RISE Together
Office of the Dean/Student Affairs
The Armstrong Medical Education Building
1600 McElderry Street, Suite 230
Baltimore, MD 21205
410-955-3416 Phone
410-955-0544 Fax
Dear Members of the Student National Medical Association,
June 05, 2026
On behalf of my esteemed colleagues and leadership at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to the 2026 SNMA National Leadership Institute.
My name is Nathan Irvin, and I serve as the Assistant Dean for Medical Student Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion here at Johns Hopkins. We are thrilled to host this year ’ s Institute at the beautiful Hopkins Bloomberg Center one of my favorite spaces on our campus. This venue was designed to foster collaboration, dialogue, and proximity between the university’s cutting-edge research and the policymakers and leaders who translate discovery into impact.
We are honored to partner with the SNMA, an organization with a powerful legacy of cultivating, supporting, and uplifting future leaders in medicine. Your unwavering commitment to advocacy, equity, and excellence has shaped generations of physicians and public health leaders who continue to drive meaningful change in communities across the country.
At Hopkins, we are proud to count among our alumni several former SNMA national presidents and leaders including Dr. Rory Goodwin, Dr. Kameron Matthews, Dr. Brandi Freeman, and Dr. Osose Oboh who have each contributed immensely to advancing health equity and championing the needs of diversecommunities. We are committed to supporting the continued growth and impact of SNMA and its members.
The future of medicine is in your hands The leadership, vision, and energy you bring to this year ’ s NLI are essential as we collectively reimagine a more just, inclusive, and innovative healthcare system. I hope the conversations you engage in overthe course of this conference inspire and empower you for the work ahead.
Welcome to Johns Hopkins. We are so glad you ’ re here.
Warmly,
Nathan Irvin, M.D., MSHPR, FACEP
Assistant Dean for Medical Student Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine
Dear SNMA Family,
STUDENT NATIONAL MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
From the Desk of the National President
I am excited to welcome you to the first NLI of the administrative year As a native of the DMV, I am especially pleased to have you join me! Our theme is, “RISE Together: Leading with Purpose, Serving with Impact” and it highlights the goals of the SNMA, ensuring that our leadership is backed by our mission and that our shared service continues to stay impactful. The June NLI is a time to focus on building structural support for your 2025-2026 leadership journey. Understanding our history, mission, and structure is a priority and important to having a full vision of the organization and how your skills can promote and add value to our work. It is also equally as important to understand how to balance it all because, after all, the S in SNMA stands for Student and our ultimate goal is to become practicing physicians.
For those in National Leadership, I hope that this NLI provides you with the structural support you need to implement a fantastic programmatic year. For those interested in continuing or increasing their SNMA leadership experience, I believe that this NLI will provide you with the opportunity to learn about our structure and to map out your leadership goals. Ask questions, chat with each other, and seek a deeper understanding about leadership strategies and practices.
I want to thank Johns Hopkins University for serving as our partner and host organization for another year. I also want to give a shout out to Dr. Irvin for his commitment to supporting the SNMA and his continued dedication to supporting us at this location, starting from my first time helping to facilitate the Region VI RMEC here in 2023 when I served as the Region VI ARD!
Please know that I appreciate each of you for spending the weekend with us in DC and investing in the mission and future of the SNMA. I look forward to seeing you in the DMV!!!
Yours in SNMA,
Kailyn Geter
64th National President, Student National Medical Association
Student Trustee, National Medical Association
Howard University College of Medicine
MD Candidate, Class of 2027
Welcome SNMA Family!
STUDENT NATIONAL MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
From the Desk of the Chairperson of the Board of Directors
On behalf of the Student National Medical Association Board of Directors, it is my honor to welcome you to the June National Leadership Institute (NLI) in Washington, DC. As we begin another year of service we are reminded not only of how far we have come as an organization, but also of the incredible responsibility we carry as the future leaders of medicine. I am excited to gather with so many passionate student leaders from across the country for a weekend dedicated to growth and collaboration for the betterment of our organization
SNMA has always been more than an organization. It is a movement built on service and advocacy. Each of you here represents the next generation of physicians who will shape the future of healthcare. As we convene at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg Center, I would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Irvin, whose leadership and coordination have been instrumental in bringing this experience together Johns Hopkins’ commitment to supporting the mission of SNMA and investing in the development of future physicians is deeply appreciated.
