Toluwalase Awoyemi Wins Dale Abel Award at Northwestern, Begins Harvard Cardiology Fellowship

Fadekemi Ajakaiye

Nigerian-born physician Dr. Toluwalase Awoyemi has been awarded the prestigious Dale Abel Award at Northwestern University’s Internal Medicine Residency graduation ceremony in Chicago, United States.
The award, named in honour of renowned physician-scientist Dr. Dale Abel, is presented annually to a senior resident who demonstrates exceptional mentorship, clinical skill, research leadership and community service.

Dr. Awoyemi was recognised for his work in cardiology, particularly his research on cardiovascular risk among women, as well as his dedication to teaching and serving underserved communities.

“This is an incredible honour,” Dr. Awoyemi told The Guardian. “It reflects the mentorship I’ve received and the patients who have trusted me with their care. From my early days in Osun State to medical school in Ibadan, my PhD at Oxford, and now training in the U.S., I’ve been driven by a single goal: to improve heart health for all, especially vulnerable groups.”

Born in Osogbo, Osun State, Dr. Awoyemi completed his medical degree at the University of Ibadan, graduating at the top of his class. He later became a Rhodes Scholar at the University of Oxford, where he earned a PhD focused on identifying biomarkers and molecular pathways contributing to preeclampsia.

At Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, he was recognised as a dedicated clinician and teacher, mentoring junior doctors and medical students in clinical reasoning and cardiovascular care. He also volunteered in preventive health clinics focused on reducing heart disease risk in underserved populations.
“Toluwalase is a model of the physician-scientist we strive to train; brilliant, compassionate, and committed to equity,” said one of his Northwestern mentors. “His work on cardiovascular risk, his clinical skills and acumen and his dedication to mentorship embody the spirit of the Dale Abel Award.”

Dr. Awoyemi has now begun a Cardiology Fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, one of the world’s leading centres for cardiovascular medicine. He plans to specialise in preventive cardiology, cardiovascular risk, and the development of precision-medicine approaches to reduce heart disease burden globally.
He expressed hope that his achievements would inspire young Nigerians pursuing careers in medicine and research.

“There is immense talent in Nigeria,” he said. “My journey is proof that with dedication, mentorship, and support, we can lead the world in scientific discovery and patient care. I want to use my training to improve outcomes for women and for all who face barriers to heart health whether in US or Nigeria.”

Dr. Awoyemi’s recognition comes at a time when cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, with growing emphasis on addressing disparities in care and outcomes across populations and genders.