Dr. Felix Olayinka Sogade (CoMUI MBBS Class of 1986)
is the 2024
Distinguished Alumnus Speaker of the
Ibadan College of Medicine Alumni Association of North America (ICOMAA-NA)
I am so delighted to share some wonderful news. Dr. Felix Olayinka Sogade (MBBS Class of 1986), the 2024 Ibadan College of Medicine Alumni Association of North America (ICOMAA-NA) Distinguished Alumnus Speaker, and his wife, Dr. Bola Sogade (nee Adekore) (MBBS Class of 1990), have made an exceptionally generous donation to the Students Hostel project of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (CoMUI). The Sogades have contributed a total of $25,000 in the form of two checks, amounting to $15,000 and $10,000.
Given the importance of this donation, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge and thank Dr. Felix Olayinka Sogade and Dr. Bola Sogade for their significant kindness and staunch support for our administration and the work we are doing. But I also think I want to spotlight a bit of background as to why this public eulogy is important. One thing I am learning is that kindness is a universal language. When we show it, it transcends barriers and touches hearts. It literally transforms lives. I am positive that lives and generations at the College have been impacted because this beautiful couple has decided to make a difference here.
This is not the first time the Sogades will be making a significant contribution to our Students Hostel Building Project. They have been exemplary in their charitable efforts. Prior to this recent donation, Dr. Felix Olayinka Sogade belonged to a group of six friends from the Macon area of Atlanta, all members of the CoMUI class of 1986, who came together and decided that they would all become platinum donors. Dr. Muraina, one of the class members, visited me last year to extend their support. I was touched, and as I took him around the ongoing work at the construction site, I kept wondering what prodigious trust these great alumni must have in our vision and why it is non-negotiable for us to not deliver. We can’t fail because people like the Sogades are as invested as we are. What an incredible show of trust, goodwill, and support! I do not take it for granted!
I must say that in addition to their recent donation, the Sogades previously contributed an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to medical students at the Alexander Brown Hall hostel. During the said visit, they also committed to supporting the inception of an Advanced Electrophysiology Fellowship at the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan and the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. I remember how they restated that the support was their way of giving back to the institution that had given so much to them. These integrated and continuous supports have significantly impacted the growth and development of the College in ways I can’t truly capture in words.
The Sogades with CoMUI Management Team and Staff during their visit to donate
an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to the Alexander Brown Hall (ABH) hostel for
Students of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (CoMUI)
The Sogades are also exceptional medical practitioners. I am awed by the great work that both couples are doing. Dr. Felix Olayinka Sogade is a world-renowned cardiologist. As an alumnus of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, he graduated with distinction in 1986. His exceptional academic record includes being the best student in Radiology, Internal Medicine, and Neurosurgery. After completing his internship and National Service, Dr. Felix Sogade continued his medical training in the United States, where he completed a residency in Internal Medicine and a fellowship in Cardiology. He is the founder and CEO of Georgia Arrhythmia Consultants, the world's largest Black electrophysiology company. He is renowned for his expertise in treating complex arrhythmias, stroke prevention, and sudden cardiac death. Currently, he serves as an Associate Professor of Medicine at Mercer University School of Medicine and Director of Cardiac Electrophysiology at Navicent Health. He has also held prestigious positions, including Chairman of the Board of the Association of Black Cardiologists, Inc.
On the other hand, Dr. Bola Sogade, an alumna of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Class of 1990, is also a highly respected Obstetrician & Gynaecologist. She specialises in Minimally Invasive Robotic Gynaecologic Surgery. She, too, has been an instrumental figure in supporting medical education and health initiatives. She was also a speaker at the CoMUI MBBS/BDS class of 1990 reunion anniversary where she gave a lecture on “Birth Centre for Natural Delivery Foundation (BCNDF): Promoting collaborative efforts among healthcare providers, educators, and technicians to service women in rural communities and developing countries.” If we ever needed role models for our young colleagues, our students do not have to look too far!
From the depth of my heart, I just want to say a big thank you to Dr. Felix Olayinka Sogade and Dr. Bola Sogade, for their great commitment to us and for being such model members of our alumni community. Their kindness is a spark of hope in these really trying times. With these life-defining acts and moments, their kindness has shown its true power. They are not only creating lasting bonds in our community but bringing joy to everyone they touch, especially our students.
So, on behalf of the students, staff, and entire College community, I extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Sogades for their continuous support and look forward to further collaboration in the future.
Olayinka Omigbodun FAS
Professor of Psychiatry and Provost
About Dr. Felix Olayinka Sogade, M.D., F.A.C.C., F.H.R.S.: 2024 Ibadan College of Medicine Alumni Association of North America (ICOMAA-NA) Distinguished Alumnus Speaker
Felix Sogade, M.D., F.A.C.C., F.H.R.S., will be honoured as the 2024 Ibadan College of Medicine Alumni Association of North America Distinguished Alumnus Speaker. Born in Lagos, Western Nigeria, Dr. Sogade's passion for Medicine was ignited by his early experiences as a healthcare beneficiary. At the age of five, he underwent surgery and attended regular follow-up clinic visits, sparking his interest in the medical field. Influenced by older neighbours and family friends, he chose to apply to the University of Ibadan, seeking to experience life away from home and pursue his goal of a career in Medicine.
Dr. Sogade graduated with distinction in 1986, earning an M.B.B.S. and receiving accolades as the best student in Radiology, Internal Medicine, and Neurosurgery. After completing his internship at U.C.H. (1986-1987) and National Service (1987-1988), he embarked on his medical journey in the United States.
His U.S. training included a residency in Internal Medicine (1989-1992) and a fellowship in Cardiology (1992-1995) at the State University of New York at Stonybrook, Nassau County Medical Center in East Meadow, New York. He further specialized with an Electrophysiology Fellowship at Duke University (1995-1996).
Dr. Sogade has consistently demonstrated academic and professional excellence. He is the founder and C.E.O. of Georgia Arrhythmia Consultants, the World's largest Black electrophysiology company. He is an expert in treating complex arrhythmias, stroke, and preventing sudden cardiac death.
Currently, Dr. Sogade is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Mercer University School of Medicine in Macon, Georgia, and Director of Cardiac Electrophysiology at Navicent Health. He is a former Chairman of the Board of the Association of Black Cardiologists, Inc., and a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology (A.C.C.) and the Heart Rhythm Society (H.R.S.).
He has authored numerous research articles, supported scholarships for medical education, and served as an H.R.S. Ambassador to Africa. Locally, he has promoted community awareness of sudden cardiac death through C.P.R. and automated external defibrillator (AED) training. He has also played a crucial role in bringing clinical trial opportunities to patients in middle Georgia. Dr. Sogade is committed to reducing healthcare disparities by improving access to specialists.
Continuing his dedication to Medicine and education, Dr. Sogade regularly teaches and conducts medical rounds at U.C.H. Recently, he donated I.C.D.s to the U.C.H. campus, reinforcing his mission to prevent sudden cardiac death in Africa. Dr. Sogade's career exemplifies a commitment to medical excellence and community service, making him a distinguished and inspirational figure.