I would also like to thank our sponsors, speakers, planning committee members, and headquarters staff whose hard work and commitment made this weekend possible. Your contributions ensure that our members leave empowered and prepared to lead.
This weekend is an opportunity to grow as leaders and deepen our commitment to one another and to the patients we will someday serve. As we begin this new administrative year together, I challenge each of you to think about the impact you want to have, not only within SNMA, but within medicine and your communities. Leadership within SNMA is about creating meaningful impact and leaving our organization stronger than we found it. It is my hope that the relationships you build here will continue long after this weekend concludes
Welcome to June NLI 2026. Let’s make this a transformative weekend!
Yours in SNMA,
Jonathan E. Davenport
Student National Medical Association
Chairperson of the Board of Directors 2026-2027
MD/MBA Candidate, 2027
Medical University of the Americas
chair@snma.org
2026-27 Board of Directors
National Chairperson of the Board
Jonathan Davenport
National President
Kailyn Geter
National President-Elect
Nina Uzoigwe
National Vice President
Mauren Akumuo
National Secretary
Anisa McIntosh
National Treasurer
Ashley Spooner
Pre-Medical Board Member
Maurice Furet
Speaker of the House
Suzette Ndubuisi
National Parliamentarian
Gregory Ridgel
Immediate Past Chairperson
Myke Spencer
Immediate Past President
Sydney Baltimore
Executive Director
Bridgette Hudson, MBA
Professional Board Member to the Executive Committee
Jade Anderson, MD
Professional Board Member
Donald Carson, DO
Professional Board Member
Brandon Henry, MD
Professional Board Member
Morgan White, MD
Academic Affairs
Sonia Chinedu & Annieka Reno
Community Service
Kayla Bouknight & Catherine Dorcinvil
Convention Planning
Shelby Goodson & Miracle Darrington
Diversity Research
Shermaine "Hutch" Hutchins & Jailyn
Smith
Elections
Nina Uzoigwe
External Affairs
Sadé Thomas & Deondra Montgomery
Finance
Ashley Spooner
Health Policy & Legislative Affairs
Jasmine Powell & Michaila Paulateer
Internal Affairs
Stacy Bawuah & Bobbi-Ann Laing
International Affairs
Tayce Jacques & Laura Francois
MAPS
Maurice Furet
Membership
Tafanie Roye & JaVaughn King
Osteopathic Affairs
Bethany Guidry & Chinyere Nnaji
Publications
Hans Owuor & Chukwudalu Ononenyi
Regional Director I
Selom Gbewonyo
Regional Director II
Janique Abrahams
Regional Director III
Kiersten Sydnor
Regional Director IV
Sandra-Lily Lantum
Regional Director V
Ashonti Wright
Regional Director VI
Diwane Mills
Regional Director VII
Ayomini Ajayi
Regional Director VIII
Valerie Aalo
Regional Director IX
Kendra Soh
Regional Director X
Jennifer Salako
Regional Director to Executive Committee
Kiersten Sydnor
Student National Medical Association Headquarters Staff
Executive Director
Bridgette Hudson
Membership and Chapter Services Coordinator
Lakia Bailey
Projects and Partnership Manager
Dejanira Cruz
Marketing and Communications Specialist
Adrienne Lewis
Governance and Special Projects Specialist
Denisha Thomas
Events and Logistics Specialist (Contractor)
Erika Witherspoon
Website Manager (Contractor)
Megan Bourque-Stith
Friday & Saturday at a Glance: Pg. 7
NLI Program Schedule: Pgs. 10-12
NLI Speakers: Pgs. 12-24
Join the June NLI GroupMe for in the moment updates!
