Getting to Know a BHC Doctor

Martin Tibuakuu, MD, MPH, FACC

General Cardiology, Missouri Heart Center

Dr. Tibuakuu hails from a small village in northern Ghana and has an inspiring journey. He walked barefoot to school and was the first in his village to get an education. Growing up in poverty, Dr. Tibuakuu went weeks without food and didn’t have the means to seek health care. This experience instilled a strong desire to help others, and he vowed to make a difference in the lives of those in need. He understood the importance of being a doctor. He pursued his medical education at the University of Algiers on a Ghana government scholarship and later completed his MPH at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. He has extensive experience in epidemiology and cardiovascular disease research, having completed fellowships and residencies at Johns Hopkins and St. Luke’s Hospital.

What led him to choose this medical specialty?

Dr. Tibuakuu’s passion for cardiology stems from a personal tragedy. He lost his mother to heart disease when he was a child, which motivated him to pursue this specialty. His experiences influenced his commitment to patient care and shaped his approach to medicine.

What is the most rewarding part of his job?

He finds the most rewarding part of his job is when patients feel better due to his therapy.

What is the most challenging aspect of his job?

He acknowledges the challenges posed by insurance and preapproval processes.

What changes does he forsee in health care in the next 5 to 10 years?

Looking ahead, Dr. Tibuakuu believes artificial intelligence will significantly enhance healthcare delivery. He recommends that aspiring doctors be kind and patient-focused, emphasizing that medicine is more about compassion than academic prowess.

What does he enjoy doing outside of work?

Outside of work, Dr. Tibuakuu enjoys spending time with his family, biking, playing soccer, and mentoring young doctors. He is also dedicated to medical outreach, particularly in minority communities, to ensure they get screened for cardiovascular risk factors and prevent cardiovascular diseases.

What advice would he give patients for an extended hospitalization?

Dr. Tibuakuu emphasizes that the care team is always working in a patient’s best interest to ensure they feel better and leave the hospital when it is safe. He notes that leaving the hospital prematurely could result in a longer recovery if the patient must return.