Chenue Abongwa, M.D., joined CHOC in October 2018 as a pediatric neuro-oncologist at the Hyundai Cancer Institute. After finishing medical school at the Universite de Yaounde in Cameroon, he completed his pediatrics residency at Brookdale University Hospital in New York, his pediatric hematology/oncology fellowship at University of Iowa Hospitals and his neuro-oncology fellowship at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. We chatted with him about his time at CHOC so far.
What drew you to medicine? Pediatrics specifically?
I was drawn to medicine earlier in my childhood. My mother worked as a nurse, and I often accompanied her when she did house calls to visit children and was very impressed by her dedication and desire to help sick children. I wanted to be like her when I grew up.
What about CHOC stuck out to you?
I initially heard about CHOC in 2013 when I was a fellow in pediatric hematology/oncology and came across a well-written web guideline on febrile neutropenia. This prompted me to seek information about the institution and about the team. I was very impressed by the institutional vision, dynamism, patient-centeredness and search for excellence. I applied without hesitation when the opportunity came.
Are you or do you plan to be involved with any special projects or groups at CHOC?
I am currently involved in several divisional clinical projects based on COG (Children’s Oncology Group) and will be joining some committees.
Can you share some of your goals at CHOC?
My goals are to initially build a strong clinical base by working in the neuro-oncology team in the short term. I hope in the long term to be actively involved in quality improvement, research and teaching.
What do you want your patients and their families to know about CHOC?
The diagnosis of cancer in a child is a very difficult and traumatic experience to children and their families. Being part of their lives in these extremely difficult periods and advocating for these families is a great privilege. Our team here at CHOC, with its focus on patient-centered care, is the right place for these families to be during this time.
What do you like to do outside of CHOC?
I love traveling, watching football and playing chess.
CHOC Hospital was named one of the nation’s best children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report in its 2024-25 Best Children’s Hospitals rankings and ranked in the cancer specialty.
