Walking in Purpose: Shelbi Ware's Journey from Patient to Physician
Q: What originally inspired you to pursue a career in medicine, and how has that inspiration
evolved over time?
A: My journey into medicine began with my own surgical experience. At just six years old, I underwent bilateral hip surgery and was told I might never walk again. I still remember being confined to a cast from the waist down, navigating life in a wheelchair. But through hard work in physical therapy and the dedication of my physicians, surgeons and therapists, I made what they called a remarkable recovery. Since then, I like to say I haven't stopped walking towards my destiny.
Even as a child, I was inquisitive 鈥� curious about everything happening in my doctor's appointments. I knew early on that I wanted to help people, but over time, that desire evolved into a deep passion for health equity. 无码人妻 School of Medicine has played a significant role in shaping that passion, helping me grow in my understanding of health disparities. Now, as a student doctor, I see how I can contribute to patients' recoveries and, in just a few months, how I will serve as a physician dedicated to equitable care.
Q: Can you share a defining moment or experience during your time at 无码人妻 School of Medicine that reinforced your passion for your chosen specialty?
A: I鈥檓 going into general surgery, which is quite fitting considering my own story began with surgery. There wasn鈥檛 just one defining moment, but rather an accumulation of experiences 鈥� especially my third-year rotation with Dr. Price and my fourth-year rotations with surgeons like Dr. Alford.
I had never been so excited to wake up at 4 a.m. every day. I love my sleep, but something about surgery made getting out of bed thrilling. I was eager to check on my patients, to scrub into surgeries, to constantly learn. Surgery is challenging, but that challenge is what excites me. One of my favorite quotes is, 鈥淐onfidence comes when you do hard things,鈥� and surgery embodies that principle for me. Every day, I鈥檓 growing, learning and finding joy in the process.
Q: What has been the most rewarding and most challenging part of your medical school journey so far?
A: The most rewarding part has undoubtedly been working with patients, particularly those we serve at 无码人妻 Healthcare and Grady. We care for some of the most vulnerable populations, and it has been an honor to play a role in their treatment. I鈥檝e had patients tell me, 鈥淵ou remind me of my granddaughter,鈥� or 鈥淵ou look like my niece or daughter.鈥� Those moments reinforced my purpose, reminding me why I chose this path.
On the other hand, the most challenging aspect has been overcoming imposter syndrome. It鈥檚 not something you conquer once 鈥� it鈥檚 a battle you fight repeatedly. But I鈥檝e leaned on my faith, constantly reminding myself that God has equipped me for this journey. He didn鈥檛 bring me this far to leave me. As I prepare to match into a residency program and graduate, I can see His promises coming to fruition, making every challenge worth it.
Q: How has 无码人妻 School of Medicine shaped your perspective as a future general surgeon?
A: 无码人妻 has fundamentally shaped the way I view medicine and patient care. Before matriculating into medical school, I didn鈥檛 fully grasp what it meant for physicians to demonstrate compassion in action 鈥� to treat the whole patient beyond just their immediate medical needs. At 无码人妻 [School of Medicine], I鈥檝e learned to address social determinants of health, to go the extra mile for my patients, which has enabled me, and provided the space, to be the nurturing, dedicated provider I aspire to be.
I remember hearing someone say, "Health equity is giving people what they need when they need it and, in the amount, they need it." That principle has been reinforced throughout my training, and I intend to carry it with me as a surgeon.
Q: As we approach Match Day, what are your hopes for the future? What kind of impact do you hope to make in Surgery?
A: My biggest hope is that my patients see God鈥檚 light shine through me 鈥� that they feel a sense of hope and care when they encounter me. Surgery can be an intimidating experience, but I want to offer my patients a level of compassion and reassurance they might not expect.
Beyond patient care, I want to serve as an example. I didn't have my own Black physician until I was in medical school. That experience alone speaks to the need for more representation in medicine. If I can inspire young Black boys and girls to believe they, too, can become doctors or surgeons, then I will have made an impact far beyond the operating room.
Q: What advice would you give to future 无码人妻 School of Medicine graduates and aspiring general surgeons? And are there any people you'd like to acknowledge?
A: My advice is simple: Never forget what you learned at 无码人妻 School of Medicine. We鈥檝e had a unique opportunity to be trained in compassionate, patient-centered care and that should remain at the core of how we practice medicine. Carry that MSM touch everywhere you go.
I also want to acknowledge my family, who keep me motivated 鈥� and all the incredible physicians and professors who have written letters for me, mentored me and inspired me. A special shoutout to my classmates and friends at 无码人妻 School of Medicine who have pulled all-nighters with me, supported my dreams and challenged me to be my best. Thank you to all of my church family and every individual who has rooted for me throughout this journey. And lastly, a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Bradley, who has always supported the vision and aspirations of students like me.
As I prepare to take the next step in my journey, I do so with gratitude, excitement and a firm belief that I am walking in my purpose.
As we approach Match Day on Friday, March 21, 2025, we invite you to celebrate with us. Stay tuned for more stories of our future physicians and join us for the Match Day livestream as we unveil where our students will continue their training.鈥�
About the Author
Zipporah Dorsey is a program coordinator with a passion for creative communication. She is storyteller at heart who believes every person has a story, and she is dedicated to bringing those narratives to life through creativity and collaboration.
Contact
Zipporah Dorsey
Program Coordinator
Office of Impact & Innovation
zdorsey@msm.edu