washington D.C
HONORS/AWARDS:
- Chief Fellow, University of Florida
- Therapeutic ERCP Fellow 2001-2002
- Diagnostic EUS Fellow 2000-2001
- Honors Earned In Immunology 1993
- Honors Earned In Histopathology 1993
- Honors Earned In Psychiatry 1995
- Graduated Cum Laude, B.S Clinical Laboratory Sciences1991
- Betta Kappa Chi Science Society1990
- National Allied Health Honor Society1990
LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:
- Gastroenterology Board Certification 2002
- American Board of Internal Medicine 2000
- Enteryx Pig Model Training 2004
- Capsule Endoscopy Training 2003
- Board Eligible Medical Technologist
- Florida Medical Licensure 2002
- Kentucky Medical Licensure1998
- Maryland Medical Licensure 2003
- Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Clinical Investigators Training Course 2005
- Texas Medical Licensure 2005
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS:
- American Gastroenterology Association
- American College of Gastroenterology
- American Medical Association
- American Society of Internal Medicine.
- Phi Rho Sigma Medical Society
- American Society of Clinical Pathology
- Crohn’s And Colitis Foundation
EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE:
- January 2006 – Present
Gastroenterologist – Sadler Clinic – Conroe & The Woodlands, TX - April 2003-December 2005
Woodholme Gastroenterology – Baltimore, Maryland - Aug 2002-March 2003
Digestive Disease Consultants – Altamonte Springs, Florida - 1991-1992
Hospital Medical Technologist, D.C General Microbiology Labs - 1991-1992
Georgetown University Hospital, Neonatology Labs - 1988-1991
Phlebotomist, Howard University Hospital, Washington, D.C
CLINICAL INTERESTS:
- Hepatobiliary Tract Diseases and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
- Teaching Gastroenterology
PUBLICATIONS/PRESENTATIONS:
- Primary Intestinal Lymphoma Presenting As Chronic Diarrhea And Weight Loss Awasum, Cibul and Gates.
- French Presentation on the Life of Louis Pasteur, 1996
- Presentation at the American College of Physicians Conference on a Case of Endobronchial Sarcoid Presenting as Emphysema, 1996
- Botulinum Toxin Injection By Eus of The Pyloric Sphincter For Treatment Of Severe Gastroparesis.2001, Awasum, Bhutani, Mishra,Verne.
- A Case Report of Solid Pseudopapillary Pancreatic Carcinoma Diagnosed By Eus-Fna.2001 Awasum, Hochwald, Liu,& Mishra
- Residents Grand Rounds Presentation on HIV Cholangiopathy, Harborview Hospital Baltimore, 2004.
- Residents Grand Rounds Presentation on Crohn’s Management, Harborview Hospital Baltimore, 2005.
LANGUAGES:
Fluent English, French, Pidgin English.
Dr. Nicole Fobi-Nunga
Birmingham, AL
Bio Coming Soon
Dr. Irene Wakam
Ventura, CA
Bio Coming Soon
Dr. Austine Mengnjo
Danville, PA
Bio Coming Soon
Dr. Chenwi Ambe
Albuquerque, NM
Dr. Ambe completed his general surgery training at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore and his surgical oncology research fellowship at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center in Bethesda, Md.
Dr. Theodore Tanke
Portsmouth, Ohio
Bio Coming Soon
Committees
The Standing Committees are the administrative organs of the association and all Standing Committee chairs are Voting Members of the Executive Council. Contact the Executive Director if interested in joining a committee.
Committees of the Association of Cameroonian Physicians in the America’s represent various aspects of the organization. We invite you to explore the committee and then lend your talents to the development of these committees.
Standing Committees Description
Audit and Finance Committee.
The Audit and Finance Committee will manage, monitor, and supervise all financial affairs of the Association.
Contact: finance@acpa-cmr.org
Membership and Credentials Committee.
The Membership & Credentials Committee shall accept and review membership applications and make recommendations to the Board for election of new Members and for other changes of membership status.
