Toggle left nav

Dr. Anya Bazzell, MD, MPH, MS, was inspired to pursue a career in medicine after witnessing her family's struggles with navigating the healthcare system. Growing up in a multigenerational household, she felt a deep sense of responsibility to help others in her community access the care they needed. This early experience fueled her determination to become a physician who could make a positive impact on underserved populations.

During her time at Morehouse School of Medicine, Dr. Bazzell’s passion for women’s health flourished. Her focus on Maternal and Child Health in the Global Health track of the MPH program set the stage for her residency at the Mount Sinai - Institute for Family Health. There, she honed her skills in reproductive health, benefiting from the program’s affiliation with the Reproductive Health Education in Family Medicine (RHEDI) consortium, which provided vital training in abortion care.

Driven by a desire to specialize in reproductive health, Dr. Bazzell played a key role in developing a Reproductive Health Track within her residency program. Despite initial resistance from some in the Family Medicine community, she persisted and successfully established the track, which continues to benefit residents today. This achievement is a testament to her commitment to advocating for specialized care within Family Medicine.

Dr. Bazzell’s journey was not without challenges. After multiple attempts to pass the Step 1 board exam, she faced the possibility of dismissal. It was at this critical moment that Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice, President and Dean of Morehouse School of Medicine, intervened, offering Dr. Bazzell a second chance. With the support of Dr. Rice and dedicated faculty, she overcame the hurdle, passed her board exams, and became board-certified in Family Medicine.

Returning to Georgia, Dr. Bazzell is now focused on providing essential reproductive health services to underserved communities. In a state with restrictive legislation, her work in enhancing bodily autonomy and educating patients is more important than ever. She is honored to serve in this role, fulfilling the mission of Morehouse School of Medicine to serve the underserved.

Looking ahead, Dr. Bazzell is committed to expanding the reach of women’s health services globally and advocating for diversity in medicine. She hopes her story will inspire future students to persevere through challenges, knowing that there is life after setbacks, and that success is possible with determination and the right support.