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For KaBrea Jones, a soon-to-be MD graduate from Morehouse School of Medicine, the journey to medicine began long before she ever stepped into a classroom. Raised in Atlanta, she remembers telling anyone who would listen that she wanted to be a “baby doctor” long before she learned the term “pediatrician.” That calling never wavered, even when the path forward became challenging. 

 

After completing her undergraduate degree at Tennessee State University, KaBrea returned home and enrolled in the Master of Science in Medical Sciences (MSMS) program at Morehouse School of Medicine. It was a pivotal move — both professionally and personally — and set her on a path to eventually matriculate into the MD program in 2020. “Morehouse [School of Medicine] always saw something in me,” she shared. “Even when the traditional markers said otherwise, they believed in my potential.” 

 

KaBrea’s journey was not linear. She faced academic hurdles during undergrad, wrestled with the MCAT and leaned on her faith and her community to keep pushing forward. But it was in those moments of uncertainty that her purpose only became more defined. From her childhood pediatrician to mentors she met through MSM, the power of representation and support systems helped her envision herself in a white coat — and reminded her she belonged in medicine. 

 

“Training at Morehouse [School of Medicine] means being in spaces that reflect the communities I want to serve,” she said. “I’ve seen such a range of patient experiences, from well-resourced to historically marginalized, and that exposure has prepared me to be both clinically skilled and community minded.” 

 

After graduation, KaBrea will begin her pediatrics residency at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, a city she describes as having limited healthcare access, but full of potential. Long term, she hopes to return to Atlanta, following in the footsteps of her own childhood doctors and creating new pathways for future Black and brown youth interested in pursuing careers in medicine. Whether through mentorship, low-cost services, or creating access to pipeline programs, her vision for equity in health care is deeply personal and powerfully rooted. 

 

“I want kids to see that being a doctor is something they can do, even if they’ve never seen it before,” she said. “I didn’t have a blueprint, but I had people who believed in me. Now I want to be that person for someone else.” 

 

 

About the Author

Michael Martin is a content strategist who believes in crafting compelling stories that inspire and connect. With a pen for storytelling, he brings the journeys of future physicians to life, highlighting their impact and dedication to healthcare.

Contact

Michael Martin
Digital Content Strategist
Office of Marketing & Communications
mamartin@msm.edu