Poplar Bluff, Mo. – September 12, 2026 -- The Inner Circle has named Dr. Cindy A. Okolo a Pinnacle Professional of the Year, citing her work in patient care and advanced nursing practice.
Okolo built a clinical career spanning internal medicine, family practice and critical care
Dr. Okolo has treated patients in medical, surgical, neurological, transplant and cardiology intensive care units over the course of her career. Her practice covers internal medicine, family practice and ICU nursing, positions she has used to manage complex and acute patient cases.
Okolo completed a Doctor of Nursing Practice in 2025
She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice from Midwestern University in 2025, a Master's degree in Family Nurse Practice from Governors State University in 2017, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Chicago State University in 2007. She holds memberships in the American Nurses Association, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, and the Missouri Association of Nurse Practitioners, and belongs to the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. Dr. Okolo received the America's Best in Medicine award for 2026.
Okolo will continue practicing at Missouri Highlands Healthcare while launching a new venture
She plans to remain in clinical practice at Missouri Highlands Healthcare and is developing a separate healthcare business with her husband, Ugochukwu Egolum, MD.