Toggle left nav

For Janya Oglesby, the journey to medicine began long before medical school. 

“My journey to medicine began long before I ever stepped into a classroom,” Oglesby said. “It started when I was diagnosed with lupus at just 12 years old.” 

Growing up in rural South Georgia in Tifton, Oglesby and her family often traveled more than three hours to Augusta so she could receive specialty care from a pediatric rheumatologist. At the time, she did not fully understand the diagnosis itself, but she understood the challenges that came with navigating a healthcare system that was not always accessible. 

“At that age, I didn’t fully understand the diagnosis, but I understood what it felt like to be in pain, to feel uncertain and to navigate a system that wasn’t always accessible,” she said. 

Now preparing to walk across the commencement stage as a graduate of Morehouse School of Medicine’s Doctor of Medicine program, Oglesby will soon begin pediatric residency at Morehouse School of Medicine with plans to pursue a career in pediatric rheumatology. 

“As I got older, I realized that I wasn’t seeing many physicians who looked like me or who could truly relate to my experience,” Oglesby said. “That realization planted a seed, and it’s what kept me moving forward through challenges, setbacks and long nights. It was the vision of becoming a doctor that I once needed.” 

Throughout her time at MSM, Oglesby said she found purpose in opportunities that allowed her to serve underserved communities while continuing to shape the kind of physician she hopes to become. 

“One of the most meaningful aspects has been being surrounded by a community that truly understands the importance of service, equity and representation in medicine,” she said. 

Among the experiences that impacted her most was caring for patients through Morehouse School of Medicine’s Health Equity for All Lives Clinic (H.E.A.L. Clinic), where she saw firsthand how health disparities continue to affect underserved communities. 

“We saw firsthand the impact of health disparities, not just in theory, but in real lives,” she said. 

Oglesby also helped contribute to the development of the pediatric rheumatology experience within the pediatric clerkship at MSM, an experience she described as especially meaningful because it connected her personal experiences with her professional goals. 

“It allowed me to merge my personal journey with lupus with my professional goals,” she said. 

Her passion for pediatric rheumatology remains deeply tied to her own experiences growing up without nearby access to specialty care. 

“Pediatric rheumatology and becoming a pediatric rheumatologist is so important to me due to me having to navigate those three-hour drives with my family from Tifton to Augusta for me to receive treatment because there weren’t any pediatric rheumatologists available in our area,” Oglesby said. 

She hopes her future career will help bridge those same healthcare gaps for other families, particularly in underserved and rural communities. 

“One of my goals is to go back and try to help bridge that gap,” she said. “So no other child or teenager has to go through what I went through newly diagnosed and having to travel far just to receive the care you needed to sustain.” 

While balancing the demands of medical school, Oglesby also continued managing her own lupus diagnosis, an experience she says further strengthened her purpose. 

“Managing lupus while pursuing medicine required resilience, adaptability and faith,” she said. “And it wasn’t always easy, but it reinforced my why.” 

For Oglesby, becoming a physician has always been about more than practicing medicine. It is about advocacy, representation and making patients feel heard. 

“I’m not just entering this field to practice medicine,” she said. “But I’m here to advocate, to listen and to ensure that other patients feel seen and supported.” 

As commencement approaches, Oglesby describes the milestone as a “full circle moment” that reflects years of perseverance and purpose. 

“I think about the 12-year-old version of myself navigating a new diagnosis and long drives for care,” she said. “Now I’m stepping into the role of a physician.” 

Looking ahead, Oglesby hopes to become the kind of physician who combines excellent clinical care with advocacy and outreach, particularly for underserved communities. 

“More than anything, I want to be a physician who listens, who understands and who makes patients feel seen, because I know firsthand how much that matters,” she said. 

She also hopes her journey encourages others from rural communities to believe that their goals are possible too. 

“I also hope to pave the way for future generations of doctors and physicians and people in healthcare spaces to know that even a young girl from a rural community, you can also do it,” Oglesby said. “And to chase your dreams and fulfill your hopes.” 

 

 

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 students, faculty and staff to life, highlighting their impact and dedication to healthcare.

Contact

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