How did you get started in your field?
Funny story — I didn’t really want to be a doctor. I wanted to work at the National Institutes of Health and set policy, but I thought I had to be a doctor to do that. As I was going through my training, I developed a passion for preventing disease and keeping people out of the hospital. I did that for over 20 years. Then I started teaching and found that I loved it.
Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of?
I have a passion for doing medical ministry with underserved populations, and I helped set up medical outreach for the homeless at my last two institutions. I have some students working on the same type of project here at ARCOM and look forward to serving alongside them.
What obstacles have you had to overcome?
I grew up very poor — standing-in-line-for-our-bread-and-cheese poor. I am the first person in my family to go to college, let alone medical school. I had no idea how to go to college, but I was not afraid to ask questions. I would call colleges and ask them how I could apply (this was before computers). I had to work five jobs to get through college. Those things are not easy if you do not have people around you who have done it. That is why I have a special place in my heart for first-generation students.
Is there another “power woman” in your life who inspires you?
My mom got her GED diploma and then graduated from nursing school the same year I applied for medical school. She was 47 years old at the time. It is never too late. She retired at age 74 a few years ago.
