Kennedy Okere, MD, is the new family physician in Rincon with KC Center for Family Medicine, PC.

Dr Okere was born in Nigeria to a Christian family of the late Deacon Geoffrey Okere Sr. and Deaconess Priscilla Okere. Deacon Geoffrey Okere was one of the early missionaries from Nigeria to Cleveland, Ga., in the early 1970s.

Dr. “KC” Okere completed his Bachelor of Science degree in zoology at the University of Jos, Nigeria. He graduated with honors and as the best graduating student in his time. He later completed a Doctor of Medicine degree at St. George’s University School of medicine on Grenada.

In his desire to return to Georgia, he furthered his post graduate medical education in family medicine at Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah and a fellowship program in executive faculty development at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta. Dr Okere is board certified in family medicine.

On completion of residency he served as a staff physician at Curtis V. Cooper Primary Health Center in Savannah for three years. During this period he served predominately the uninsured.

“My desire is to teach and practice medicine,” said Dr Okere.

In 2004 Dr Okere was appointed as the assistant director of Memorial Family Medicine residency program and assistant clinical professor of medicine at Mercer University School of Medicine. He has been involved in the teaching of residents and medical students.

“When I was considering the place in Georgia to open a private practice I contacted my friend and colleague Dr Tripp Lynn in Rincon,” said Dr. Okere. “Kennedy, you are a fine physician, personable with good bedside manners, I am convinced you are the kind of primary care physician we need in Rincon,” said Dr Lynn.

Dr. Kennedy Okere is a missionary. He served first as a missionary evangelist with Nigerian Baptist convention and Southern Baptist convention in Nigeria in early 1990s. Now his passion for mission led him to become founder and president of Horizon International Medical Mission, Inc. (www.himm.org).

For seven years in a row Dr. Okere and his team of doctors, pharmacists, nurses, social workers and church ministers from all over the U.S. have offered free medical care to the people of Africa in rural areas, thanks to the people of America.

His next mission trip is scheduled for March. Dr. Okere has built a hospital (Horizon Medical Center) for the people of Ihiagwa in Imo state, Nigeria, to serve the rural population were he was born.

Based on his contribution to the development of rural health care in Nigeria, he was honored by the kings and the governor of Imo State as a traditional high chief and his wife as Lolo (Queen). The title is largely symbolic here in U.S., but in Nigeria and Africa the implications for Okere’s work is real. Dr. Okere enjoys playing soccer and is a great fan of the English Premier League.

Dr. Okere and his wife Leslie have three children. If you wish to make appointment with Dr.Okere please call 826-3373.

Dr. Okere is accepting patients from 2 years old and above. His official opening date is Jan. 3.