Friday
FRIDAY, JUNE 12
6:00-8:00 PM
Hopkins Bloomberg Center (HBC)- Room 955
6:30-8:00 PM Welcome Reception Hopkins Bloomberg Center- Room 955 & Terrace
SATURDAY, JUNE 13
7:30-8:30 AM
9:00 PM Social Event 8:30 PM Tour of SNMA HQ 5113 Georgia Ave NW Washington, D.C. 20011 Welcome Remarks
8:30-9:00 AM 12:0012:45 PM
5:00-8:00
& Breakfast Hopkins Bloomberg Center (HBC)- Room 426 & 428
FRIDAY, JUNE 12
*All sessions will be held at the Hopkins Bloomberg Center
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Registration (Room 955)
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM Welcome Reception (Room 955 & Terrace)
Jonathan Davenport, National Chairperson of the Board
Kailyn Geter, National President
Dr. Nathan Irvin, Johns Hopkins
Assistant Dean for Medical Student Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – Johns Hopkins University SOM
Associate Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine
8:00 PM - 8:30 PM Transport on own to HQ (5113 Georgia Ave NW Washington, D.C. 20011)
8:30 PM Tour of HQ
9:00 PM Social Event
SATURDAY, JUNE 13
*All sessions will be held at the Hopkins Bloomberg Center
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM Registration & Breakfast (426 & 428)
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM Welcome Remarks (426 & 428)
Jonathan Davenport, National Chairperson of the Board
Kailyn Geter, National President
Dr. Nathan Irvin, Assistant Dean for Medical Student Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – Johns Hopkins University SOM
Associate Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine
9:00 AM – 9:55 AM Leading SNMA 101: Understanding the Organization History and Structure for Leadership Foundation (426 & 428)
Dr. Priscilla Mpasi
10:00 AM – 10:55 AM Social Media Etiquette: Social Media and Application Season (426 & 428)
Dr. Amaka Ofodu
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM A Beginner’s Guide to Strategic Planning (426 & 428)
Dr. DaShawn Hickman
Dr. Cornelius Jamison
Dr. Bukky Akingbola
Dr. Gabriel Felix
SATURDAY, JUNE 13
*All sessions will be held at the Hopkins Bloomberg Center
12:00 PM – 12:45 PM Lunch Break
BOD Residency Application Workshop w/ Dr. Jade Anderson
12:45 PM – 1:30 PM Building Functional Teams: An Overview of the Five Dysfunctions of a Team (426 &428)
Denisha Thomas
1:35 PM – 2:15 PM Intro to SNMA HQ: Meet the Team! (426 & 428)
2:20 PM – 3:15 PM Putting the “S”in SNMA: Managing Leadership and Student Success (RM 426 & 428)
Dr. Renee Darko
3:15 PM- 4:30 PM Breakouts: Onboarding and Planning
- Regional Directors: Kiersten Sydnor, RD to the EC (RM 434)
- NCCs: Kailyn Geter, National President (RM 440)
- Emerging Leaders: Lead Forward: Creating Your Leadership Journey with Purpose
Dr. Kameron Matthews (RM 426 & 428)
- Pre-medical Students:
3:15-3:55 PM
What is MAPS?
Maurice Furet, PMBM (RM 422)
3:55-4:35 PM
Standing Out Without Being “Perfect”: What Admissions Actually Remembers
Dr. Myke Spencer
Rachael Oyebade
Jaisha Wilson
Milinda Florvela
Erika Elder (RM 422)
4:35 PM- 4:45 PM Final Remarks and Dismissal (RM 426 &428)
Jonathan Davenport, Chairperson of the Board
Kailyn Geter, National President
SATURDAY, JUNE 13
*All sessions will be held at the Hopkins Bloomberg Center
4:45 PM – 5:00 PM Break & Transition to BOD Meeting
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM Board Meeting
8:30 PM – Until Social Event
SUNDAY, JUNE 14
*All sessions will be held at the Hopkins Bloomberg Center
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM Board Breakfast & Ice Breakers
8:30 AM – 11:00 AM BOD Meeting
Speaker Bios
Amaka Ofodu, M.D.
Clinical Instructor of Hospital Medicine at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
Clinical Instructor of Pediatrics at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
Dr. Amaka Ofodu is a board-certified Internal Medicine and Pediatrics Physician. She is currently practicing as a Med-Peds Hospitalist at Bayview Medical Center and serving as a Clinical Instructor in Hospital Medicine and Pediatrics at The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. A proud Nigerian-American raised in Kansas City, Missouri, Dr. Ofodu is passionate about mentorship, health equity, and creating inclusive, psychologically safe spaces for medical learners and future leaders.
