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Why did you choose to pursue a career in health care?
My mother says I wanted to be a doctor since I was six years old, but I was also strongly influenced by the positive and negative experiences I encountered as a sick child. I had planned on becoming a pediatrician, but to my surprise, I fell in love with obstetrics and gynecology once I realized the scope of influence by practicing in women’s health and it offered a perfect blend of primary care and surgery. As an OB/GYN, addressing the physical and mental needs of your patient, commonly the center of the family, is a sure way to positively impact everyone within her reach – children, spouse, partner, parents, family, friends, colleagues, and community.
What has attracted you to live and practice in a rural area?
With my public health background and my medical education at Morehouse School of Medicine, I have cultivated a passion for service especially in rural and underserved populations. Working in a rural community is a privilege because it affords you a unique opportunity to feel the heartbeat of the community and appreciate the joys and challenges of my patients, and provides a better understanding of how those factors impact their health and well-being. I absolutely enjoy using my patient experiences to direct my community engagement initiatives.
What excites you most about the future of rural medicine?
In Georgia, rural medicine is starting to get the attention that it deserves. It has always been a focus for entities such as the Mercer University School of Medicine, the Rural Health Association, and the Physician Workforce Board. However, it is now on the radar for our legislature, our state medical society – Medical Association of Georgia, and many other medical and civic organizations who play an intricate role in meeting the needs of our rural communities.
What advice would you offer to a practitioner considering rural medicine?
Pick an area that needs your help. Plant your roots. Practice primary care. Build a network with your colleagues. Be a catalyst for change. Engage your family in your mission. Mentor anyone who is willing, so that you can recruit future providers. Be a servant leader. Your clinical experience is the source of your insight to advocate for your patient both inside the office and on a local, state, and national level.
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