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At 16 years old, Prishae Wilson experienced a moment that would completely reshape her future. 

Wilson, a fourth-year medical student at Morehouse School of Medicine, was born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina. Now preparing to graduate, she has matched into otolaryngology, head and neck surgery, and will continue her training at the University of Michigan for the next five years. 

“When I was 16, I got into a car accident. A picket fence came through the car windshield, lacerated my face and I had to have reconstructive plastic surgery,” she recalls. “I had never thought about being a physician before then. The experience was life-changing.” 

In the aftermath, Wilson became aware not only of the physical recovery ahead of her but also the way people perceived her. “I firsthand saw what it was like to have people around me perceive me differently, secondary to my injury,” she says. But alongside that reality came something equally powerful — care, restoration and the impact of a dedicated medical team. 

“Having the rehab and being brought back by my team, I was like, you know what, I think I want to do this for others,” she says. “When people get injuries, they are in car accidents, they experience trauma, they get it fixed. I wanted to be a part of that.” 

What began as an interest in plastic surgery eventually evolved. “I saw a breast case and didn’t like it,” she says candidly. “But I liked craniofacial. So I was like, you know what, I can do ENT — I could do head and neck oncology or maybe facial plastic surgery — and I could help those people that were kind of like me… feeling mutilated or not really connected with themselves and how they were perceived. I could pay it forward.” 

Now approaching commencement, Wilson reflects on how unexpected her journey into medicine has been. 

“I had no interest in medicine prior to my accident,” she says. “In a different life, I might have been a structural or architectural engineer or something, but medicine was never on my radar.” 

Her time at Morehouse School of Medicine helped expand not only her clinical training but her sense of purpose. 

“Being in an environment like Morehouse [School of Medicine] was very eye-opening,” she says. “Being surrounded by Black physicians and having that proximity — it made me want to consider academic medicine. It showed me the importance of mentorship and impact.” 

Through those experiences, her goals became clearer. “I want to have a role in diversifying the field. I want to have a huge role in diversifying ENT. I want to make sure students at Morehouse have opportunities and access to ENT and my time.” 

One of the most defining moments in her journey came through an opportunity made possible because of that very network. 

“In my fourth year, I took a research year at Mayo Clinic and they established a research position just for Morehouse [School of Medicine] students,” she says. “They were very intentional about wanting to partner with Morehouse [School of Medicine] because they knew we didn’t have a home program and wanted us to have the opportunity.” 

That experience reinforced the importance of access and advocacy. “Being in a space where people were open to helping and wanting to be involved — that was a defining moment for me,” she says. 

As she reflects on her next step, Wilson is less focused on what her achievement represents for herself and more on what it means for others. 

“I don’t even really think about what it signifies for me,” she says. “I think about what it’s going to signify for everybody after me. I want anybody that comes into Morehouse that feels like they want to do ENT to know that it’s possible and that they can go anywhere.” 

With commencement approaching on May 16, the moment carries deep meaning for both Wilson and her family. 

“I feel very thankful and very blessed. I’m extremely proud to be a historically Black medical college graduate,” she says. “This day means a lot to me but I think it means even more to my family. I grew up in a single-parent household — my mom is very excited. I’m just very thankful to have been afforded the opportunity to bring this back home.” 

Looking ahead, Wilson hopes to make an impact not only through her clinical work but through mentorship and leadership. 

“I hope to have a huge role in achieving health equity. I want to be present. I’d like to be a leader in the field,” she says. “I was fortunate to have strong and intentional mentors and I want to be that for someone else.” 

Her vision even includes creating new pathways for future students. “Maybe one day we can bring ENT to Morehouse,” she adds. 

For those following behind her, Wilson offers advice grounded in both discipline and self-belief. 

“Run your own race. The thief of joy is comparison,” she says. “Don’t let anybody tell you what you can and can’t do. You can get whatever you want out of it — you just have to put your head down and do the work.” 

As Morehouse School of Medicine prepares to celebrate the Class of 2026, Wilson’s journey reflects resilience, intention and a commitment to ensuring that those who come next see what’s possible and go even further. 

 

 

 

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