top of page
Kaela-Speicher-Photography-WEB-1717-Website-Banner.jpg
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn

Physician. Scientist. Advocate.

ABOUT ME

Utibe Essien Headshot_Aug 2021.jpg

I am a national award-winning, board-certified internal medicine physician, an Assistant Professor of Medicine at UCLA, and a health disparities researcher at the VA Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation, and Policy. I received my MD from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in NYC and my MPH degree from the Harvard School of Public Health. I completed residency and a research fellowship in Internal Medicine at the Massachusetts General Hospital.

 

My research focuses on racial and ethnic disparities in the use of novel medications and technologies, especially for treating heart diseases. In 2021, I coined the term "pharmacoequity" to describe the goal of ensuring that everyone, regardless of race or social class, has access to life-saving medicines. Along with my research, I am passionate about diversifying the medical and research scientist workforce and am an Associate Vice Chair of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the Department of Medicine at UCLA. My passion for health equity and diversity in medicine has resulted in over $1 million in grants and national recognition including a 2019 National Minority Quality Forum 40 under 40 Leaders in Minority Health Award, a 2020 “30 Leaders under 40 Transforming Healthcare” by Business Insider, and the AAMC Herbert W. Nickens Award in 2021.

 

I am a proud New Yorker and the son of Nigerian immigrants. I enjoy reading (especially West African novels), running (marathoner x 2) traveling abroad, visiting new restaurants, and loudly singing show tunes from the award-winning musical "Hamilton" while tying my favorite clothing item: bowties. 

About me
Kaela-Speicher-Photography-WEB-2090.jpg
unnamed-8.jpg
Kaela-Speicher-Photography-WEB-1605.jpg

Recent News

STAT
Pharmacoequity: a new goal for ending disparities in U.S. health care
July 28, 2021
Recent News logos - Dr Utibe.png
Untitled design-2.png
The Guardian

Black and latino seniors to see exorbitant prescription drug costs drop thanks to new US bill

August 12, 2022
Recent News logos - Dr Utibe.png
STAT

THE INFLATION REDUCTION ACT: ONE STEP CLOSER TO PHARMACOEQUITY?

August 19, 2022
bottom of page