Title:‘I believe that community health has been my calling’

Georgetown Health Magazine recently sat down with Michelle A. Roett (M’03), professor and chair of the Department of Family Medicine at Georgetown University Medical Center and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, who established Georgetown’s Center for Health Equity to address education and training on eliminating health disparities in Washington, DC.

What made you decide on Georgetown for medical school?

I wanted to be at a place where I could dedicate my career to eliminating health disparities in underserved populations and marginalized communities. At Georgetown I really felt like I could make a difference, and that as a Black woman, my voice mattered. When I was a medical student, family medicine resident, and Community Health fellow at Georgetown, I was embedded clinically throughout the DC area, including Wards 7 and 8. I really felt like this was my community. I still do.

What motivated you to establish the Center for Health Equity in 2022?

Based on my own background, I’ve always had an interest in and dedication to addressing social determinants of health. I believe that community health has been my calling, working toward eliminating health disparities and understanding community needs from a patient’s perspective. I formed the Center for Health Equity so that our programming could support learners, faculty, and staff in longitudinal community engagement to improve health outcomes. We coordinate, train, and evaluate extensive student opportunities such as the HOYA Clinic. Since 2007, HOYA Clinic has grown to be an umbrella organization with multiple community engagement opportunities for students to serve DC and have meaningful longitudinal relationships with community partners and clients.

How would you like to see the center evolve in the future?

I would like to see fully endowed scholarships and awards that recognize students’ commitment to lifelong community service and advancing health equity. They should feel valued and rewarded for their career choice. It’s important that we lift up those who are dedicated to serving others and eliminating disparities.

You do a lot in the community. How do you recharge your own emotional battery?

I always say to students that you have to find your own fuel and fire. For me, it’s spending time with family and friends. As a family physician, I am fortunate that my patients have often been with me for 10–20 years. Whenever we reconnect it brings me a lot of joy.