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Biography

When local people need treatment for infectious diseases in Columbus, they may end up seeing Dr. Afua Ntem-Mensah — an infectious disease specialist who loves every new challenge that comes her way.

Dr. Ntem-Mensah, who treats patients at the Visiting Physicians Clinic, first received her medical school training in her home country of Ghana. Then, she moved to the United States to become an expert in infectious diseases at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore.

“I love my specialty because it helps me to think and apply my knowledge,” she said. “There are a multitude of infections, and depending on the individual’s presentation, management may differ.”

Dr. Ntem-Mensah’s love for science came from her mother, who was a teacher. When she was growing up she wanted to be a pediatrician, but as she underwent her medical training, she discovered that her calling was in infectious diseases.

“My office and I are always happy to see new patients,” she said. “Every new consult is a challenge, and we are happy to help providers navigate their care.”

One of the most influential people in Dr. Ntem-Mensah’s life was Nelson Mandela, the South African anti-apartheid political leader. In fact, she says, if she could have dinner with one person, living or dead, it would be Mandela.

Although Dr. Ntem-Mensah lives in Norfolk, Nebraska, her heart is still in her homeland. If she won the lottery, she says, she would build a nonprofit hospital in Ghana and create a number of charities. More than anything, she says, she would love to travel to Ghana.

When she’s not treating patients, Dr. Ntem-Mensah enjoys spending time at home with her three dogs, relaxing and studying.