Residency Program

About Me

Why OBGYN? Overcoming the adversity of being a Black woman raised in the South and a young witness to domestic violence, I understood very early the complex intersectionality of racism, sexism and poverty. Then soon after, witnessing my older sister become a mother at 16 years old and learning my grandmother birthed my mother at the tender age of 14 years old, I became all too familiar with a cycle that is not unique to my family but one that is rampant amongst many communities similar to mine. Growing up, my mother was seldom shy when discussing safer sex practices with us and was always very candid about why. Her father died from AIDS complications in the early 1990s, and she educated us at young ages about how to protect ourselves. These conversations introduced me to the field of OB/GYN at a young age, and it became my goal. After years of being frustrated with the circumstances in which I and others around me faced, I wanted to make a change in my community, no matter how small. Shortly after beginning my studies at Howard University in Washington, DC, I began working at the Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington as the Youth Program Intern. There, I went into schools and communities educating young people about their sexual health all while having conversations about their purpose and self-image. I helped to inform hundreds of youth about how to prevent HIV, STIs, and unplanned pregnancies. My passion for impacting my community had taken root, and I became excited to see the impact I could have on Black and Brown adolescent girls and mothers. As a first year medical student, I tutored at a high school 5 minutes from our campus where I noticed at least 5 pregnant teenagers walking the halls. Concerned, I met with the principal to discuss what was being taught in the safe sex course or even if there was one. As I suspected, it consisted of abstinence only education. Desiring to provide more comprehensive education and support, two months later, I founded Sisters Informing Healing Living and Empowering (SIHLE) Augusta. SIHLE is an organization for African American teenage mothers and girls, where we discuss self-image, safer sex practices, healthy relationships, and assertive communication skills. Over the last 4 years, we have graduated over 45 teenage mothers and girls, raised money for scholarships, and provided clothing, cribs and strollers to our mothers in need. After my experiences with SIHLE and encountering similar patients during my OBGYN rotation, I knew that there was only one path for me in medicine—to become an OBGYN, advocating and creating spaces for safer sex education, access to contraception, and reproductive justice in communities like the one that raised me.

Why UCSF? Over the years, I have dedicated my life to hearing concerns of individuals and communities affected by adolescent pregnancy and high rates of HIV and STIs; I have seen how policies have affected the ability of marginalized individuals to make choices about their own bodies, and their reproduction, and even their own safety. I have worked to meet their needs, utilizing my skills and assets, and speaking up for those deemed voiceless and vulnerable in society. As an Obstetrician/Gynecologist, I plan to center such communities in my work and use my station to be a voice for vulnerable populations wherever necessary—through policy, research, community service, and patient care. I pursued a residency program that would provide the insight, platform and training necessary for me to continue to change the things I cannot accept. UCSF Ob/Gyn Residency checked every box and more. They are the physicians I aspire to be—advocates above all, and I wake up grateful every day to join such a groundbreaking group of leaders.

Outside of residency? As an Atlanta native, one of my favorite pastimes is roller skating, a skill I learned from my mother. I have my signature “Georgia Peach” skates and will skate just about anywhere. I have developed a bit of wanderlust as well. I love travelling domestically and internationally. I’ve been to Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Italy, Kenya, Peru, Spain, Hungary, and many Caribbean islands. Patiently waiting to add to the list! With my family, I love to play board and card games: Game of Life and Spades are my go-to. As a child, I began to write poetry to understand my experiences and continue that habit today. One day, I’ll have enough guts to perform a spoken word! Being new to the Bay Area, I plan on exploring the beautiful nature trails, ocean views, coffee shops, vineyards, restaurants, and community.