Adanna Akujuo MD

Adanna Akujuo, MD is Professor of Surgery at UVA Health, where she serves as Vice Chair of Community Engagement and Wellness, Surgical Director of the Structural Heart Program, and Co-Director of the Department of Surgery Global Health Program. A board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon, she specializes in complex mitral valve repair, minimally invasive cardiac surgery, structural heart interventions, and aortic surgery.

Born in Nigeria and trained in the United States, Dr. Akujuoearned her medical degree from Temple University before completing general surgery and cardiothoracic surgery training at Montefiore Medical Center, followed by an advanced fellowship in complex mitral valve surgery at Mount Sinai Medical Center. She is widely recognized for her expertise in valvular heart disease and has been invited to speak and teach at leading national and international cardiovascular meetings.

Dr. Akujuo is equally passionate about advancing cardiac surgery in underserved regions. As Vice Chair of the Board of the Vincent Obioma Ohaju (VOOM) Foundation, she has played a pivotal role in developing sustainable cardiac surgery programs in Nigeria through clinical care, education, and workforce development. Her work focuses on building local capacity by training surgeons and multidisciplinary teams while expanding access to advanced cardiac care. Guided by a philosophy of treating every patient as she would a member of her own family, Dr. Akujuocontinues to combine surgical excellence with a deep commitment to service, mentorship, and global health.