It wasn’t until college — when Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM) student Carmesha Jordan surrounded herself with motivational mentors — that she realized she could expand her career aspirations to include becoming a physician.
“I never thought there were doctors who looked like me,” said the proud Rossie who will start her pediatric residency at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in El Paso on July 1. “I had a Black doctor in college, and he encouraged me to go pre-med. People have always said I couldn’t do it, or it would be too hard, but after I met him, I knew I could reach for the stars.”
The oldest of three children, Carmesha grew up in St. Louis and watched her mom graduate college when she was also in college. “After that, anything was possible.” A founding member of RUSM’s White Coats for Black Lives organization, Carmesha plans to continue her membership. “We need to reach back and help others, to increase the diversity in the field so doctors can begin to look like all the cultures we have in the US.”
Providing Complete Family Care
Carmesha chose pediatrics because “children are the hope for the future.” She plans to include social wellness to her care regimen and looks forward to helping families navigate their children’s wellbeing.
The basketball enthusiast who also enjoys hiking is grateful to RUSM for believing in her and she encourages all Rossies to always network and advocate for themselves. “In life, remember to keep your eye on the prize. I relied on my support system, loved ones and my faith and I made it through. You can too; always stick to your guns.”
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