During my transition from family medicine residency to becoming a hospice and palliative medicine fellow, I realized more than ever the importance of prioritizing my mental, emotional, and physical health. The work I do can be deeply fulfilling, but also emotionally intense. I know that in order to provide the best care to others, I need to care for myself first as well. One of the most grounding practices I’ve developed is exploring local trails. Amateur hiking through different paths in nature offers me a perfect combination of exercise, mindfulness, and stress relief. It’s become a ritual for me — one that helps me reconnect with myself after long or emotionally taxing days. Now that I’ve relocated for fellowship, I’ve made it a point to continue this practice. I recently visited a new trail in my current community, and it has reinforced just how healing nature can be. The movement, fresh air, and scenery give me space to decompress and reset. Additionally, I’ve come to realize the importance of incorporating a multi-dimensional approach to wellness. Last year, when a major storm in Augusta, Georgia forced the closure of many parks and trails for weeks to months, I had to adapt. I began to lean on my love for music and movement at home — dancing, stretching, and simply allowing my body to move freely in response to how I felt. It reminded me that even when one outlet is unavailable, there are always other ways to care for my mind and body. That flexibility has become a cornerstone of how I now approach wellness. Another important step I am preparing to start in the near future is using life coaching and therapy services offered by my employer. With so many recent life changes — graduating residency, moving to a new city, and starting fellowship — I recognized that emotional support is essential. I hoping that these sessions will help me process transitions, set healthy boundaries, and develop tools to stay emotionally balanced throughout my life. I’m looking forward to being intentional in my overall wellness and well-being as I prepare for the emotionally heavy conversations and spiritual weight that often come with palliative care. Through these experiences, I’ve learned that prioritizing wellness requires intentionality, flexibility, and a willingness to seek support. I’ve also learned that resilience isn't built by pushing through stress, but by actively creating space to rest, reflect, and heal. As I continue this journey, I’m committed to maintaining a routine that nurtures my whole self — whether that’s walking a new trail, dancing in my living room (which I love), or showing up for therapy. I know that by doing so, I’ll be more present, compassionate, and effective in caring for my patients, family, and myself.

I am a resident physician in family medicine, and as a minority woman in medicine, I am not only pursuing being a knowledgeable doctor, but a calling deeply embedded in compassion, advocacy, and equity. I aspire to continue my clinical education in hospice and palliative medicine later this year. In doing so, I will honor my patients by listening to their concerns, holding space for families’ grief, and advocating for dignity at the end of life. These dreams are interwoven with who I am, the communities I serve, and the purpose that drives me forward. I am worth my dreams because I have not given up on them even when they have seemed insurmountable, inconvenient, and discouraging. I have worked through the many complexities and challenges of my life. I have navigated through little to no financial stability. Additionally, I have pushed through academic hardships on a road that has blossomed from an abysmal dream to an illuminating reality. My aspirations are founded in empathy and resilience. My passion for underserved and minority populations stems from both personal and professional understanding of the disparities and inequities that persist in healthcare. I have seen and experienced firsthand how systemic and socioeconomic inequities deny people the care they need and deserve. Consequently, I aspire to work daily to be a voice, supporter, and a bridge for those left unheard, undiagnosed, and untreated. I am equally passionate about palliative and family medicine, as I am with community-based and global outreach. One of my greatest strengths is being adaptable and flexible to our ever-changing environments. I can adapt to the vibrant streets of underserved neighborhoods, to the inevitability of end-of-life care. Likewise, Global and community health allow me to utilize my skills in ways that bring people together despite individual differences that may exist. Whether it is in a small rural clinic or a metropolitan city (locally or abroad) in the last moments of life, I believe in meeting people where they are—with humility, curiosity, and an open heart. These experiences have shown me that healing extends beyond curing; it’s also about the connections we cultivate with others. I have chosen a path not only of knowledge, but of service. I believe that holding space for someone’s pain, joy, or final breath is one of the greatest honors in medicine. And because I know that change starts with one person willing to show up wholeheartedly, again and again. I am worth my dreams because they are mine. If the desire to do something that I had never seen done before in my family or inner community was not placed in my heart, there would be no way that I would have had the fortitude to continue this difficult yet rewarding path. I am an example to my family, peers, and other people I meet on this journey that it’s not too late to pursue their dreams. They can look at me as a testimony and say to themselves, “If Malika can do it, so can I.” I recognize the importance of being an example for other girls and young women who desire to pursue their dreams, whether it’s in medicine, the military, education, or politics to help enforce policy changes that promote equity, because representation matters and it creates change. As you can see, I have many aspirations. Some of which I have been able to achieve, and others I am in the process of achieving. In all, I am worth achieving my dreams, because my dreams are a part of who I am and who I will become.