Bukky Akingbola
University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine, Maternal Fetal Medicine Fellow
VDr. Akingbola is known as an engaged leader with many appointments to professional medical engagements She was recently elected to represent the national Society of Maternal Fetal Medicine Fellowship Class of 2028. Prior to fellowship, She boasts elected leadership positions including, Education Chief at the University of Minnesota OBGYN residency program, OBGYN representative on the institutional University of Minnesota Graduate Medical Education Committee, Resident representative on the GME UME assessment committee, and OBGYN program evaluation committee.
Her commitment to equity facilitates her capacity for leadership and engagement, which manifests itself at every level. Dr. Akingbola is a vocal advocate for trainees, and patients, often pulling from her own experiences to help those who are living the life she once lived. Her efforts are commended across the spectrum and Dr. Akingbola has been the recipient of several awards, most recently the. Natioal Medical Association Top Physician under 40 award, and the Council on the Concern for Women Rising ‘Women to Watch’ award.
Her professional interests include leadership, mentoring, and resiliency development for learners and trainees of color as well as all facets of research into medical education. Bukky currently serves as the chair of the Learner Advisory Group, a component of the APGO/CREOG Transforming the UME to GME Transition: Right Resident, Right Program, Ready Day One project. She continues to be active and excited about creating a more equitable space in the medical education realm.
Dr. Akingbola is a native of Woodbury Minnesota. She earned her B.S in Neuroscience, Family Social Science from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul MN and M.S and DO degrees from Lincoln Memorial University. She is currently a first year Maternal Fetal Medicine Fellow at the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine in Denver Colorado.
DaShawn Hickman, MD, PhD
Vituity - Assistant Medical Director for Emergency Medicine
DaShawn Hickman is from Columbia, South Carolina and earned a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Yale University. He graduated from the Medical Scientist Training Program (MD/PhD), at Case Western Reserve University then completed his residency in Emergency Medicine at Highland Hospital in Oakland, CA and an Emergency Medicine Healthcare and Quality Improvement Fellowship at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. He currently works as the Assistant Medical Director of the Emergency Department of Emanuel Medical Center in Turlock, CA with Vituity. DaShawn served on the SNMA Board of Directors for 7 years as Chair of the Board of Directors, Speaker of the House of Delegates, Regional Director, Regional Director to the Executive Committee, Internal Affairs Committee Co-Chair and Convention Planning Co-chair. He currently serves as the SNMA Strategic Planning Council Chief Planning Member. His long-term goal is to use his training as an emergency medicine physician-scientist and social activist to lead a health care system aimed at eliminating health disparities.
Denisha Thomas
Student National Medical Association, Governance and Special Projects Specialist
Denisha Thomas hails from New Orleans, LA and is a dedicated advocate for health equity and health education as a driver of public health results. As a committed life member of the SNMA and past National Chairwoman of the Board of Directors, she has devoted her service to strengthening programming through historic grant writing efforts, highlighting the importance of mentorship for SNMA leaders through innovative BOD initiatives, and doing her part to sustain SNMA’s leadership pipeline. Denisha now serves as the inaugural Governance and Special Projects Specialist in SNMA Headquarters where she works to fortify the SNMA Constitution & Bylaws through her work with the PPM Review Committee and support initiatives of the Board. The core of her work involves optimization and management of critical workflows that help sustain the organization and develop the next generation of leaders
Erika Elder
Burrell College of Health Sciences
Erika Elder is a second-year medical student at Burrell College of Health Sciences A first-generation American and first-generation medical student, she was born and raised in Washington, D.C., and is passionate about increasing the representation of Black physicians in medicine and improving access to healthcare in underserved communities.
Prior to medical school, Erika earned a Master of Science degree and worked in various healthcare settings, gaining experience in clinical care, research, and patient advocacy.
Outside of medicine, Erika enjoys weightlifting, traveling, creating content on social media, and exploring new cultures. She is committed to using her platform and future career as a physician to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals, help change the face of medicine, and demonstrate to those who come after her that they do not have to sacrifice their identity to succeed. Erika hopes to empower future physicians to remain authentic, embrace their unique backgrounds, and use their voices to create meaningful change within healthcare and their communities.
Jaisha Wilson Howard University College of Medicine
My name is Jaisha and I am a third year medical student interested in Pediatrics Excited to meet everyone and talk about my experience!
