Dedriek Whitaker

At the age of 6, I decided that I wanted to become a doctor. I specifically remember playing surgery simulation games on my older sister’s computer multiple times throughout the day. I would wait for the moments when my mom would come home, and I could tell her all of the bones and body parts I learned. I realized then that the amount of intelligence and creativity that doctors have is unmatchable to any other career I could pursue. I knew that being a doctor would allow me to show my genuine care for others while pursuing my interests. I am a loving, articulate, and persistent individual who is always looking for ways to grow in every way possible. Starting my freshman year amid a pandemic has only made me even more determined to find ways to get involved on campus. I am currently a member of the Minority Association for Pre-Med Students (MAPS) and the Undergraduate Chapter of the American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA). Both organizations have helped me understand what it means to be an African American woman in healthcare and have made me more optimistic about my future as an OB/GYN. I grew up in a small town where there are rarely any clinics of high quality. I spent a substantial amount of my childhood in women’s clinics where the patients were unsatisfied with their care. I am determined to open my own private clinic where I can practice Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the women can feel comfortable and have a surplus amount of resources available to them. I am especially looking forward to gaining experience in healthcare through volunteering with various organizations in Durham. I plan to major in Global Health with a concentration in Maternal and Child Health, co-majoring in Evolutionary Anthropology, and minoring in Chemistry. I know that the journey ahead of me will be tedious, but I couldn’t be more excited to see what’s ahead of me!