We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dr. Maxine Owusu. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dr. Maxine below.

Alright, Dr. Maxine thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

As a full-time Emergency Medicine physician and mother, launching STEM Kiddos—an educational brand promoting diversity in STEM—was one of the biggest risks I’ve taken. Amidst an already demanding schedule, I felt a deep urgency to address the lack of representation in both children’s educational content and STEM-related toys, especially for Black and Brown children like my own. The idea was inspired by my kids’ curiosity about my work and their desire to see themselves reflected in the world of medicine.

Despite limited business experience and time, I invested my own resources to develop Rosie & Myles Anatomy Toys—plush dolls in diverse skin tones that teach kids about the human body. I also authored a children’s book, Curious Rosie: A Trip to the Hospital, to introduce young readers to diverse physicians. The risk? Balancing patient care, entrepreneurship, and family life without certainty of success.

While the journey is ongoing, this risk allowed me to blend my passions for medicine, education, and representation—and has had a meaningful impact on children who now see a place for themselves in science and healthcare.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am an Emergency Medicine physician and children’s book author, best known for Curious Rosie: A Trip to the Hospital, which introduces young readers to the diverse faces of medicine, inspiring curiosity, empowerment, and a love for healthcare careers. In addition to my clinical and literary work, I founded STEM Kiddos, a platform focused on promoting diversity and inclusion in STEM. Through this initiative, I created melanated plush anatomy toys to inspire and empower underrepresented children, bridging important gaps in both the medical and toy industries.

Beyond the ER, I am passionate about health education and advocacy, and have had the privilege of speaking at schools, nonprofits, and community events to educate the public on critical health topics that disproportionately affect marginalized communities. These engagements allow me to make a social impact, empowering families and children with knowledge while fostering interest in STEM and medicine. My mission is to blend healthcare, education, and representation to create lasting change both inside and outside clinical settings.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

Yes, I would choose the same path. Being an Emergency Medicine physician has allowed me to serve patients in some of their most vulnerable moments, and I truly value the fast-paced, dynamic environment and the privilege of providing critical care. I also enjoy the diverse patient interactions and the ability to make a tangible difference in real time.

What has made this journey even more rewarding is discovering how I can extend my impact beyond the bedside through education and advocacy. I’ve been able to combine my love for clinical medicine with a passion for educating communities, speaking on important health topics, and creating educational tools for children through initiatives like STEM Kiddos.

Emergency Medicine has given me the flexibility and perspective to do both—deliver immediate care and educate others for lasting impact. I wouldn’t change that.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

I believe networking and collaboration are essential for success in medicine and related fields. Building strong professional relationships opens doors to mentorship, innovation, and new opportunities that can enhance both patient care and personal growth. Collaboration—whether with colleagues, community organizations, or interdisciplinary teams—fosters shared learning, creative problem-solving, and a more holistic approach to care. It also helps amplify impact, especially when working to address broader health disparities or launch new initiatives. Success often hinges not only on what you know, but also on who you connect with and how effectively you can work together toward a common goal.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.drmaxo.com
• Instagram: drmaxo
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmaxo-md