Toggle left nav

Embarking on a career in family medicine is a transformative experience for many medical students, and for Keana Murray, a fourth-year medical student and current Student Government Association (SGA) President at Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM), that journey has been deeply personal. Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Keana’s passion for providing health care to underrepresented communities has driven her academic and professional choices, culminating in her decision to focus on family medicine.

Having spent nearly six years at MSM, first earning a Master of Sciences in Medical Sciences degree and now in the MD program, Keana’s journey has been shaped by a strong desire to make a difference in the lives of marginalized individuals. “I’ve been at Morehouse School of Medicine, honestly, going on six years now,” she shares, reflecting on the progression of her studies. “I’m very passionate about giving our people a fighting chance at being healthy.”

Keana’s commitment to family medicine stems from her belief that primary care can be a powerful tool for promoting health equity, especially in underserved communities. Family medicine, with its holistic approach, allows her to address the wide range of health issues that often affect minority populations, from chronic diseases to preventive care. This specialization is a natural fit for someone deeply invested in ensuring equitable healthcare access. “I want to work primarily with minoritized individuals, people of color, because I’m very passionate about giving our people a fighting chance and being healthy,” she emphasizes.

But Keana’s journey to medical school wasn’t always clearcut. After completing her undergraduate degree at a predominantly white institution (PWI), she found herself at a crossroads, unsure of how to proceed. “I never had a mentor to help guide me,” she recalls. Without a mentor to provide direction and encouragement, Keana’s path could have easily veered away from medicine altogether. In fact, she experienced discouragement from her undergraduate advisor, who tried to talk her out of pursuing a career in medicine.

However, her determination never wavered. After taking a break from school and working as a scribe in an emergency room, Keana realized her passion for health care was undeniable. “I loved working as a scribe. I realized I really liked medicine,” she reflects. “So, I was like, okay, I definitely want to go to medical school.”

Her decision to attend Morehouse School of Medicine came after careful research and personal experience. Keana had always been drawn to Atlanta, a city known for its vibrant Black culture and rich history. 

It was during a trip to Atlanta for her 25th birthday that Keana’s vision for her future began to take shape. Keana visited Emory University first but found the experience underwhelming. “When I went to ask for information, no one was really helpful or gave me the time of day. It was kind of off-putting,” she says. In contrast, Morehouse School of Medicine immediately felt like the right fit. Known for its focus on health equity and its mission to improve the health and well-being of people of color, MSM resonated with Keana’s values. “I found Morehouse School of Medicine online. I’d never heard about it, but I Googled it,” she explains. The decision to apply and eventually enroll in the MSM Doctor of Medicine program was a turning point in her career, allowing her to align her passion for medicine with her goal of serving minority communities.

Now conducting her family medicine elective, Keana is gaining hands-on experience and further developing the skills she will need to make a meaningful impact in the lives of her future patients. The elective is an essential part of Morehouse School of Medicine’s commitment to training physicians who will go on to address the health disparities that disproportionately affect communities of color. Family medicine provides a unique opportunity to deliver comprehensive care, from preventive screenings to managing chronic illnesses, all while building lasting relationships with patients.

The family medicine elective trip offers medical students an immersive experience in diverse healthcare environments, ranging from underserved urban neighborhoods to remote rural communities. This elective allows students to practice hands-on patient care while addressing the unique health challenges faced by these populations, such as limited access to healthcare services and a higher prevalence of chronic conditions. By working in community clinics and collaborating with local healthcare providers, students gain valuable insights into the social determinants of health and the role family physicians play in delivering comprehensive, culturally sensitive care. 

This experience not only sharpens clinical skills but also deepens students’ commitment to health equity, as they witness the impact of compassionate, patient-centered care on individuals and families from various backgrounds. The elective trip enriches their understanding of family medicine’s scope, preparing them to serve a wide array of communities in their future medical careers.

For Keana, family medicine represents more than just a career path—it’s a way to give back to her community and address the systemic inequalities that exist in health care. By focusing on historically underserved populations, she hopes to make health care more accessible and ensure that everyone can live a healthy life. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that with determination, resilience, and the right support system, students like Keana can overcome obstacles and become the next generation of leaders in medicine.

“I definitely want to give back,” she says. “I want to make sure our people get the care they deserve.”

As she looks forward to completing her studies and entering the healthcare workforce, Keana’s experience at Morehouse School of Medicine has prepared her not only to be an excellent physician but also to be a champion for health equity. The family medicine elective has strengthened her resolve to make a difference in the field, and she is ready to take on the challenge of improving health care for those who need it most.