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Keana Murray hails from Detroit, Michigan, but her journey toward becoming a healer took her to Atlanta, Georgia, where she has spent nearly six transformative years at Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM). After earning her master’s in medical sciences, she transitioned into the MD program, and now, as a fourth-year medical student, Keana is committed to family medicine, driven by a passion for serving minoritized individuals and communities of color.

Keana's path to medicine was not a straight line. Following her undergraduate studies at a predominantly white institution, she found herself without a mentor to guide her through the complexities of pursuing a medical career. One discouraging advisor even tried to steer her away from medicine altogether, saying, “You should consider other options; medicine isn’t for everyone.”

A pivotal moment came when she began working as a medical scribe in Michigan. Surrounded by the fast-paced environment of the ER, she discovered her love for medicine and solidified her desire to attend medical school. However, one poignant experience occurred before the COVID-19 pandemic when a patient arrived in distress, wearing a bonnet—an everyday necessity for many Black women protecting their hair. Keana overheard a nurse making dismissive comments about the patient’s appearance. “I just kept thinking; this lady is in pain. She is not concerned about a bonnet on her head. She just wants to be treated,” she recalled, her voice heavy with emotion.

This moment further solidified Keana’s resolve to be the first point of contact for her patients—a family medicine doctor dedicated to creating better healthcare experiences. “I want to be the person who sees them for who they are, not just their condition,” she said, emphasizing her commitment to understanding her patients’ experiences.

“I realized then that I was meant to be in medicine. I loved the energy, the teamwork, and the opportunity to help people in crisis,” Keana reflected.

Always drawn to Atlanta—a city once dubbed "Black Hollywood"—Keana made a business and birthday trip there for her 25th birthday, which would change her life forever. While researching medical schools, she found Morehouse School of Medicine online and felt an immediate connection. “It felt like home. I wanted to be part of a community that truly cares about its people,” she said.

Keana often describes MSM as her "home away from home," a nurturing community that felt like family. “At Morehouse, I felt supported. The faculty and my classmates felt like my aunts and uncles, always looking out for me,” she explained. The support she received from faculty and peers reinforced her decision to join a school that doesn't just talk about community service but actively engages in it.

 

Keana understands that many Black individuals harbor distrust toward the medical system, often stemming from negative experiences. “We’ve all heard the stories. My friends and family still struggle with the healthcare system,” she noted. She has witnessed friends and family endurepoor treatment and feel alienated. Her own experiences were different; she cherished her relationship with her doctor, who, while not a person of color, treated her and her family with the utmost respect and care. “She knew my mom and treated us like family. It was reassuring to have that bond,” Keana reflected.

A deeply emotional moment that fueled her passion occurred during her time in retail. Keana met an older Black woman who reminded her of her grandmother. As they engaged in conversation about the woman’s recent cancer diagnosis, Keana listened intently. “She told me about her symptoms—how she couldn’t stop coughing, sometimes to the point of coughing up blood. She thought it was just a smoker's cough,” Keana recalled, her voice trembling with emotion.

Tragically, the woman later passed away, leaving Keana to reflect on the words of the woman blaming herself for her diagnosis. This heartbreaking moment echoed in Keana’s mind, emphasizing the barriers many Black individuals face when seeking medical help. “No one should have to blame themselves for a system that wasn’t built for them. It’s simply not fair,” she said, her passion evident.

Keana's mission is clear: she wants to educate her community and serve as that critical first line of contact in healthcare. “I don’t want anyone to wait until it’s too late to seek treatment. I want to be there, advocating for them,” she asserted. Her passion for helping people, especially those who look like her, drives her to fight against the inequities embedded in the healthcare system. “I always say, why do I want to go into this field when I sometimes say I hate people? But the truthis, I love helping them. At the end of the day, people need someone who understands,” she concluded.

With every step she takes in her medical journey, Keana Murray embodies the concept of a “mental medical miracle”—a beacon of hope and healing for her community, striving to ensure everyone receives the care and respect they deserve. “I want to be the change I wish to see. It’s not just about being a doctor; it’s about being a trusted ally in my patients’ lives,” she said, committed to her mission of making a lasting impact in the world of medicine.

Morehouse School of Medicine is celebrating 50 years as a leader in health equity. Our relentless effort to dismantle barriers and create equity for all begins with our changemakers. As we reflect on our journey of leading the creation and advancement of health equity to achieve health justice, we are honored to share the stories of those who have shaped MSM's legacy.

This blog post was written by the Office of IMpact and INnovation at the Morehouse School of Medicine.

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