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Q: What originally inspired you to pursue a career in medicine, and how has that inspiration evolved? 

 A: During undergrad in Houston, I took an African American psychology course while majoring in psychology. This was around Trump’s first election, and I was learning more about systemic racism and its impact on the Black experience in this country; I am originally from Nigeria.  

 That course opened my eyes to ways we support each other, and that was when Morehouse School of Medicine first came onto my radar. At the time, I was thinking about medical school, and MSM just made sense — it was the rational choice for me. Learning from people who look like me and being part of a community that I intend to serve aligned perfectly with my goals. 

 I was a teacher before medical school. I come from a long line of educators — my grandparents were not formally educated, so education was a huge deal in our family. My mom retired as a principal and I have aunts and uncles who were teachers. It felt like the family business, so I became a preschool teacher. While teaching, I loved working with children and helping them navigate their emotions, but I saw a lot of mental health struggles in the classroom. I wondered how these issues were being addressed at home and how families were coping.  

 That curiosity led me to get a psychology degree, thinking I might become a social worker. But in the end, I realized medicine was the right path for me. 

I decided on psychiatry because I wanted to have all the tools necessary to help children, whether through medication or therapy. Over time, my passion has only grown.  

 Psychiatry, especially child and adolescent psychiatry, is all about early intervention. When you help a child, you're not just helping them — you’re helping their future, their family and their ability to navigate relationships and life’s challenges. 

 

 

Q: Can you share a defining moment or experience at Morehouse School of Medicine that reinforced your passion for psychiatry? 

 A: During my psychiatric clerkship, I was at Ridgeview Institute, an inpatient child and adolescent facility. My entire experience there was defining. The environment felt familiar — it reminded me of my time as a teacher. The structure, the energy and the opportunity to work with children going through difficult times all solidified my passion for psychiatry. 

I remember interacting with kids and thinking, “I can’t believe you’re only 12 and dealing with so much.” Being part of play therapy, group therapy and just connecting with the faculty made me realize that this is exactly where I’m supposed to be. It was a full-circle moment for me. 

 

 

Q: What has been the most rewarding and most challenging part of your medical school journey? 

 A: The most challenging and rewarding parts of my journey are intertwined. One of the biggest challenges I faced was having to take extra time to complete medical school. Most students finish in four years, but I chose to decelerate during my second year.  

 This was during COVID — when we were isolated from our families — and I struggled emotionally. I realized I couldn’t pour from an empty cup. I had two choices: quit or take the time I needed to figure things out. I chose the latter, and it was the best decision I could have made. 

 Once my third year began, I found balance. I learned to incorporate things I love into my clinical schedule, and that made all the difference. The most rewarding part has been hearing from attending physicians that I am a well-rounded individual.  

 My journey — going from teacher to medical student, navigating struggles and pushing through — has given me a deeper empathy for my patients. You can't help others if you don't take care of yourself first. Even on an airplane, they tell you to put your mask on first before helping others. 

 

 

Q: How has Morehouse School of Medicine shaped your perspective as a psychiatrist? 

A: MSM has been instrumental in shaping how I see my future in psychiatry. MSM’s mission of serving the underserved isn’t just something we talk about — we live it every day. It has reinforced for me that I want to work in a community-based program in a major city like Atlanta. 

 Morehouse School of Medicine has taught me to see patients as whole people — not just their disease. Every patient is the sum of their experiences, circumstances and socioeconomic status. As a doctor, it's not enough to say, “You have high blood pressure, so take this medication.” What if that medication costs $50 a month and they can’t afford it? You have to ask, “Is this feasible for you? If not, how can we make it work?” MSM has instilled in me the importance of treating patients as people first. 

 

 

Q: As we approach Match Day, what are your hopes for the future and the impact you want to make? 

 A: God is good. To even be at this point is surreal — just yesterday, I received my graduation gown! As Match Day approaches, my excitement for the future grows.  

 My hope is to continue bringing psychiatric care to communities that need it most. Mental health care is especially stigmatized in Black communities, and I want to be part of changing that narrative. 

 My goal is to advocate for mental health policies, destigmatize psychiatric conditions and be part of the movement to decriminalize mental health issues. The prison system is one of the largest mental health providers in the U.S., and that’s unacceptable.  

 I see my future in clinical care, policy work and ensuring that mental health resources reach those who need them most. 

 

 

Q: What advice would you give to future MSM graduates and aspiring psychiatrists? Anyone you’d like to shout out? 

A: The best advice I can give is to give yourself grace. Medical school is hard, and everyone’s journey is different. There is no one-size-fits-all path to success. If you need to take an extra year, take it. If you need to ask for help, ask for it. You cannot pour from an empty cup, so prioritize your well-being.   

For future psychiatrists, remember that mental health is just as important as physical health. Fight for your patients, advocate for policies that support them and always approach your work with empathy. 

 I am only here because there are people who have poured into me. My mom forced me to take a day off from work. It was a random Friday in 2012, and I had been putting off going back to college. And she came from Nigeria. She was like this Friday you’re taking the day off, going down to the community college and we're going to figure out all the things that you need. She really did plant a seed that day.  

My family has been my rock. To my mom, my dad, my sister, my brother-in-law, my brother, nieces, nephews, my aunts, my uncles — thank you for believing in me. To my mentors, Dr. Vinson, the chair of the psychiatry department, Dr. Cotton, psychiatry clerkship director, Dr. Herbert-Carter, Dr. Quentin Smith. Dr. Crawford, Dr. Osinubi, Dr. Saint Louis, Mr. Demercado and my friends (Darlene, Nora, Ene, Oge, Amissa, Lindsay, and Hanane), thank you for your unwavering support. I couldn’t have done this without you! 

 

 

As we approach Match Day on Friday, March 21, 2025, we invite you to celebrate with us. Stay tuned for more stories of our future physicians and join us for the Match Day livestream as we unveil where our students will continue their training.  

 

About the Author

Zipporah Dorsey is a program coordinator with a passion for creative communication. She is storyteller at heart who believes every person has a story, and she is dedicated to bringing those narratives to life through creativity and collaboration.

Contact

Zipporah Dorsey
Program Coordinator
Office of Impact & Innovation
zdorsey@msm.edu