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Maya Hill had always been deeply rooted in the West End community of Atlanta. From her early days at Booker T. Washington High School to her academic journey through Spelman College, leading her to Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM), she carried a strong sense of responsibility toward the neighborhood that shaped her. Her story is one of resilience, community engagement and an unwavering commitment to give back. 

 

As a first-year medical student, Maya has already made an impact through her involvement with the Class of 2028 MD Council Community Service Committee. It was through this role that she spearheaded the Booker T. Washington Heart Health Initiative — a project designed to teach health education to high school students. She saw a need not only for healthcare awareness but also for mentorship and guidance, something she wished had been more accessible during her own time at Booker T. Washington. 

 

Returning to her alma mater, Maya was struck by the improvements in facilities, but she also recognized that despite the resources available, students often lacked direction on how to use them effectively. She understood firsthand the challenges they faced — navigating education, finding career paths and accessing opportunities beyond graduation. Determined to bridge this gap, she and a group of fellow student volunteers from the first-year MD class organized an interactive program to teach students about heart health, blood pressure management and the impact of exercise on cardiovascular well-being. 

 

The event was a success. Students actively participated in activities like measuring their blood pressure, learning about heart rate variations and even competing in a basketball game as part of a relay race. While the program aimed to instill important health knowledge, it also became a platform for open conversations about college and career aspirations. Maya realized that many students were eager to learn about undergraduate experiences, leading her to envision future initiatives such as college tours or mentorship panels to further support their journeys. 

 

Beyond the educational aspect, Maya’s efforts, alongside the dedicated volunteers from the first-year MD class, aligned deeply with the mission of Morehouse School of Medicine — to lead the creation and advancement of health equity to achieve health justice by addressing MSM’s unique strategic plan,  which has a focus on preparing future health learners and leaders and serving as a catalyst for community-empowered health equity. MSM’s emphasis on community engagement and service was reflected in her work, reinforcing the idea that medical education extends beyond the classroom. It is about engaging with the community, understanding their challenges and becoming a catalyst for change. By empowering students with knowledge, Maya was not only improving health outcomes but also fostering a culture of service that she hoped they would carry forward. 

 

Her commitment to teaching the youth is a testament to the transformative power of mentorship. Maya believes that education is one of the strongest tools for change and that instilling a sense of responsibility in younger generations leads to long-term improvements in community health. Through this program, she hopes to spark an interest in the medical field, showing students that they too could become future healthcare leaders advocating for their communities. 

 

Reflecting on the experience, Maya emphasized the importance of approaching community engagement with an open mind. Despite being an alumna, she recognized times had changed, and meaningful impact required listening to the community’s evolving needs. She encouraged others to enter such spaces with humility, a willingness to learn and a reliance on teamwork to create sustainable and impactful programs. 

 

Maya’s journey is a testament to the power of returning home, not just to revisit the past, but to shape the future. Through her leadership and passion for service, she continues to inspire young minds, proving true success lies in uplifting the very community that once nurtured her dreams. In doing so, she upholds the very essence of Morehouse School of Medicine’s mission, demonstrating health care is not just about treating illness but about preventing it through education, advocacy and compassionate service. 

 

Morehouse School of Medicine is celebrating 50 Years of Shaping the Future of 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. 

 

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