Contact: membership@acpa-cmr.org
Nominating Committee.
The Nominating Committee shall conduct and supervise elections of Members of the Board and the Advisory Council.
Contact: nominating@acpa-cmr.org
Program Committee.
The Program Committee shall be responsible for the preparation of the scientific program for the Annual Meeting and for any special scientific sessions sponsored and authorized by the Board.
Contact: programs@acpa-cmr.org
Constitution and Bylaws Committee.
The Constitution and Bylaws Committee function is to consider amendments to the constitution and bylaws; to review and draft rules for the conduct of council and membership meetings; to review and draft rules for the preparation of resolutions, memorials, and tributes; and to make recommendations to the association.
Contact: rules@acpa-cmr.org
Publications & IT Committee.
The function of the Publications and IT Committee is the writing, editing and publishing all printed material issued by the Association and to provide the assurance that all of these publications conform to the goals of ACPA. The Committee shall also oversee content management for the Association’s website and social media outlets
Contact: journal@acpa-cmr.org
Education and Scientific Research Committee.
This committee works on medical education issues that relate to resident and fellow physicians, and assists the Executive Council in developing policy positions, writing reports, and educating resident and fellow members of the ACPA about critical issues related to Graduate Medical Education.
This committee also assists the Executive Council with the planning and execution of the annual Research Symposium held at the Annual Meeting in April. This includes reviewing abstract submissions, making decisions of acceptance, organizing the judging of poster presentations and assigning awards.
Contact: education@acpa-cmr.org
AD-HOC Committees.
Ethics and Judiciary Committee
The Ethics and Judiciary Committees function shall be to review issues of medical ethics from time to time. It shall also act, if called upon, as a Board of Censors for the purpose of deliberating and ruling on the suspension or expulsion of a Member.
Contact: ethics@acpa-cmr.org
Clinical Advisory Committee.
The Clinical Advisory Committee provides clinical expertise to enhance the quality of ACPA’S educational activities, support ACPA’s members on specific programs, and develop recommendations to the board of directors for long-term educational strategies that enhance ACPA’s mission to improve the quality of health care in clinical settings in the states and abroad.
Contact: clinicaladvisory@acpa-cmr.org
Awards Committee.
The Awards Committee shall oversee the granting of awards established by the Association as selected by various Association committees. The Awards Committee shall publicize award opportunities and coordinate the presentation of awards to recipients for the awards established by the Association. ACPA committees will select one or more recipients every year for each award, or no recipient if none of the nominees are deemed sufficiently qualified.
Contact: awards@acpa-cmr.org
Members in Transition and Training Committee.
The Committee for Members in Transition and Training ensures an effective representation of the views of Student/Resident members in the Society’s affairs. The committee advises the Executive Committee, Board of Directors, Assemblies, and other committees regarding the special needs of members early in careers and new ACPA services that can assist them in achieving their career goals. It will also develop strategies for recruiting into membership early career scientists and clinicians for the diverse disciplines involved in the ACPA.
Public Policy and Government Relations Committee.
The Public Policy and Government Relations Committee serves to represent, promote, and advocate the information policy interests of the Association regarding policies, laws, regulations and other developments that may affect the Association.
Contact: publicpolicy@acpa-cmr.org
Medical Missions Committee.
The Medical Missions Committee is the humanitarian committee of the ACPA. The committee to assist in coordinating member participation in NGO community service projects abroad. Missions Committee and their goal is to assist those who suffer from inadequate medical, dental and general health support in Cameroon. The Medical Missions Committee also identifies collaborates with similar organizations outside of ACPA to maximize impact.
