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Bennet Omalu
Consulting Forensic Pathologist/Neuropathologist
Dr. Bennet Ifeakandu Omalu is a Nigerian-American physician, forensic pathologist, and neuropathologist who gained worldwide recognition for his groundbreaking work on chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in American football players.12
Professional Background
Dr. Omalu currently serves as the President and Medical Director of Bennet Omalu Pathology. He is also a Clinical Professor of Medical Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of California, Davis.2
Education and Qualifications
Dr. Omalu holds an impressive array of degrees and certifications:
- Doctor of Medicine (MB,BS) from the University of Nigeria, Enugu
- Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from Carnegie Mellon University
- Masters in Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology from the University of Pittsburgh
- Four board certifications from the American Board of Pathology in forensic pathology, neuropathology, clinical pathology, and anatomic pathology
- Board certification in medical management from the American Association of Physician Leadership
- Certified Physician Executive2
Major Contributions
Dr. Omalu is best known for:
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Discovering and publishing the first findings on CTE in American football players, specifically after performing an autopsy on former Pittsburgh Steelers player Mike Webster in 2002.1
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Identifying CTE in other high-impact sports athletes and military veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).2
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Being the lead author in a study that confirmed CTE in a living person for the first time, using a chemical tracer detectable by positron emission tomography.1
Recognition and Impact
Dr. Omalu's work has received widespread recognition:
- He has been honored by the United States Congress for his work on brain injury and trauma.
- He received the Distinguished Service Award from the American Medical Association, their highest honor.23
- His life and work were portrayed in the 2015 Hollywood film "Concussion," starring Will Smith.12
Dr. Omalu's research has significantly impacted the understanding of brain trauma in contact sports and has led to increased awareness of the long-term effects of repeated head injuries in athletes and military personnel.
