It is Black History Month.
But did you know that female African American doctors only make up a small portion of our country’s doctors?
Dr. Katy Kemeze at Covenant Health is part of that group.
She grew up in Cameroon before moving to Italy to pursue her medical degree.
She then got married and moved to the US, eventually moving to Lubbock just a few months ago.
She says ever since she was a little girl, she was fascinated with medicine.
And says it was her mom who inspired her to become a doctor.
“I thank my mom for really pushing me because if it wasn’t for her I wouldn’t be where I am,” Dr. Kemeze said.
But she says she doesn’t really see herself as an inspiration.
Even though female African American doctors make up only 2% of our country’s doctors, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges.
“I know the history here with African Americans but that’s not the first thing that comes to my mind,” explained Dr. Kemeze. “I see myself as a foreigner who came here. As a woman, I am also very proud of myself and I have a daughter and I hope she will be looking up to me.”
She says she loves what she does.
And hopes she’s a role model for her kids and others who want to follow in her footsteps and become a doctor.
“Just go for it,” said Dr. Kemeze. “Don’t look at whatever obstacles or roadblocks that you see as a challenge but just figure out a way to get around them or through them.”
