LaMiah Hall MD, MPH, MBA

My family - they are my backbone. I have two sisters, along with my mom and dad, and they've been my biggest supporters every step of the way. No matter what I've needed, they've always shown up 100%, even going back to my high school years. I've been involved in sports since elementary school, and throughout that entire journey, my family has been right there beside me, encouraging and supporting me. That consistency has meant everything. Mentorship has also played a huge role in my growth. My mentors have gone to bat for me in ways I hadn't experienced before. The level of support and investment they've poured into me over the last 10+ years has truly shaped my development. I didn't really have mentors until I moved to New Orleans - around 2015 or 2016 - and that's when everything started to shift for me in a powerful way.

I would tell women: don't give up. Life has different paths, and everything happens for a reason - even when you don't understand it in the moment. Don't let setbacks discourage you. If something doesn't go the way you planned, or happens later than you hoped, allow yourself to feel those emotions. Take that time - but don't stay there. Keep going. Keep fighting for what you want. This past year was rough for me. Not matching was incredibly difficult, and it came with a lot of doubt. But in taking that time, I realized it was necessary. It gave me space to reflect on what I truly want in life and where I see myself going. During that time, I continued to build myself - I earned my MBA and gained clarity about my future. So even when things don't turn out how you expected, use that time to grow, evolve, and strengthen yourself. Give everything your all, no matter the circumstances. Your path may look different than you imagined - but that doesn't mean you're not still on your way.

One of the biggest challenges in medicine is the financial barrier that exists at every level - from the patient side all the way to getting into and through medical school. The cost of applying, preparing for standardized tests, and progressing through training continues to rise, and that can discourage many capable students from even considering this path. This is something I'm really passionate about addressing in the future. I want to be able to provide resources and support to students - especially those from underrepresented backgrounds - who aspire to go to medical school. Whether it's helping with test preparation, application costs, or access to mentorship, those resources can make a huge difference in whether someone is able to pursue their goals. Beyond finances, representation is another major barrier. While there has been progress and there are more Black physicians today than in the past, there is still a noticeable gap - especially in more competitive specialties like orthopedic surgery. When students don't see people who look like them in certain fields, or don't have mentors who share similar backgrounds, it can make those paths feel out of reach. Overall, while there are multiple challenges in medicine, financial barriers and lack of representation stand out as two of the most significant. Addressing these issues is critical to creating a more equitable and accessible pathway into the field.

One of my core values is staying honest and true to myself. No matter how much I grow or evolve, I never want to forget who I am or where I came from. Growth is important, but staying grounded in who you are is just as important. I also believe in reaching back - whether it's supporting people who aspire to be where I am or acknowledging the people who helped me along the way. Taking the time to thank them and show appreciation for their impact means a lot to me. Another value I hold closely is humility. As you move forward in life and achieve different levels of success, it can be easy to feel like your status has changed who you are. But for me, I always remind myself that I started somewhere, just like everyone else. Moving from point A to point B doesn't make me better than anyone - it just reflects my journey. I've worked hard to get where I am, but I also recognize that I didn't do it alone. That perspective keeps me humble, grounded, and grateful every day.