Contact: medicalmissions@acpa-cmr.org
Executive Council
Executive Council
- Cassandra Ndiforchu, MD, President
- Shirley Ayuk-Takem, DO, President-Elect
- Bertrand Fote, MD.MBA.FACEP, Past President
- Awungjia Leke-Tambo, MD, Treasurer
- Dione Mbame, MD, Secretary
- Shirley Ayuk-Takem, DO, Chair Programs Committee
- Awungjia Leke-Tambo, MD, Chair Finance Committee
- Christian Bime, MD MSc, Chair Publications & IT Committee
- Bonaventure Ngu, MD,Chair Fundraising Committee
- Lueginia Ndi, MD, Chair Membership and Credentials Committee
- Bertrand Fote, MD.MBA.FACEP, Chair Bylaws/Constitution and Nominations Committees
- Judith Peyechu, MD, Chair Awards Committee
- Nina Lum, MD Chair Medical Missions Committee
- Efua Leke-Fonlon, MD Chair Education and Scientific Research Committee
- Giresse Melone, Student Representative
Nominations Committee
- Bertrand Fote, MD.MBA.FACEP, (Chair)
- Denis A. Foretia, MD MPH MBA., (Member)
- Awungjia Leke-Tambo, MD (Member)
- Emmanuel Enohmbi, MD (Member)
- Achu Mofor, MD (Member)
Publications & IT Committee
- Christian Bime, MD MSc (Chair)
- Dione Mbame, MD (Member)
- Bertrand Fote, MD MBA (Member)
- Alan Tita, MD PhD (Member)
- Anita Sangong (Member)
- Daniel Bikong (Member)
- Corentine Kwende-Ako, MD (Member)
- Pascal Kingah, MD (Member)
- Clifford Akateh, MD (Member)
- Denis Foretia, MD.MPH.MBA., (Member)
Education and Scientific Research Committee
- Efua Leke-Fonlon, MD (Chair)
- Alan Tita, MD. MPH. PhD (Member)
- Innocent Bibi (Member)
- Noella Tamufor (Member)
- Anita Sangong (Member)
- Clarisse Tallah (Member)
- Lum Frundi (Member)
- Raissa Fobi (Member)
- Tabi Tabe-Ebob (Member)
- Enaka Yembe, MD (Member)
- Shirley Ayuk-Takem, DO (Member)
- Nso Nso (Member)
AD-HOC COMMITTEES
Medical Missions Ad-Hoc Committee
- Nina Lum, MD (Chair)
- Awungjia Leke-Tambo, MD (Member)
- Omerine Aseh, MD (Member)
- Vanessa Ngakeng (Member)
- Moses Tabe Ambilichu (Member)
- Tabi Tabe-Ebob (Member)
- Raissa Fobi (Member)
- Dieter Wefuan (Member)
- Lum Frundi (Member)
- Irene Wakam, MD (Member)
- Clarisse Tallah (Member)
- Anita Sangong (Member)
- Isabelle Mulango (Member)
- Emmanuel Menga, MD (Member)
- Jeffrey Chenyi, MD (Member)
- Fombe Ndiforchu, MD MPH MBA (Member)
- Mathias AL Fobi, MD, FACS, FICS (Member)
- Susan Mbu, MD (Member)
- Daisy Ayim, MD (Member)
- Remy Teqwuimah, MD (Member)
- Lueginia Ndi, MD (Member)
- Foma Munah Kenne, MD (Member)
- Enaka Yembe, MD (Member)
- Nso Nso (Member)
Audit and Finace Committee
- Awungjia Leke-Tambo, MD (Chair)
- Mathias AL Fobi, MD (Member)
Membership and Credentials Committee
- Lueginia Ndi, MD, (Chair)
- Vanessa Ngakeng (Member)
- Shirley Ayuk-Takem, DO (Member)
- Susan Egbe-Tanyi, MD (Member)
- Ronny Tchokonte, MD (Member)
- Dione Mbame, MD (Member)
Program Committee
- Shirley Ayuk-Takem, DO (Chair)
- Omerine Aseh, MD (Vice Chair)
- Alan Tita, MD PhD (Member)
- Vanessa Ngakeng (Member)
- Raissa Fobi (Member)
- Dieter Wefuan (Member)
- Dione Mbame, MD (Member)
- Emmanuel Enohmbi, MD (Chair)
- Emmanuel Ozimba, MD (Member)
Bylaws and Constitution Committee
- Bertrand Fote, MD MBA (Chair)
- Denis A. Foretia, MD MPH MBA., (Member)
- Fombe Ndiforchu, MD MBA MPH (Member)
- Edwin Shadzeka, MD (Member)
Fundraising Committee
- Bonaventure Ngu, MD (Chair)
- Gwendoline Menga-Fote, DO (Member)
- Denis Foretia, MD MPH MBA (Member)
Medical Student Committee
- Giresse Melone (Chair)
- Ekokobe Fonkam (Member)
- Daniel Tasoh (Member)
- George Butler (Member)
- Clarisse Tallah (Member)
- Anita Sangong (Member)
- Noella Tamufor (Member)
- Isabelle Mulango (Member)
Awards Committee
Medical Missions
(POSTPONED - MBOT MEDICAL MISSION)