Kameron Matthews, MD, JD, FAAFP
Chief Health Officer, IMPaCT Care
Kameron Leigh Matthews MD, JD, FAAFP is the Chief Health Officer of IMPaCT Care, a public benefit corporation that helps organizations manage a technology-enabled CHW workforce at scale. She formerly served as Chief Health Officer with Cityblock Health, a value-based advanced primary care practice integrating services for Medicaid and dually, eligible, low-income Medicare beneficiaries. She previously led transformational efforts at the Veterans Health Administration focused on integrated, Veteran-centered models of care including the implementation of the MISSION Act of 2018 and the EHR modernization effort Dr Matthews is Senior Faculty with the Weitzman Institute, and Associate Clinical ProfessorVolunteer with the Department of Family and Community Medicine at University of California at San Francisco. She is an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine where she chairs the Health Policy Fellowships and Leadership Programs Advisory Committee and is a member of the Standing Committee on Primary Care. She is a member of the sixth class of the Aspen Institute's Health Innovators Fellowship. She co-founded and directs the Tour for Diversity in Medicine (T4D), an initiative seeking to bring premedical enrichment activities to underrepresented minority high school and undergraduate students across the country. She completed her bachelor's degree at Duke University, her medical degree at Johns Hopkins University, and her law degree at the University of Chicago.
Milinda Florvela
MS2, Ross University School of Medicine
Milinda Florvela is a Miami, Florida native, first-generation Haitian American, and MD/MPH candidate at Ross University School of Medicine. As an international medical student, she is passionate about mentoring aspiring physicians navigate the medical school admissions process and empowering students from underrepresented and nontraditional backgrounds to pursue careers in medicine.
Before medical school, Milinda built a diverse foundation in healthcare through experiences in clinical research, public health, laboratory medicine, and direct patient care Her work has spanned clinical trials, surgical research, health policy, and improving health outcomes in underserved communities. She is particularly interested in transplant surgery and global health, with aspirations to expand access to surgical care in developing countries.
Aa a dedicated leader, mentor, and advocate, Milinda serves as Treasurer of her Student National Medical Association chapter and has held multiple leadership roles focused on mentorship, community engagement, and professional development. Through her work, she is committed to increasing minority and creating pathways for students to achieve their goals in healthcare.
Mychael T. Spencer, MD, MEd
Resident Physician
Indiana University School of Medicine
Dr Myke Spencer is an anesthesiology resident physician at Indiana University School of Medicine and a proud Indianapolis native. Before beginning his career in medicine, he spent more than a decade serving students, families, and communities as a teacher, principal, district administrator, and non-profit leader. Although education became his profession, medicine had long been a personal aspiration. Motivated by a desire to serve his community in a different capacity, he returned to school and earned his MD from Indiana University School of Medicine.
Throughout his career, Dr. Spencer has been drawn to opportunities to lead, mentor, and build community. During medical school, he became known for his commitment to leadership and service, serving in numerous roles at the local, regional, and national level, including Class President, and National Chairperson of SNMA. Whether caring for patients, mentoring students, or leading organizations, he is committed to service, lifelong learning, and creating opportunities for others. His professional interests include perioperative medicine, critical care, medical education, and physician leadership
Dr. Na MSHPR,
Assistant Dean for Medical Student Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Johns Hopkins
Dr Irvin is the Assistant Dean for Medical Student Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and is an Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine (EM) at Johns Hopkins. He is Co-Director of the Health Humanities at Hopkins EM initiative, which offers social justice and humanities-based programming to institution, community, and national audiences.
Dr. Irvin is also medical director of the Johns Hopkins Break the Cycle Violence Intervention Program and is Dr Irvin is also center faculty in the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health’s Center for Mental Health and Addiction Policy and is an expert in social emergency medicine, a discipline that explores the impact of social forces on health.
