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

Germyah , looking forward to hearing all of your stories 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.

I am a firm believer that in order to become a champion, you have to take a risk! The biggest risk that I have taken was moving 1000 miles away from my hometown, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After graduating from high school in 2016, I knew I had to leave Milwaukee. I knew that my dreams were bigger than what Milwaukee had to offer. I always wanted to attend an Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). My middle school, Milwaukee College Prep, introduced us to HBCUs in the seventh grade. We got on a coach bus and hit the road from Milwaukee to Atlanta to visit the AUC. The AUC includes Spelman, Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University, and Morehouse School of Medicine. The culture of the HBCU was everything, it is an experience. I encourage everyone to attend one at some point in their life.

Moving to Houston was one of the biggest risks in my life. I did not have any friends or family in Houston when I first moved. My parents helped me move in and it was a blessing to have them both there to celebrate a milestone with me. I signed my first lease at 19, it felt so good. It was a place I could call my own, and I did it all on my own. Houston was different, it was a culture shock for me. When I first moved to Houston, it was around the time of Hurricane Harvey. Wisconsin has snow, but Texas has hurricanes and tropical storms. I was not ready. At all. But I do not regret taking this risk! It was the beginning of greatness.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Saving lives and becoming a physician was always the end goal. I have manifested this career and lifestyle since the sixth grade. Any of my teachers at MCP can attest to this. My love and passion for Maternal and Child Health began with family experiences. My maternal grandmother died giving birth to my mother. Once my mom told me this, I was destined to be a part of the change. If I set my mind to something, I do not stop until it is complete. I applaud Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) for allowing me to fulfill this aspect of my medical career as it relates to Maternal and Child Health. MSM heavily focuses on health equity while delivering primary care. MSM does a great job of preparing us as students for the workforce.

In June 2022, I was granted the opportunity to serve as a Health Equity Intern at the American Cancer Society. The Health Equity Team provided a plethora of resources and network opportunities for other individuals who shared aspirations of health equity and maternal health like me. I was excited. This was a major accomplishment for me, I am still in awe that I was an intern for the American Cancer Society.

Shortly after the conclusion of my time at the American Cancer Society, I was recommended to intern with the Association of State Public Health Nutritionists (ASPHN). ASPHN was looking for HAT-MCH interns. HAT-MCH stands for HBCU Alliance Team-Maternal and Child Health. This was perfect for me, especially with Dr. Hernandez being my preceptor. It was a fan-girl moment for me. She is top-notch when it comes to Maternal and Child Health. I was honored to be her intern. The experience was immaculate.

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

No, this profession was destined for me. I knew when I was a little girl that I would grow up and become a doctor. Saving lives is fulfilling to me. I am surrounded by successful black health professionals. My mentor, Dr. Stacey Godley, MD keeps me grounded. She is extremely supportive and I can always count on her for anything. She took a chance with me. I am forever grateful. While I am in my element, it feels like home. I finally feel like I belong in this industry. Being a minority gets tough at times. You have some people who try to intentionally make your experience harsh. Then you have some people who are understanding and welcome me with open arms. Those are the people who make this experience great.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

My reputation means the world to me. Your name is all that you have. I work overtime to keep a stellar, prestigious name. When I decided that I wanted to become a doctor, I wanted to market myself as a brand. I wanted my name to hold heavy weight. The goal is to walk into rooms and not have to introduce myself. I created a lane for myself and took off. I never focused on what others were doing, that was not my priority. I genuinely want to see everyone win. My work ethic and accomplishments are a mystery. I love it that way. You will never know what I am up to, but you can bet your last dollar that I am always working. I am a private person, I have to protect my peace and my brand. It is the best way to be. It has kept me and my reputation strong for the last 7 years.

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