ASCOVIME – www.ascovime.org – Dr. George Bwelle; Provide free medical care to rural and needy populations in Cameroon through mobile clinic campaigns. Started in 1998 by Dr Bwelle. Originally funded by elites of Cameroon’s Littoral Region. Trip Reports are available in French on website. Volunteer Details: Who is needed? All interested individuals, including undergraduate students, medical students, and medical professionals are welcome to join our program. If medically not experienced, you can nevertheless participate ASCOVIME. The volunteer process and program fees also differ for medical professionals (licensed nurses, dentists, medical doctors, etc), please email for further information. WHAT TO EXPECT?
Mobile Weekend Clinics: Volunteers will have the opportunity to travel with ASCOVIME on weekend initiatives to rural parts of Cameroon to directly assist doctors during clinics. Usually a bus with 30 volunteers departs in Yaoundé on Friday. After arrival in the village, you will consult patients during the daytime. If medically not experienced, there will be other work to do, e.g. in the pharmacy. At night the surgery starts, where you have the opportunity to assist. On Sundays volunteers head back to Yaoundé.
During the week: Participants in ASCOVIME’s Volunteer Program will spend weekdays assisting medical staff at hospitals in and around Yaoundé. Medical student volunteers will be able to shadow and assist physicians in local hospitals during routine examinations and procedures. Qualified medical professionals will be able work with ASCOVIME doctors to support specialized patient services and medical support.During the week you have the opportunity to work in a hospital in Yaoundé. You can join Dr. Bwelle to the Clinic of Visceral Surgery in the Central Hospital. If interested in other specializations, ASCOVIME is able to arrange something for you. And don’t forget: Cameroun is a wonderful country for travelling, so may safe some time therefore.
ASCOVIME is a non-profit and non-governmental organization. It is financed only with Dr. Bwelles salary and private donations. For volunteers who can bring specific medical supplies, the program fee may be reduced. For licensed medical professionals, the program fee is waived.
The following are suggested contributions:
Program Length
2 wks
4 wks
more than 4 wks
Program Fee
$2000
$3500
3500 + $/wk
There is a generous discount for volunteers who bring medical supplies or critically needed equipment.
Program Fee: includes all housing and transportation during mobile clinic trips, housing in Yaoundé, daily transportation to worksite in Yaoundé, transportation to/from airport, stipend paid to hospital for volunteering.
Accepts donations of medical items & cash.
Bread for Life International – http://breadforlife.org
Mission: To work alongside indigenous Africans & efforts and help them become spiritually, socially and economically vibrant by helping to pioneer self-sustaining ministries and churches where needed and serving the church and communities through relationships that build vision and provide resources for strategic impact in the city and among unreached people groups. Current fundraiser – Ray of Hope Academy is a school for Autistic and other special needs children, something unique in Cameroon. We are raising funds towards getting a team of special needs teacher trainers from SLATE to Cameroon and the purchase of a much needed school bus. Ernest Ehabe serves as President of Bread for Life. He has served the Church in West and Central Africa for over 25 yeas in various capacity (Student Leader, Evangelist, Pastor, Church Planter and Mission Strategist). He did his schooling at Arkansas Tech University and Lee University and at George Fox University. Although he is based in Cameroon he is planning on presenting at the ACPA Meeting in April 2018.