In this capacity Dr. Irvin works on addressing many of the health and behavioral problems that affect people living in urban communities including violence, trauma, HIV/AIDs and substance abuse and is staunch advocate for health equity in marginalized communities
Priscilla M. Mpasi, M.D., FAAP
Pediatrician & Population Health, Wilmington Pediatrics
Wilmington Academics Primary Care
ChristianaCare Health System
Dr. Priscilla Mpasi is a Population Health leader and primary care Pediatrician at ChristianaCare Health System with physician executive roles in the enterprise that have included Assistant Medical Director, Clinically Integrated Network; the Medical Director, Delaware Medicaid Partners (ACO) and Clinical Director, Complex Primary Care and Community Medicine. She completed the National Clinicians Scholars Program health policy fellowship the University of Pennsylvania and is completing a Master of Science in Health Policy and Research. She earned her B.S. in Psychology from Duke University, her M.D. from Virginia Commonwealth University and completed a pediatrics residency with a certificate in Advocacy at the University of Maryland Children’s Hospital. She is also National Health Service Corps Student to Service Scholar
Her work is centered on population health management to promote quality health delivery, optimize patient navigation in the healthcare system and enhance resource utilization She primarily equally focuses on Medicaid network adequacy where she provides clinical leadership and strategic development for program development and patient engagement efforts. Her particular emphasis is on pediatric and maternal health patients and expanding access to social health resources for medically vulnerable populations. She also promotes educational preparation and leadership development for physicians and medical students of color to expand workforce diversity in the medical field.
Dr. Mpasi is a nationally recognized leader in healthcare and a regarded expert in pediatric health and minority health outcomes. She is the Governor-Appointed Chair for the Delaware Healthy Mother and Infant Consortium serving as the first woman and first black person to provide statewide leadership to improve maternal and child health outcomes. She currently serves as the Board Secretary and Region II Trustee on the Board of Trustees for the National Medical Association (NMA) and has also held national offices with the American Academy of Pediatrics and American Medical Association. She has received numerous awards that includes the Delaware Association for the Education of Young Children Inaugural Community Hero Award, Women We Admire Top 50 Women Leaders in Delaware, National Minority Quality Forum 40 Under 40 Leaders in Health, the Virginia Commonwealth University 10 Under 10 Alumni, the NMA Top Healthcare Professionals Under 40, and the AMA Foundation Physicians of Tomorrow Award
Dr Mpasi is originally from Silver Spring, MD with family origins from the Democratic Republic of Congo and currently resides in Philadelphia, PA.
Rachael Oyebade
Howard University College of Medicine, MS3
Rachael Oyebade is a first-generation, third-year medical student at Howard University College of Medicine with a strong interest in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Originally from Dallas, Texas, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Science from Howard University. Prior to matriculating into medical school, she spent two years as a lead Math and Science Instructor for second- and third-grade students, where she developed a passion for education and mentorship.
At Howard University College of Medicine, Rachael has demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership, service, and student advocacy She currently serves as President of the Student National Medical Association (SNMA) chapter and Vice President of her medical school class. Through her involvement with SNMA, she has mentored numerous Medical Aspirations Program (MAPS) students, providing guidance and support to pre-medical students as they navigate their journeys toward careers in medicine. She is also actively involved in the Psychiatry Interest Group and the Pediatric Interest Association, where she serves as the American Academy of Pediatrics Liaison.
Rachael is passionate about mentorship and creating pathways for future physicians. Through her work with a mentor in the Department of Psychiatry, she has had the opportunity to mentor high school students, helping them navigate personal growth, develop life skills, and build healthy approaches to mental wellness during adolescence. Drawing from her own journey to medical school, she is particularly committed to encouraging students from diverse and nontraditional backgrounds, emphasizing that strong leadership, service, resilience, and personal growth can help applicants stand out beyond traditional academic metrics
Outside of medicine, Rachael enjoys traveling, baking, and exploring new foods with friends!
Renée Volny Darko, DO
OB/GYN
Dr. Renée Volny Darko is a physician, leader, author, and world traveler with a big heart for service. She earned her medical degree from Kansas City University and an MBA from Rockhurst University
After completing her OB-GYN residency at the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Dr. Darko completed a health policy leadership fellowship at the Morehouse School of Medicine and later became Interim Associate Director of the program. Since 2011, she has traveled to Ghana on women’s health medical missions with the International Healthcare Volunteers.
When she’s not delivering babies or performing surgery, Dr. Darko co-hosts the popular podcast Docs Outside the Box with her husband. She is the author of the Amazon best-seller How Good ’Ol Dr. V Came to Be. Her greatest joy, however, is the family life she shares with her husband and two sons.
