[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 138 (Tuesday, September 29, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2386]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                  A TRIBUTE TO DR. THEOPHINE ABAKPORO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS-

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 29, 2009

  Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Dr. 
Theophine Abakporo, Medical Director of the Department of Emergency 
Medicine & Pre-Hospital Care at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center and 
dedicated public servant.
  Dr. Theophine Abakporo, MD was born in Nigeria in 1964. During his 
childhood, he was deeply influenced by the devastating experience of 
growing up in a country at war. He witnessed the effects the war had on 
his local community--displacement, premature deaths, injuries, disease 
and poverty. As he grew older, he realized the importance of community 
organizations and public service.
  At the age of 23, Dr. Abakporo obtained his MD degree from Jos 
Medical School in Nigeria. Upon graduation, he was appointed Medical 
Officer with the Nigerian Army Field Ambulance. Subsequently, he 
relocated to the United States to pursue his postgraduate medical 
education. In 1995, he completed his residency in internal medicine at 
Brookdale University Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. He is board 
certified in internal medicine and emergency medicine.
  In response to the increasing need for disaster awareness and 
management he took further training and certification. He is certified 
by the United States Department of Homeland Security in healthcare 
leadership and administrative decision-making in response to weapons of 
mass destruction (WMD). He is certified by the United States Army in 
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive incidents 
(CBRNE). In addition, he is certified by the Fire Department of New 
York (FDNY) in online medical control.
  While pursuing his medical career Dr. Abakporo became deeply involved 
in the health care needs of the inner-city communities in the United 
States. Dr. Abakporo worked hard and committed himself to participating 
in the health outreach and other programs related to the well being of 
the Brooklyn communities such as Ocean Hill, Brownsville, East New 
York, Bed-Stuy, Bushwick and Ridgewood communities. This strong 
willingness to help and care for people, contributed to his interest 
and focus in the field of emergency medicine and pre-hospital care.
  In 1996, Dr. Abakporo joined Wyckoff Heights Medical Center as an 
Attending Physician in the Department of Emergency Medicine. His 
leadership, hard work and dedication earned him a promotion as 
Assistant Director in 2005. Dr. Abakporo currently serves as Medical 
Director of the Department of Emergency Medicine & Pre-Hospital Care at 
Wyckoff Heights Medical Center.
  In 2008, Dr. Abakporo was honored by the Wyckoff Heights Medical 
Center's Nursing Administration for his motivation, excellence, 
dedication and service to the patients and staff. He received the 
Nursing Recognition Award for Physician Education & Nursing 
Collaboration.
  Dr. Abakporo is a member of World Association of Disaster and 
Emergency Medicine (WADEM); the American Association of Physician 
Specialists, and the American College of Physicians.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Dr. 
Theophine Abakporo.

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