You can serve with Bread For Life/CADAC in various ways.
As a Short Term Missionary or Intern or a full time Staff. You can serve with a group or as an individual as long or short as you like. You can come and let us plug you in where we feel we can use you or you can come to serve in one of our many ministry areas. Here are a few of the most common: Bread For Life connects willing hearts with opportunities for missions work. We organize several mission trips every year to assist churches and ministries we are associated with or those we have initiated. Other trips are planned with or for Western based churches and para-church organizations. We work closely with many churches and ministries, connecting resources with needs. Whether you are looking for opportunities for yourself or a group we can use you! The need across Africa is great and so is the demand.
People with various skills and backgrounds have served on Bread For Life’s Short-Term Mission teams, or as individuals, to assisting and supporting the indigenous African church in becoming viable, multiplying, and self-sustainable. Some of these people are builders, health care providers, technologists, educators, students, preachers, businessmen, farmers, and some have no specific skill set but have a heart to serve. These all have played a role in fulfilling the vision of Bread For Life.
Bread For Life sends out several teams to our fields annually. Short-Term Teams usually number between three and thirty participants (except on vision trips), and are formed out of a church, civic organization or family. They typically serve between one week to two weeks with some exceptions.
A Team works together to accomplish a specific goal, such a Medical outreach to specific communities, a Church plant, leading a children’s program or doing construction improvements on a home – all of which depends on the Team’s skills.
Whether sharing the Good News of God’s love with people on the street in a Summer Program, painting a new classroom, helping build or renovate a building, using your medical training in a clinic, serving among un-reached people group, preaching at an affiliate church, or preaching at an evangelistic crusade – you can be sure a Bread For Life Short Term mission trip will provide you with the experience of a lifetime! If you are looking for open doors, then you have come to the right place. Please contact us for more information.
Medical Outreaches – For the needy shall not always be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever. — Ps 9:18
The economic crises in the 80’s and 90’s, the cut in salaries and the devaluation of the Cameroonian currency left many Cameroonians in dire situations. Many could not afford medical treatment; a lot of folks were dying from simple curable diseases. Some turned to sorcerers and witch doctors for help. It was under this stress condition that the vision for Christian Medical Outreaches and Christian Medical Centers was born. In 2004, with the help of Dr. Jackson Downey, Dr. Kathleen Holland, and Mrs. Nancy Hood, BFL’s Christian Medical Outreach was launched.
Christian Medical Centers (CMC) and their outreaches:
- Not only effectively meet the physical (health) need at affordable cost, but also the spiritual needs of its customers through various spiritual and evangelistic program. • CMC centers not only provide jobs for trained jobless people but also create an opportunity for them to render their faith practical as they minister to patients both medically and spiritually. • In providing both efficient affordable medical care, and a spiritual clinic in and out of its premises, CMC helps to reduce the degrading health conditions and win many sons and daughters into glory.
- We have consulted tens of thousands of Cameroonians who cannot afford a doctor or hospital: providing them with free consultation, free medicine and free counseling. The result has been over conversions numbering in the tens of thousands also and at the same time, several new churches planted. These medical outreaches are a precursor for a bigger vision: a vision to see solid medical centers across the country.
We have several medical outreaches every year. If you have any medical or pharmaceutical skills or training we can use you. Contact us.
