Toggle left nav

As Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) gathered for its annual Women with Heart (WWH) Luncheon during American Heart Month, the focus extended beyond awareness. The event highlighted prevention, measurable health improvement and the preparation of future public health professionals equipped to strengthen healthcare delivery in areas with documented access limitations. 

For Kayla Seals, a second-year Master of Public Health (MPH) student, Women with Heart reflected both her personal experience and her professional commitment. 

Originally from McCalla, Alabama, Seals entered public health with a clearly defined purpose shaped by lived experience. Her academic interests center on children’s health and improving access to care in regions where healthcare resources are limited. 

“Part of my why into medicine is wanting to connect with people at the community level,” she said. “I know how it feels to be in a space where it doesn’t feel safe or supportive.” That motivation has shaped her academic and professional journey at MSM. 

As an MPH student, Seals was drawn to Morehouse School of Medicine for its applied, outcomes-focused approach to public health education. She contrasted her undergraduate experience, which leaned heavily on theory, with MSM’s emphasis on practical implementation and measurable impact. 

“I need[ed] an education that also teaches me how to apply these things,” she said. At MSM, she found a program that challenges students to analyze health outcome data, develop evidence-based strategies and engage directly with communities experiencing healthcare access gaps. 

That philosophy is reflected in her work at the Prevention Research Center (PRC), where she supports a family diabetes research project. Her responsibilities include developing accessible educational materials and examining how chronic conditions affect households across generations. 

“To be impactful in public health, you have to be creative,” Seals said. “You have to think about how people experience health challenges in their everyday lives.” 

Seals’ commitment to preventive health education is personal. She credits her mother, a two-time cancer survivor living with lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, as a major influence. Observing her mother navigate chronic illness without consistent support reinforced Seals’ interest in early intervention and community-based health education. 

“In many communities, especially among women, symptoms can be minimized or overlooked,” Seals said. “People just try to fight through it alone.” Her public health training has strengthened her ability to support her family and deepened her commitment to prevention strategies grounded in education and timely care. 

Women with Heart held special meaning for Seals because it created a forum for open dialogue about cardiovascular health and prevention. She noted that heart disease often develops over time, shaped by long-term behavioral and environmental factors. By centering education and shared learning, the event promoted proactive health management rather than delayed response. 

“By educating women about the risks, we’re assisting in preventative measures through health education,” she said. 

As a first-time attendee, Seals described Women with Heart as motivating and professionally affirming. She valued being in a space where women discussed health experiences openly and exchanged practical knowledge. 

“The impact of empathy,” she said, reflecting on what she planned to carry forward into her career. “When you have empathy for someone, it makes you want to fight for that person.” 

Like many graduate students, Seals’ ability to pursue her education at MSM has been supported by scholarship funding. She is a recipient of the Coca-Cola Scholarship, awarded during her first year in the MPH program. The scholarship covers a portion of her tuition and helped make her move to Atlanta financially feasible. 

 

 

“If MSM did not offer me any money, I would not be able to come,” she said, noting the increased cost of living compared to her previous city. 

Beyond financial assistance, the scholarship represents institutional investment in workforce development and academic excellence. Seals said the support has enabled her to focus on professional growth during a period marked by funding uncertainty and shifting policy priorities in public health. 

Looking ahead, Seals remains committed to strengthening healthcare delivery through prevention, community-based engagement and evidence-based practice. 

“There are still people out there that need us,” she said. 

During Heart Health Month, Morehouse School of Medicine highlights students like Kayla Seals whose training reflects the institution’s commitment to improving health outcomes in areas with documented healthcare access limitations. With sustained academic and financial support, they are prepared to contribute meaningfully to the public health workforce and advance measurable improvements in community health. 

 

 

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