The film “Concussion” directed by Peter Landesman starring Will Smith is based on the true story of Dr. Bennet Omalu’s medical research into concussions, then discovering Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), and his struggles with the NFL’s (National Football League) uncooperativeness upon learning of CTE Dr. Bennet Ifeakandu Omalu was born in September of 1968 in Nnokwa, Nigeria. He was the sixth of seven children to a civil engineer and seamstress. Bennet was admitted to the Federal Government College in Enugu, Nigeria at 12-years-old and wanted to become a pilot.
Although, at 16-years-old he started medical school at the University of Nigeria. He earned his degree in 1990. Also in 1990 Bennet started an internship at Jos University Hospital before while awaiting acceptance for a “visiting scholar program” at the University of Washington in 1994. He then served his residency at Harlem Hospital Center, where he developed his interest in pathology. In 1999, Omalu moved to Pittsburgh to train under noted pathologist Cyril Wecht at the Allegheny County Coroner ‘s Office. He continued his education at the University of Pittsburgh, completing a fellowship in neuropathology in 2002 and a master ‘s in public health and epidemiology in 2004.
Dr. Omalu received his MB, BS M.D. degree from the University of Nigeria in 1991. He received his MPH Masters in Public Health degree in Epidemiology from University of Pittsburgh in 2004. He also received his MBA Masters in Business Administration degree from Carnegie Mellon University in 2008.
Dr. Omalu holds four board certifications in Anatomic Pathology, Clinical Pathology, Forensic Pathology and Neuropathology. Dr. Omalu is also board certified in Medical Management and is a Certi. .ssion Legacy Foundation) to continue studies of CTE.
In my opinion after doing some research on Dr. Omalu and CTE, I believe the film Concussion captured the story as well as the facts spot on. The film really makes you think, “why was everyone in denial of CTE’s existence? Wasn’t anyone concerned for the health of the players they love so much?” the truth is people were concerned, but the NFL was too busy worrying about themselves and their greed to care about the players. So, was it worth the price? He lost so much, including his first child, and his american dream. But in the end his sacrifice to his research paid off, people are realizing the severeness of CTE, people are realizing the serious risks of playing a hardcore sport. Though, possibly not many people will agree with me, I do believe telling the world about these dangers was worth the price he paid.
