Bennet Omalu

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Dr. Omalu Speaks at Wounded Warrior Battalion (1) (cropped)

Bennet Omalu (born September 30, 1968) is a Nigerian-American physician, forensic pathologist, and neuropathologist who was the first to discover and publish findings on chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in American football players. His work has had a significant impact on the understanding of brain injuries in contact sports.

Early Life and Education

Bennet Ifeakandu Omalu was born in Nnokwa, Idemili South, Anambra State, Nigeria. He attended the Federal Government College Enugu for his secondary education. Omalu earned his medical degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 1990. He later moved to the United States in 1994, where he continued his education in epidemiology at the University of Washington and obtained a master's degree in public health (MPH) in 2004 from the University of Pittsburgh.

Career

Omalu began his career in the United States as a forensic pathologist in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He worked at the Allegheny County Coroner's Office, where he conducted autopsies and forensic examinations.

Discovery of CTE

In 2002, Omalu performed an autopsy on former Pittsburgh Steelers player Mike Webster, who had exhibited severe cognitive and emotional problems before his death. Omalu's examination revealed extensive damage to Webster's brain, which he later identified as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). He published his findings in the journal Neurosurgery in 2005, coining the term CTE to describe the condition.

Omalu's discovery was initially met with skepticism and resistance from the National Football League (NFL) and other organizations. However, his work eventually gained recognition and led to increased awareness and research on the long-term effects of repeated head trauma in contact sports.

Later Work

Omalu continued his research on CTE and other brain injuries, publishing numerous articles and studies. He has also served as a professor at the University of California, Davis and has been involved in various public health initiatives.

Personal Life

Bennet Omalu is married to Prema Mutiso, and they have two children. The family resides in Elk Grove, California.

In Popular Culture

Omalu's life and work were the subject of the 2015 film Concussion, in which he was portrayed by actor Will Smith.

See Also

• Chronic traumatic encephalopathy
• Forensic pathology
• Neuropathology
• National Football League controversies