Ekemini A. Ogbu, MD, MSc

I’m a board-certified pediatric rheumatologist and physician-scientist specializing in rheumatologic autoimmune and autoinflammatory conditions in children. I am an assistant professor of pediatrics at Cincinnati Children’s within the University of Cincinnati Department of Pediatrics. In this role, I serve as the rheumatology lead for the Cincinnati Children’s Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Center. Before joining the faculty at Cincinnati Children’s in 2021, I led the pediatric rheumatology clinics and service at Johns Hopkins University and directed the multidisciplinary pediatric lupus clinic.

I strive to provide compassionate care. My philosophy is to “treat the child with a disease” and not focus on treating the disease alone. Having a rare disease is often isolating and challenging. I believe children and families should be supported through their journey. By providing a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to managing my patients, I aim to achieve the best possible outcomes. I believe in partnering with my patients and families and the primary care provider.

My research includes clinical and translational studies to improve outcomes for childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE). In particular, I am studying how we can identify cSLE early and predict risks of severe outcomes. I also study how lupus affects the brain and nervous system, and its association with blood disorders such as antiphospholipid syndrome.

Throughout my career, I have been honored to receive several academic awards and recognitions. I was recognized as a Top Doctor by Baltimore Magazine in 2020.

I currently serve on the Pediatric Rheumatology Special Committee of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR). I am the co-chair of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Pediatric Residents Program. I serve on the advisory council of the Pediatric Rheumatology Collaborative Study Group (PRCSG).

I am a member of the Clinical Immunology Society, Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance, Pediatric Rheumatology European Association, American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Women Association.