Arua, Onyinyechi, MBBS

Dr. Onyinyechukwu Adeze Arua is  a trailblazing cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon who made history as the second female cardiothoracic surgeon ever produced in West Africa. Currently serving as Consultant and Head of the Cardiothoracic and Vascular Unit at Federal University Teaching Hospital Owerri, Dr. Arua brings exceptional expertise in both complex cardiac procedures and peripheral vascular surgery to southeastern Nigeria.

Dr. Arua's remarkable journey from Ebonyi State University through rigorous training in Nigeria, India, and Ghana has equipped her with comprehensive skills spanning from minimally invasive vascular procedures to open heart surgery. Her fellowship training at Citizen Specialist Hospital in Hyderabad enhanced her capabilities in advanced cardiac techniques, while her instrumental role in re-establishing the open heart surgery program at University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital alongside VOOM Foundation and Save a Heart Foundation demonstrates her commitment to building sustainable cardiac care in Nigeria.

As lead cardiac surgeon assistant with Save a Heart Foundation—one of Nigeria's premier cardiac surgery teams—Dr. Arua performs complex cardiac procedures at Regions Neuroscience and Cardiovascular Hospital while simultaneously training the next generation of Nigerian cardiac surgeons. Her dedication to expanding access to life-saving cardiac and vascular surgery across Nigeria, combined with her groundbreaking achievement as a female pioneer in the field, makes her an inspiring voice for our symposium's mission of advancing cardiovascular care throughout Africa.