Andrew O. Baddoo – The unassuming peoples’ physician

Dr. Andrew O. Baddoo, MD, has dedicated over twenty years to practicing medicine in Essex County, New Jersey.

He graduated from Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in 1998, specializing in nephrology and internal medicine. After residency and fellowship, he opened a practice about two decades ago in a community in Essex County, New Jersey, to get closer to his people. 

His expertise lies in treating chronic kidney disease and related conditions, extending to chronic ailments like diabetes and high blood pressure and their impact on kidney health. Chronic disease management and preventive medicine are hallmarks of approach to treating patients.

Dr. Baddoo’s approach to his patient care is holistic, focusing on the physical, emotional, and social aspects of health, among others, cognizant of the fact that socioeconomic status, education, and community resources significantly impact health outcomes.

These principles, he believes, have guided his practice by ensuring that each patient receives thorough evaluations, understands their health conditions and treatment options, and participates actively in their care decisions.

Dr. Baddoo has held assistant professorship positions at various training programs, mentoring medical students, residents, and recently, nurse practitioners to impact acquired knowledge and expertise to the next generation of healthcare providers.

Giving back to the community has always been a passion and priority for and of Dr. Baddoo. He is a founding member and president of the Ghana Association for Medical Aid (GAMA), a non-profit, professional health resource group that seeks and promotes health literacy and awareness in the community and beyond.

GAMA has been instrumental in providing access to preventative health screenings. While GAMA’s efforts have a global reach, it remains committed to serving marginalized members within  local communities.

Under his presidency, GAMA has initiated and implemented several programs and projects in underserved communities in Ghana and the United States. At its yearly medical missions to Ghana, GAMA has provided medical supplies, health education, and other services gratis. GAMA’s medical Outreach Programs have improved the lives of over 20,000 individuals through health screenings, treatments, and consultations.

Other accomplishments of GAMA under Dr. Andrew Baddoo includes but not limited to:

1.           Scholarship Programs: GAMA supports the educational pursuits of students in high school and colleges through scholarship programs. This effort helps bridge the gap to higher education for qualified individuals in New Jersey, fostering the next generation of professionals.

2.           Fundraising and Resource Collection: GAMA conducts fundraising campaigns to gather financial and in-kind donations. These resources are directed towards medical supplies, educational materials, and other necessities critical to their operations.

3.           College & Career Fair:   GAMA annually partners with Rutgers University, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Essex County College, and New Jersey City University, (all in New Jersey) for college and career fair symposium. These colleges provide GAMA with admission and financial aid department professionals to advise youths and parents on strategies for filling out college applications and financial aid forms.

In addition, GAMA has a mentorship program that offers the youth in the community opportunities to interact with professionals in various fields, including education, healthcare, law, engineering, and information technology (IT). This initiative has increased awareness and motivation to pursue higher education and professional careers.

Dr. Baddoo is also an Executive Board member of the Caribbean Medical Mission (CMM), dedicated to improving the health and well-being of under-served communities in the Caribbean region. Founded by Jamaican doctors in the New York Metro Area in 1997, the CMM strives to provide accessible and affordable primary care services to those who lack adequate healthcare resources.

Dr. Baddoo says that he is grateful for the opportunities and experiences that have shaped him into the physician he is today. He says he will utilize the ever-revolving field of medicine to enhance his passionate mission and vision, and to provide compassionate, evidence-based care to his patients and inspire future medical professionals to carry on this vital work.

He says that his life and career have been guided by a deep-seated belief in the power of medicine to transform lives, and is committed to upholding the highest medical practice, education, and community services along the way.

Dr. Andrew Baddoo has been honored by several communities, non-profit organizations, and local governments for his meritorious works. He is known to have gone above and beyond his field of practice to offer free services both financially and-in kind and support for some in need.

Posted by admin on Jun 26 2024. Filed under BHM Special: Remembering Our Heroes & Sheroes. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry