University of Tennessee Veterinary Public Health faculty will help lead a national specialty in Veterinary Epidemiology before assuming the presidency in 2027.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Knoxville, Tenn. — Chika C. Okafor, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVPM (Epidemiology), Associate Professor and Director of Veterinary Public Health at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, has been named president-elect of the Epidemiology Specialty of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine (ACVPM). The ACVPM certifies veterinarians globally who are dedicated to improving the health of animals, humans, and the environment. His election reflects the college’s continued contributions to Veterinary Public Health, Epidemiology, and One Health.

Okafor was drawn to Epidemiology because of its ability to answer important questions about disease patterns, risk factors, and prevention strategies. “As a veterinarian, I became increasingly interested in understanding disease not only at the individual animal level but also at the population level,” Okafor said. He appreciates the field’s interdisciplinary nature and its role in advancing One Health initiatives. “Epidemiology provides the tools needed to generate evidence that informs decision-making and improves animal health, public health, and disease prevention.”

Okafor is passionate about advancing the field and supporting the next generation of epidemiologists. At UT, Okafor mentors veterinary and public health trainees across multiple programs and has supported the development of diplomates in both the General Preventive Medicine and Epidemiology specialties of ACVPM.

He says Epidemiology equips veterinary students with critical skills for evidence-based decision-making, whether they pursue clinical practice, public health, research, industry, or government service. “An understanding of Epidemiology helps them evaluate scientific evidence, assess disease risks, interpret data, and develop effective prevention and control strategies. These skills are increasingly important as veterinarians play a larger role in addressing complex health challenges that affect animals, humans, and the environment.”

A diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Okafor became board-certified in Veterinary Preventive Medicine in 2014 and in Veterinary Epidemiology in 2015. His professional interests include veterinary epidemiology, One Health, food safety, infectious disease surveillance, antimicrobial resistance, and preventive medicine education.

Throughout his career, Okafor has contributed extensively to ACVPM leadership and service. He has served on the Epidemiology Specialty Examination Committee and the General Preventive Medicine Examination Committee, including service as the Epidemiology and Biostatistics subject matter expert from 2020 to 2025. Most recently, he served as chair of the Examination Committee, with his term ending earlier this month.