Dr. Amanda Mohammed-Strait: A Passion for Medicine and a Commitment to Equity
Dr. Amanda Mohammed-Strait’s journey into medicine began at a remarkably young age, fueled by a deep sense of purpose and a desire to make a difference. As a child, she was clear about her aspirations. “At around 9 years old, I decided I wanted to be a physician,” she revealed in an interview. This early decision was not just a passing phase but a testament to her growing awareness of the world around her. International trips during her formative years exposed her to stark global health disparities, opening her eyes to the stark realities faced by many communities. These experiences, coupled with mission work, solidified her resolve to address healthcare inequities both abroad and closer to home. For Mohammed-Strait, the core of healthcare lies in accessibility. “Making healthcare more accessible to those who need it is the most important thing in healthcare for all,” she said. “Everyone should be able to have access to basic, equitable healthcare.”
Serving the Underserved: A Calling to Oak Street Health
For the past four years, Dr. Mohammed-Strait has dedicated her career to Oak Street Health’s Pleasant Grove Clinic in southeast Dallas, a region historically underserved in terms of healthcare. Oak Street Health’s mission to open clinics in underserved areas resonated deeply with her. “We purposefully open in underserved areas,” she explained. The clinic’s presence has been met with immense relief from the community, a sentiment she described as a “sigh of relief, like, ‘oh wow, someone cares.’” This sense of gratitude is not surprising, given the systemic barriers that have long plagued these communities. For Mohammed-Strait, serving this population is not just a job—it’s a calling.
Building Trust in a Historically Marginalized Community
Dr. Mohammed-Strait’s work at Oak Street Health is deeply personal. She finds meaning in serving a community that reflects her own identity, where trust between patients and healthcare providers is often fractured. She attributes this mistrust to historical racism, which has eroded faith in the medical system. “Unfortunately, that has caused preventative care to fall through the cracks,” she said. “People don’t like going to the doctor, and they don’t feel heard.” This understanding fuels her approach to patient care. By building relationships and listening to her patients’ stories, she aims to restore trust and provide care that is both compassionate and culturally competent.
Representation Matters: Breaking Barriers in Medicine
Representation in medicine is a cause close to Dr. Mohammed-Strait’s heart. As one of fewer than 3% of Black female physicians in the U.S., according to the Association of American Medical Colleges, she understands the barriers faced by underrepresented groups in the field. “It shouldn’t be a term that’s a unicorn,” she said, referring to the rarity of Black women in medicine. “It should be something anyone can achieve.” Her presence in the medical field is not just a personal accomplishment but a step toward dismantling systemic inequities. By inspiring others, she hopes to pave the way for a more diverse and inclusive healthcare workforce.
A Vision for the Future: Inspiring Change ONE patient at a Time
As part of Black History Month, Dr. Mohammed-Strait hopes to use her platform to inspire others. She believes that by sharing her story, she can show aspiring physicians that it’s possible to forge their own paths in medicine. Her vision for the future is one where healthcare is more inclusive, equitable, and compassionate. This change, she believes, begins with individual relationships. “Building relationships with my patients is a priority,” she said. By listening, empathizing, and advocating for her patients, she is making a tangible difference—one patient at a time.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Care and Equity
Dr. Amanda Mohammed-Strait’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, purpose, and perseverance. From her early aspirations to her current work in underserved communities, she has remained committed to her mission of making healthcare more accessible and equitable. Her efforts to build trust, challenge systemic inequities, and inspire future generations of healthcare providers are leaving a lasting impact. As she continues her work, Mohammed-Strait reminds us that healthcare is not just about treating illnesses—it’s about uplifting communities and fostering hope. Her story is a powerful reminder that even in the face of systemic challenges, one person can make a profound difference.
