Medical care, unfortunately, does not treat all patients equally, especially when it comes to women of color. Dr. Kayla Nixon Marshall, a dedicated gynecological surgeon at RUSH University Medical Center in Chicago, has taken it upon herself to be an advocate for women of color, ensuring they receive the care they deserve.

Early Aspirations and Specialization

Dr. Marshall’s journey into medicine was inspired by her family background, with her father in family medicine and a brother who faced health challenges during their childhood. She chose the path of becoming a gynecological surgeon, specializing in minimally invasive care for women dealing with conditions that may not be life-threatening but significantly impact their lives.

Patient Experiences and Challenges

Women like Bonnetta Vaughn have faced years of severe bleeding and excruciating pain without finding adequate help from various physicians. Dr. Marshall emphasizes that symptoms experienced by women of color are often dismissed, leading to a lack of trust in the healthcare system. Her goal is to rebuild this trust and ensure that Black women receive the attention and care they need.

Overcoming Challenges in Education and Residency

Dr. Marshall faced challenges in proving herself throughout her educational journey. In a competitive high school environment, she felt the need to excel, which continued into her medical training at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. Despite doubts, she found solace in art, earning a master’s degree in art history alongside her medical studies. She believes that the combination of art and medicine promotes healing by recognizing the humanity of people.

Recognizing the Humanity in Healthcare

Dr. Marshall underscores the importance of healthcare recognizing the humanity of individuals. She expresses gratitude for her job, acknowledging it as the best in the world. Recently, she was appointed by Governor JB Pritzker to a special commission dedicated to ending racial and ethnic disparities in gynecological cancers.

Commitment to Change

Dr. Marshall’s commitment goes beyond her medical practice, extending to initiatives aimed at addressing racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare. Her involvement in the special commission reflects a broader commitment to bringing about positive change in the field.

A Call for Equitable Healthcare

Dr. Kayla Nixon Marshall’s story is not just one of personal achievement but a call to action for equitable healthcare. Her mission to rebuild trust, address disparities, and promote healing through a combination of art and medicine highlights the need for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to women’s healthcare.