On 18 March 2025, the halls of the Georgia State Capitol reverberated with applause as Dr Olufunso Ayodeji Ojo, a native of Ijero-Ekiti in southwestern Nigeria, was honoured with the distinguished title of Outstanding Georgia Citizen. The award, which is the highest honour given on the state level to any citizen, is in recognition of Ojo’s decades of exceptional contributions to Medicine, compassionate patient care and philanthropy.
The official proclamation of the award, as signed by Georgia’s Secretary of State, Brad Raffensperger, read in part: “Dr Ojo has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence in the field of medicine, providing exceptional medical care to countless individuals in the State of Georgia and beyond, and serving as a beacon of hope and healing for his patients.
“His expertise in internal medicine, coupled with his empathetic approach to patient care, has set a standard of excellence in the medical community, inspiring both his colleagues and future generations of healthcare professionals.”
The document added: “Dr Ojo’s contributions extend beyond the walls of his practice, as he actively engages in community outreach and health education, striving to improve the overall health and quality of life for all Georgians. He is not only a renowned physician but also a philanthropist of international repute, whose generous contributions and humanitarian efforts have uplifted communities locally, nationally, and globally, addressing critical needs in healthcare, education, and social development.”
Foundations of excellence
Dr Ojo’s journey from a small town in Ekiti State to the top ranks of Georgia’s medical community reads like a modern-day odyssey. Born in the early 70s, he received his medical degree from Obafemi Awolowo University , Ile-Ife (College of Health Sciences) Nigeria, graduating in 1995. Following his housemanship at General Hospital, Akure, and his National Youth Service in 1997, he ventured to the United States. There, he served as a clinical research assistant at Columbia University in 1999.
His pursuit of medical excellence led him to Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta for his Internal Medicine residency from 2000 to 2003, followed by a subspecialty in Geriatric Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine. That not only proved to be a pivotal chapter in the formation of his approach to patient-centred care but also deepened his sensitivity to the layered needs of ageing patients
Today, with over 30 years of clinical experience, Dr Ojo has become a cornerstone in Georgia’s healthcare landscape. This is not just about his formidable résumé but the conscientiousness with which he carries it. While his walls may boast of degrees, certifications, and accolades—including a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine—his patients speak of a different kind of credential: empathy. Patients consistently praise his attentive listening, thorough explanations, and personalised treatment plans.
“He listens, he cares, he explains and does customised diagnosis with the patient’s best interest in mind,” wrote one reviewer. Another captured the essence more succinctly: “He reminds me of doctors from the old school, where you are not just a number or name on a piece of paper. You are truly his patient.”
The reviews—spontaneous, heartfelt, and glowing—form a chorus of gratitude from lives he has touched. “He’s so good he can diagnose you over the phone and hit the mark every time!” said one. Another described him as “a child of God” whose personable nature and diligence often go “above and beyond” the standard of care.
Monument of mercy
Dr Ojo has worked with various hospital systems in Georgia and currently serves as the chief executive officer of Mercy Internal Medicine Associates PC. Ojo established the health centre in 2006 with the mission to deliver personalised, preventive, and holistic healthcare. Named with spiritual significance, “Mercy” reflects both the Christian ethos of compassion and the healing mission at the heart of the medical profession. Over the years, what began as a modest clinic has transformed into a powerhouse of medical excellence, trusted throughout Georgia and beyond.
Interestingly, as the practice has grown, so too has its ability to serve, continually expanding its services to meet the evolving needs of patients. Today, the practice offers a comprehensive range of services—from wellness exams and chronic disease management to telemedicine and immigration physicals. But at its heart lies a philosophy rooted in human dignity. Moreover, to stay at the forefront of internal medicine, Ojo has prioritised cutting-edge medical technology and ongoing education, ensuring that Mercy Internal Medicine remains a titan of the medical world.
Ojo’s holistic and practical approach blends evidence-based medicine with a deep understanding of his patients’ lives, families, and struggles. It is not uncommon for a patient consultation at Mercy Internal Medicine to evolve into a dialogue about mental well-being, family stress, or lifestyle challenges—all handled with professionalism.
The practice has also earned respect for its cultural sensitivity. As an African physician in the American South, Ojo has leveraged his background to create a welcoming space for patients of diverse ethnicities and faiths. His staff reflects the same values, delivering professional, courteous care in a warm environment that encourages trust and follow-through—especially important in managing chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
Mentorship and community engagement
A member of the American College of Physicians and the American Medical Association, Dr Ojo’s dedication extends far beyond his patient roster. He is deeply invested in training the next generation of healthcare professionals, ensuring that medical students and young doctors receive not only technical guidance but also a model of compassionate practice. He has served in multiple leadership roles, including Chairman of the Medical Evaluation Committee, where he oversaw peer review for fellow physicians—holding others to the same exacting standards he exemplifies.
His philanthropic reach is equally notable. From community health outreaches to contributions in education and social development, Ojo’s influence crosses borders. He has been instrumental in organising health fairs, providing free medical consultations, and supporting initiatives aimed at addressing healthcare disparities. His commitment to service is a reflection of his belief that healthcare is a fundamental right, not a privilege.
Legacy of compassion
In an era where healthcare can often feel transactional and detached, Dr Olufunso Ojo remains a rare find, a physician whose integrity is as sound as his clinical judgement, and whose concern for humanity transcends the stethoscope. Indeed, as healthcare systems evolve and technology redefines patient interactions, professionals like Dr Ojo stand as anchors of the timeless medical principle that healing begins with listening. His 4.5-star rating is the cumulative voice of hundreds of patients whose lives have been bettered by his care.
As further captured in his award proclamation, “Dr Ojo’s outstanding achievements and dedication to his profession and philanthropic endeavours have brought great pride to the State of Georgia, and his work serves as a testament to the power of compassion, skill, and perseverance in the field of medicine and beyond.”
To nominate him for an award for great doctors would be stating the obvious. He already is one. In him, we find not just a doctor, but a model of diligence, humility, compassion, and cultural pride. He is a true hero of healthcare whose life and work illuminate what it means to serve both medicine and mankind
