March is Women’s History Month, and it is also Colon Cancer Awareness Month, which feels like an important time to point out that a very small percentage of physicians are Black women. According to a 2021 article in The Lancet, while the U.S. is 13 percent Black, only 5.4 percent of physicians are Black—and of those, only 2.8 percent are Black women.
At a time when we are seeing increased health disparities among Black women especially with regard to maternal health, and a deliberate political attack on diversity, equity and inclusion as a means to discriminate against certain people, it’s important to amplify and uplift the stories of women who are forging new pathways to push back against the regression.
This month we are excited to highlight a physician who is breaking barriers for Black women in the field of medicine, and serving her community with the goal of fueling better health outcomes. Meet Maseray S. Kamara, MD – a dedicated colon and rectal surgeon, specializing in robotic surgery and anorectal disease.
A first-generation Sierra Leonean American, she was born and raised in Virginia and trained in Michigan, earning her medical degree from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. Dr. Kamara completed her general surgery residency at Detroit Medical Center/Wayne State University and her fellowship in colon and rectal surgery at the University of Michigan/Trinity Health Ann Arbor.
Dr. Kamara is committed to public health and uses medical journalism to enhance health literacy, empowering patients and their families to understand conditions affecting the colon, rectum, and anus. As one of the few Black women in her field, her journey and contributions are not only inspiring but also crucial for representation. Dr. Kamara’s dedication to optimizing recovery protocols and her commitment to public health make her an excellent subject to raise awareness about the challenges and triumphs faced by Black women in medicine.
In addition to her clinical expertise, Dr. Kamara actively engages with communities through medical journalism, striving to enhance health literacy among patients and their families. Her insights have been shared through platforms like KevinMD and In-Training Magazine, where she seeks to empower others with knowledge about vital health issues.
Dr. Kamara is a compelling voice in the fight for medical equity, and we had the chance to learn more about her work, her passion for patient education, and why it is important to have more Black women physicians in the United States to combat health disparities.
Where did your passion for medicine begin, and what inspired you to become a doctor?
My passion for medicine began at a young age listening to my parents discuss their childhoods in Sierra Leone West Africa. The stories about the health inequities and lack of access especially interested me. In school, I was always drawn to math and science. I distinctly remember a science project called “Racing Heart Rates.”
That is when I knew I wanted to be a doctor. It was the intersection of problem-solving and personal connection that made medicine the perfect fit. Over time, I realized that healthcare wasn’t just about treating disease—it was about empowering patients with knowledge, advocating for better health outcomes, and making a tangible difference in people’s lives.
Can you tell us more about your specialty as a Colon and Rectal Surgeon, and what your clinical focus includes?
As a Colorectal Surgeon, I specialize in cancerous and non-cancerous diseases of the colon, rectum, and anus. My clinical practice includes everything from colorectal cancer treatment and prevention to managing inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, constipation, and anorectal disorders like hemorrhoids and fissures.
I love colorectal surgery because it allows me to be a public health surgeon – I’m also passionate about increasing health literacy and awareness around screening, especially in communities that face higher risks of colorectal cancer.
You are passionate about robotic surgery. Can you share more on this, and what it involves?
Yes! Robotic surgery is transforming the way we perform minimally invasive procedures. It allows for more precision, better visualization, and faster recovery for our patients. With robotic-assisted techniques, I can operate with enhanced dexterity and control, which is especially beneficial in managing complex colorectal surgeries.
Robotic surgery allows for smaller incisions, less postoperative pain, and therefore quicker return to normal activities for patients. Not only is it an excellent tool to safely complete complex operations, but it also translates to better outcomes for patients as seen with quality of life and pain control.
A very small percentage of physicians in the United States are Black women, which is why it’s important to amplify industry leaders like you during Women’s History Month and in light of Black History Month in Feb. Why are the numbers so low, and what are some of the biggest systemic barriers to entry for Black women?
The underrepresentation of Black women in medicine is the result of deeply ingrained systemic barriers throughout our educational system. There is a lack of access to mentorship, financial constraints. At times, there is unconscious racial bias in academic settings that can play a large role. A solution to this discrepancy must be multifaceted and targeted – addressing early education, developing strong mentorship networks, and addressing unconscious bias.
At a time when we are seeing a lot of misinformation about DEI and backlash toward especially women and women of color in positions of leadership, or in areas that are still very white and male-dominated, how do you show up to work every day and stand against the negativity?
I show up confident and secure in my education and training. The misinformation cannot take away from the years of training and dedication I have done to do this work. When I speak, I know my voice relays excellence. I encourage people to be confident in who they are, what they bring to the table, and remember why they do this work. I know that my presence in this space matters-not just for me, but for the patients who trust me with their care, and the young women who see themselves in me.
Yes, the backlash can be very disheartening, but I combat negativity by staying focused on my mission to provide excellent patient care, increase health literacy and educate the community, and mentor the next generation.
Patient education and community care are core components of the work you do. Why is it important for patients to be their own best advocates and lean on a community care model when looking for healthcare?
Healthcare works best when patients are informed and empowered. I want my patients to feel like medicine is happening for them and not to them. I remember being a scared and anxious family member when my cousin was ill years ago. I remember what it felt like to see a revolving door of doctors and trying to hold onto terms that I would google later.
Now as a physician, I prioritize minimizing medical jargon and champion patient education. This means that we need to encourage people to take control of their health through lifestyle measures such as limiting alcohol consumption, eating more fiber, and drinking more water. This means that we need to prioritize people knowing their medical history and understanding their family history. Knowledge is power, and it is important to me to continue empowering communities with important health information, especially when it comes to colorectal health.
With so much mistrust in certain aspects of our current healthcare system, especially when we see disproportionately negative outcomes for Black women in areas like maternal healthcare, how are you working to generate trust and empathy among the families and communities you serve?
Building trust starts with listening. When I meet my patients in the clinic or the hospital, I take the time to take a seat, if one is available, and hear them. People tell you their diagnosis and suggest their treatment plan if you listen. Sometimes, physicians can get so accustomed to managing diseases that we can forget the person, and the family behind the diagnosis.
I take the time to make sure my patients feel heard, respected, and included in their care. I also focus on education by dispelling myths, breaking down medical jargon, and making sure patients understand why certain tests or treatments are necessary.
Read more of Dr. Kamara’s work on her Linktree to learn more about the importance of Colorectal health, and follow her on Instagram to see some of her insightful educational content!
