About Me
I’m Dr Steven Okoli, a haematologist with a specialist interest in red cell disorders, particularly Sickle Cell Disease. I am a clinical academic who currently serves as Chair of the Imperial Sickle Cell Group and Co-Director of the Sickle Cell Alliance. I was born in the UK but spent part of my formative years living in Nigeria, an experience that has deeply shaped my identity and perspective on life.
My Role Models
Personal Role Models - The women in my family
My life has been profoundly shaped by strong, influential, and grounded Black women. My mother raised three children on her own while working to support us. Now that I am a parent, I truly appreciate how hard it was for her to raise three well-adjusted adults with strong faith, ethics and cultural understanding. It was my eldest sister who first aspired to become a Sickle Cell doctor—she’s now an academic GP—and her passion was a key inspiration for my own career choices. My wife, who balances her own career while supporting both me and our children, makes sacrifices every day so that I can pursue my career. Her support is something I am extremely grateful for.
I have nothing but respect and admiration for those people who hold life together: who work, pursue their own goals in life, while finding time to care for others, this is the story of the black women in my life. As a Black man, being able to maintain cultural understanding, progress from personal perspective and uplifting others is both powerful and essential. It’s incredibly important to recognise those who helped you get to where you are—and to pay it forward by bringing others along with you.
Professional Inspirations
Professor Julie Makani
Julie Makani is not only an outstanding clinician and scientist but also a remarkable person. She is a medical researcher from Tanzania with whom I’ve had the privilege of working with at Imperial College over the past two years on various Sickle Cell projects. Her passion, drive, and refusal to accept the status quo are deeply inspiring. Julie has taught me to think big and to challenge limitations.
Professor Mark Layton
I’ve known Mark, another leading Sickle Cell specialist, for nearly 30 years. His encyclopaedic knowledge, calm diplomacy, and remarkable patience have had a lasting influence on my practice. I’ve done my best to absorb and apply some of these qualities in my own practice. I’ve learned so much from him over the years.