Joshua Egbedimame

Hometown: Oyo town, Nigeria

Current Location: Springfield, IL

Tell us about your personal and professional journey.

My personal and professional journey has been shaped by a commitment to service, equity, and systems-level problem solving. I began my training as a physician in Nigeria, which gave me firsthand exposure to the realities of patient care and the structural barriers that influence health outcomes long before individuals enter the clinic. That experience led me to pursue public health as a way to address health challenges upstream, at the population and systems level.

My time at the University of Illinois Springfield was a defining chapter in that journey. The MPH program provided a strong academic foundation while emphasizing practical application, critical thinking, and public service. Through the Graduate Public Service Internship (GPSI) program, I was able to apply classroom learning directly within state government, gaining early exposure to how policy, data, and operations intersect in real-world public health practice.

Today, I work within the Immunization Program at the Illinois Department of Public Health, supporting vaccine program operations and quality improvement efforts. The path from clinical medicine to public health, and from UIS to state service, has shaped how I approach my work, with a focus on accountability, collaboration, and ensuring that public health systems function equitably and effectively for the communities they serve.

Who or what has played a significant role in influencing or mentoring you?

Several individuals and environments across different stages of my life have shaped my growth. That influence began at home, where discipline, responsibility, and a strong sense of purpose were instilled early on. As I progressed through school and professional training, teachers, peers, and mentors, often through everyday interactions rather than formal roles, modeled values such as integrity, thoughtful problem-solving, and service to others.

At UIS, this collective influence continued through faculty, classmates, and applied learning experiences that emphasized rigor, collaboration, and public service. Rather than one defining mentor, it has been the accumulation of lessons from each stage of my journey that has guided how I learn, lead, and contribute today.

What accomplishments or contributions are you most proud of—professionally or personally?

Professionally, I am most proud of building a career grounded in public service and contributing to systems that protect population health. In my role within the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Immunization Program, I support vaccine program operations that directly impact communities across the state, with a focus on program quality and access.
Personally, I am proud of developing the perspective and discipline to navigate complex systems thoughtfully. Working within government and public health has deepened my understanding of how policy, structure, and decision-making affect people and communities. It has shaped how I approach responsibility, collaboration, and service.

What goals, projects, or aspirations are you excited about for the future?

I am excited to continue working at the intersection of public service, health systems, and prevention. My long-term goal is to keep building skills that strengthen how health programs are designed, implemented, and evaluated, while remaining committed to service and continuous learning.

What advice would you share with other emerging professionals who want to make an impact in their field or community?

Stay curious, be willing to learn from every environment, and focus on doing the work well even when it is not visible. Impact often comes from consistency, humility, and a willingness to understand systems before trying to change them.

Outside of work, what activities, interests, or passions keep you inspired and grounded?

Outside of work, I value time with family, faith, and reflection. I sing with the choir at St. Joseph Catholic Church and am involved with the Black Catholic Commission for the Diocese of Springfield, which supports and promotes Black and African-American Catholic faith and cultural life within the diocese. These activities provide balance and keep me connected to community beyond my professional work.