About
Summary
Chidiebere Emmanuel Okechukwu, PhD, FRSPH, AHCS Specialist Echocardiographer, BSE Level 2 TTE Accredited
BSE-accredited Echocardiographer and AHCS Specialist with a rare dual foundation in advanced cardiac imaging and infectious disease science. He independently performs and reports the full spectrum of adult transthoracic echocardiography—including contrast, bubble studies, stress, congenital, and 3D/4D modalities—while assisting consultants during TOE procedures. His clinical work is distinguished by deep expertise in infective endocarditis imaging (vegetation assessment, valvular destruction, and pericardial effusion) and sports/stress echocardiography, grounded in an MSc in Physical Activity & Health Promotion and a PhD in Infectious Diseases, Microbiology and Public Health focused on the cardiovascular sequelae of infection.
Currently an Echocardiographer at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (Derriford Hospital), he contributes to complex diagnostic pathways, mentors junior healthcare scientists, and participates actively in the Endocarditis MDT, quality improvement, and clinical governance. His earlier roles span functional exercise rehabilitation for cardiac and oncology patients, research leadership on an ethics-approved workplace wellness intervention in Italy, visiting research in exercise oncology at the University of Calgary, and international teaching in cardiovascular physiology and cardiac rehabilitation.
A Distinction graduate of the PgCert in Clinical Echocardiography (University of the West of England) with concurrent BSE Level 2 and AHCS Specialist status, he also holds a PhD (Distinction) from Sapienza University of Rome and an MSc (Distinction) from the University of Rome Tor Vergata. This unique integration of high-level clinical echocardiography competence, pathogen-focused academic insight, and exercise-physiology expertise positions him at the intersection of diagnostic precision, infection-related cardiac disease, and athlete/post-exertion imaging.
Positions
Echocardiographer Sep 2022 -
As a skilled healthcare scientist, my job involves performing and reporting transthoracic echocardiography with precision and accuracy. I have received specialized training in this diagnostic imaging technique and have honed my abilities through practical experience. With a keen eye for detail and a thorough understanding of cardiac anatomy and function, I am able to capture high-quality images of the heart and identify any abnormalities or irregularities. My expertise in interpreting echocardiographic findings allows me to generate comprehensive reports that provide valuable information for patient diagnosis and treatment planning. I am very confident in my ability to analyse echocardiograms with professionalism and proficiency, ultimately contributing to the delivery of high-quality patient care.
Education
University of the West of England 2023 - 2024
Field of study: Clinical Echocardiography
Degree: Postgraduate Certificate
Sapienza University of Rome 2019 - 2023
Field of study: Public Health
Degree: PhD
University of Rome Tor Vergata 2017 - 2019
Field of study: Physical activity and health promotion
Degree: Msc
Nnamdi Azikiwe University 2011 - 2015
Field of study: Human Physiology
Degree: BSc
Skills
Clinical Echocardiography, Clinical Research, Public Health Surveillance.
Keywords: data analysis and modeling, medical imaging, ultrasoundProfessional interests
Clinical Echocardiography and Public Health
Keywords: Epidemiology, medical imaging