Dr. Auja McDougale, an esteemed OB-GYN at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, has been driven by her family’s rich civil rights legacy and a personal tragedy to revolutionize maternal care for Black mothers.
Her unwavering dedication stems from a deep-rooted commitment to dismantle systemic inequities plaguing the healthcare system.
“I became a doctor because my mom lost her life at the age of 38, at a local (now defunct) hospital that was under-resourced,” McDougale revealed to ESSENCE. “As a teenager, having that experience, losing my best friend, my mother, a young, gifted Black army veteran who had so much ahead of her — I feel it’s now my job to fight against the systemic issues of the past and move institutions such as New York-Presbyterian forward to a new legacy of community empowerment and collaboration.”
McDougale’s conviction is deeply rooted in her family’s trailblazing civil rights activism. Her grandmother, a fearless woman of color, marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in Selma, defying cultural norms and paving the way for future generations.
“If she [my grandmother] had not made those choices, my life could have been very different. I often hear my grandmother’s voice. How persistent and determined she was to follow her own path. I’m just so proud that she persevered,” McDougale proudly stated.
Collaborative Efforts Toward Health Equity
Recognizing the inextricable link between civil rights and healthcare, McDougale is at the forefront of a collaborative effort to address critical issues impacting the Black community, such as increasing access to healthcare, reducing maternal mortality rates, and combatting residual structural hurdles from discriminatory practices like redlining.
“When we talk about things like health equity, when we talk about diversity and inclusion, about social determinants, community health, and global health, it’s a collaborative effort,” McDougale added. “That’s what most resonated with me, because my grandmother was very much out in the community. She preached, she sang, she taught, she did everything.”
A Voice for the Underrepresented
With a keen understanding that she might be the only avenue through which some underrepresented voices might be heard, McDougale has dedicated her life to amplifying these voices and advocating for long-overdue resources.
“Because of all this, I’m in the very fortunate position to have a seat at the table and to speak freely and openly about what’s needed for communities who are very much deserving, and who have been waiting quite a bit of time for resources,” McDougale asserts.
Leaving a Legacy of Empowerment
Driven by her profound sense of purpose, McDougale remains steadfast in her mission to create a lasting legacy of empowerment for generations to come.
“I have such a sense of pride for being a physician and a mother raising a Black son. I think every day about the legacies we’re creating for the generations to come. All I can do is use whatever talents I have to make sure that those voices are heard, and that my own voice is heard too,” said McDougale.
