New Department of Medicine Chair Igho Ofotokun also elected as 2025 AAAS Fellow
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and University Hospitals have welcomed Igho Ofotokun, MD, as the newly appointed chair of the Department of Medicine—a role he assumes during a moment of national recognition, having also been elected a 2025 fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).
As the world’s largest general scientific society and publisher of the journal Science, AAAS has recognized scientists for their groundbreaking achievements and steadfast dedication to scientific integrity through this lifetime honor since 1874. Ofotokun was selected by the AAAS for “distinguished contributions to the field of HIV medicine, enhancing knowledge of post-infection sequelae, and age-related end-organ damage biology and burden.”
“Being elected as an AAAS Fellow is a deeply meaningful honor, and I am grateful to the many colleagues, trainees and patients whose partnership has made this recognition possible,” shared Ofotokun. “I see it not only as recognition of my own work, but also a reflection on a career shaped by collaboration, curiosity and a commitment to using science in service of better health for my community.”
That career path spans leadership roles in academic medicine, clinical care and public health. Hailing from Atlanta, Ofotokun joined CWRU after serving as the Grady Distinguished Professor of Medicine and associate dean for research development at Emory University School of Medicine. His appointments also included professor of behavioral, social and health education sciences at Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, staff physician at Grady Health System and co-director of the Emory Center for AIDS Research Clinical Core.
Across these roles, Ofotokun’s research has focused on the long-term impact of HIV—particularly among vulnerable populations—and highlights how age-related comorbidities threaten otherwise healthy aging persons with HIV.
In addition to being named an AAAS Fellow, Ofotokun has received numerous awards and recognitions that underscore his influence in medicine and science. He is a member of the National Academy of Medicine, the national chair of the adult coordinating committee for the NIH Researching COVID to Enhance Recovery initiative, a fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the recipient of the 2024 Maxwell Finland Scientific Achievement Award from the National Foundation of Infectious Diseases.
Looking ahead, Ofotokun sees his new role as an opportunity to build on this legacy of discovery and service. “I am truly excited to be at Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals because it is a place where academic rigor, innovation and commitment to patients come together in such a powerful way,” he said. “As chair, I hope to build on this remarkable foundation by strengthening collaboration across our missions, expanding opportunities for discovery and mentorship, and ensuring that our department continues to lead in delivering outstanding care, advancing science, and training future generations of physicians and scientists.”
