From Business to Psychiatry: Miles Simms' Path of Purpose
Q: What originally inspired you to pursue a career in medicine, and how has that inspiration
evolved over time?
A: My journey to medicine is a little different from most. I started at Morehouse College as a business major, but Morehouse’s liberal arts curriculum introduced me to a biology for non-majors' course. To my surprise, I found myself genuinely enjoying what I was learning.
One day, an invitation to the Health Careers Society caught my attention. I decided to attend, and that meeting changed everything. For the first time, I was in a room with Black physicians — people who looked like me. Until then, I had never been treated by a Black physician or even considered medicine as a realistic career path. Hearing their stories and seeing myself in them inspired me to switch my major to biology pre-med with the goal of becoming a physician.
Now, as I approach Match Day, I’m excited to be applying to psychiatry residency programs. My vision extends beyond clinical care — I want to be a springboard for information, not just for my patients but for the community at large. I aim to highlight the importance of mental health awareness, wellness and higher education. Representation matters, and just as seeing Black physicians inspired me, I hope to be that example for someone else.
Q: Can you share a defining experience from your time at Morehouse School of Medicine that solidified your passion for psychiatry? Was there a particular moment when you thought, “Yes, this is exactly what I’m meant to do”?
A: That moment came during my third-year psychiatry rotation at Georgia Regional, an inpatient psych facility. I was assigned an older Black woman experiencing an acute episode of psychosis. When I first met her, she was overcome with fear and confusion, making conversation nearly impossible. She had a deep distrust for the medical interventions we were trying to implement.
Determined to build a connection, I made it a point to accompany her to therapy sessions and group workshops. Over time, I found small ways to relate to her — our most meaningful connection came through discussions about church. I shared my experiences at my church home in Atlanta, and that familiarity helped break the barrier between us. That trust transformed our interactions and, ultimately, her recovery. By the time she was discharged, I could see a light in her eyes again, a joy that had been missing.
That experience was overwhelming and inspiring. I knew then that psychiatry was my calling. The ability to connect with patients, understand their struggles and witness their transformation is something I want to feel in every interaction I have as a psychiatrist.
Q: What has been the most rewarding and the most challenging part of your medical school journey so far?
A: The most rewarding part has been working with patients. Every day in the hospital reaffirms my passion. I see friends in other fields who may have high salaries, but they don’t always enjoy what they do. I know that, even on long days, I am making an impact and contributing to something bigger than myself.
The biggest challenge? The journey to get here. Medical school is demanding — the long hours of studying, time away from family and, for me, starting during the pandemic made it even tougher. But now, standing on the other side, approaching Match Day, I realize it was all worth it. The obstacles I faced have only strengthened my resolve.
Q: How has your time at Morehouse School of Medicine shaped your perspective on the work you’ll be doing as a future psychiatrist? How has MSM prepared you to navigate those moments while also prioritizing your own well-being?
A: Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine and the entire Atlanta University Center (AUC) family have been everything for me. Morehouse School of Medicine was actually the only medical school I applied to because I knew the community and support system were invaluable. I wanted to be in an environment where I felt seen and encouraged to be the best version of myself.
Beyond academics, MSM has instilled in me a deep understanding of the socioeconomic factors that impact patient health. It has taught me to step back and consider the whole person — how can we expect a patient to truly get better if they don’t have a stable home environment? These lessons will guide me throughout my career, ensuring that my work as a psychiatrist is not just about treating symptoms but advocating for my patients in meaningful ways.
Q: As we approach Match Day, what are your hopes for the future? What kind of personal impact do you hope to make in this field?
A: I want to be a springboard — not just for my patients, but for my community. As I establish myself in this field, I want to use my platform to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly in Black communities. I also hope to return to Morehouse School of Medicine as an educator, inspiring the next generation of students to explore psychiatry and mental health.
My long-term vision extends beyond clinical care. I want to build community spaces that connect people with Black professionals across various fields. Exposure is key — just as I was inspired by seeing Black physicians for the first time, I want to create opportunities for others to see what’s possible.
Q: Do you have any advice for future MSM students? Are there any people you want to shout out who have helped you through your journey so far?
A: My biggest advice comes from my favorite Peloton instructor, Jess Sims: You can do hard things. We don’t know our full potential until we push ourselves beyond our perceived limits. When you hit a wall, remember how far you’ve already come. Keep your head down, push through and trust that you are capable of more than you realize.
As for shout-outs, I want to thank my fiancée, Dr. Ambre Flowers, my mom and dad, my sister, my grandparents, my aunts and uncles and my friends. Their love and support have carried me through this journey, and I wouldn’t be here without them.
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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