Hope Foundation – www.hope-found.org/ Hope Foundation is a German and Cameroonian non-profit and non- governmental organization. It was founded by a group of young, dynamic and committed individuals in 2001, with the primary goal of promoting community development and alleviating poverty in rural and impoverished areas of Cameroon. Hope Foundation is primarily involved in humanitarian activities aimed at improving the standards of living for underprivileged Cameroonians. Its aid projects span across various fields including education, health, water and sanitation, child care, human rights, environment, women’s empowerment as well as providing assistance to discriminated and disadvantaged community groups such as people with disabilities, street children and orphans. Gerald Bobga Fonkenmun – Founder and Director
Mbot Medical Mission / The Omer Yembe Foundation – http://yembefoundation.org/ – The Omer Yembe foundation is a 501c3 charitable entity created and registered in the State of Texas in 2015. Our mission is to improve the health, education and wellbeing of the people most in need. Our initial focus will be on the people of the in and around the village of Mbot, Cameroon.
The Patcha Foundation – http://patchafoundation.org
The Patcha Foundation’s CASEC program is an innovative community health program that provides resources for Cancer Awareness, Screening/prevention, Early detection and Care to the residents of Cameroon, Africa and to the immigrant communities in the United States.
In Cameroon, the CASEC program brings qualified manpower, reliable essential medications, and appropriate technology to bear on the treatment of cancer cases. 4th Annual CASEC Information Exchange Conference
April 21, 2018 | Bridging the Cancer Care Gap for Africans and People of African Descent. | The conference organized by the Patcha Foundation is intended to be a forum for discussions and collaboration to improve Cancer Awareness/prevention, Screening, Early detection and Care for low income countries and immigrant communities in the diaspora.
CASEC Medical Mission to Cameroon: June 18 – 22, 2018 – the annual CASEC Medical Mission to Cameroon is around the corner. If you have not already began planning for it, now is the time to begin to get in gear. Request time off, make plans to travel and prepare to be greatly rewarded by being a part of the mission. The February 2018 Newsletter is available online at: https://mailchi.mp/6b1e005d11ea/yp4ageb1xv?e=2186b0d13b
Mercy Ships – Mercy Ships is an international charity. Mercy Ships currently operates the largest non-governmental hospital ship in the world, providing humanitarian aid like free health care, community development projects, community health education, mental health programs, agriculture projects, and palliative care for terminally ill. https://www.mercyships.org Currently in Cameroon
Purpose Medical Mission – purposemedicalmission.org
Purpose Medical Mission was founded in Lubbock, Texas in February of 2008. Its main purpose is to develop a bridge of medical assistance to severely medically underserved regions of the world. Mission
- Rooted in the healing ministry of Christ, Purpose Medical Mission was created to provide quality healthcare programs and services to the people in need around the world.
- Establish health clinics and urgent care centers in small towns and farming villages to enhance preventative care, treat illnesses and injuries.
- Promote and organize visiting programs of volunteers, ministers, health professionals, teachers, other professionals and paraprofessionals to expand evangelism and health awareness.
Vision – Purpose Medical Mission strives to achieve long term and self-sustaining healthy communities where extreme poverty and lack of basic healthcare and education are a problem. We believe that through spiritual healing and preventive care a healthy community can enable itself to withstand the challenges of tomorrow. We have invited Dr. Sixtus Atabong to be one of our featured panelist for the upcoming meeting.
Samaritan’s Purse – http://www.samaritanspurse.org – Samaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. Since 1970, Samaritan’s Purse has helped meet needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine with the purpose of sharing God’s love through His Son, Jesus Christ. The organization serves the church worldwide to promote the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Dr. Palmer will be presenting on this organization at the upcoming meeting.
Other: Volunteer 4 Africa http://www.volunteer4africa.org – Volunteer 4 Africa is a non profit organization that disseminates information about volunteer opportunities and the wish lists of host organizations and charities.
Building A Stronger Cameroonian Healthcare Community In North America And Fostering Improved Healthcare In Cameroon
The Membership in the Association is open to all physicians of Cameroonian heritage, physicians married to Cameroonians, physicians who are naturalized citizens of Cameroon, practicing, teaching or otherwise engaged in the medical profession in the United States of America and Canada.
Explore
Where we are ?