I am Malika Adams, a native of Atlanta, Georgia. I knew from an early age that I wanted to be a doctor. I was inspired by the midwife who deliver my younger brother, and my passion for medicine blossomed from watching “Doctor Quinn the Medicine Woman” on television as a child. I didn’t know all the intricacies involved in becoming a physician, and I didn’t’ know anyone personally who made the journey to medicine at that time. However, I’ve always felt like medicine was my calling. My journey to medicine was anything but conventional. It took many twists and turns. I survived the horror of hurricane Katrina as a freshman in college. After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, I attended a local community college in Atlanta. I worked many different jobs, while trying to figure out my path. Not knowing how to make my dream a reality, I joined the Army National Guard while also matriculating through graduate school. Afterwards, I worked at a local clinic as a patient services support specialist. After several months of working in a non-clinical capacity, I knew I had to search for answers on how to achieve my goals. Later that year, I pursued my dream by studying medicine in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, located in a small beautiful Caribbean country. Studying in a country with limited resources was very enlightening, and it taught me the importance of being resourceful and grateful for what's available. I have an invested interest in providing medical services to underserved and underprivileged populations in both my community and globally. My community involvement deepened while I was trying to find my path after college. I worked at a local clinic, located within a homeless shelter, as a medical assistant volunteer. Many patients came from marginalized backgrounds, grappling with socioeconomic challenges, language barriers, and lack of transportation. These experiences made it clear to me that healthcare is not just about treating illnesses, it’s also about addressing the broader social determinants of health. This understanding ignited my passion for community medicine. My future goals in medicine include completing a palliative and hospice medicine fellowship. Further training in palliative and hospice medicine will allow me to make an even more significant impact on my community by being more proficient in communication and improving patients' experiences who have serious illnesses. I have had numerous opportunities to work with patients facing complex medical decisions, end-of-life considerations, and the multifaceted emotional challenges that accompany serious illness. These experiences have deepened my understanding of the unique needs of patients and their families, as well as the critical role effective communication and holistic care play in the medical treatment process. I am committed to building a career that prioritizes patient-centered care, leadership, health equity, collaboration, and advocacy for the diverse and vulnerable populations we serve. My major accomplishment has been being an example for my family and community. It is important to not only do the work, but to share the needs of the community within my network. Hopefully, I will inspire others and make them aware of the many opportunities we have to give back. Some of our greatest attributes and skills that we have is being able to use our skills and resources in communities that are underserved. With over $250,000 of student loan debt, the money I save by paying down my student loan will allow me cover other expenses such as relocated to Atlanta for my palliative and hospice medicine fellowship later this year. It will also be able help pay down some of the interest that accrues monthly.

Success, to me, is a journey defined by continuous growth, meaningful impact, and resilience. It is the ability to overcome challenges, learn from setbacks, and ultimately make a difference in the lives of others. Success is about being impactful and serving a higher purpose and contributing to the well-being of my community and the world at large. In addition, success is also about problem solving and overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles. My road to success has been very trying, yet very rewarding. As a resident physician, who has served in the Army National Guard, my vision of success is grounded in service, dedication to improvement, and tenacity. Having experienced both the discipline of military training and the rigor of medical training, I understand that success requires a commitment to hard work and perseverance even when times become difficult. My ultimate goal is to use my knowledge and skills to serve others, particularly those in underserved and under-represented communities. This entails providing medical care and serves in my local community and traveling abroad to serve in medical missions. I believe that success lies in the positive impact I can make on the lives of individuals who need it most, when it matters the most.. My journey to medicine was anything but conventional. It has taken many twists and turns from surviving the horror of Hurricane Katrina as a freshman in college, to surviving volcanic eruptions while studying medicine in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, a small Caribbean country. I have seen first-handedly the devastation that occurs when resources are limited in low-income populations, and importance of resource sharing especially in times of need. These experiences have cultivated my passion for local and global medical outreach. Serving in the Army National Guard taught me the importance of resilience, discipline, and adaptability. My time in the military has paralleled my experience in medicine, in that I have faced unique challenges that has required me to think quickly, stay composed under pressure, and lead by example. These experiences have instilled in me a deep sense of duty to serve my community, and they continue to influence my current approach to medicine. I also learned the importance of teamwork and collaboration, which are essential life qualities. I've realized that no matter how well-trained I may be, success depends on working with others to provide the best possible care for patients and their families. If granted this opportunity, it will represent an invaluable chance to further assist my commitment to improvement and resilience in the face of challenges. Additionally, the financial support from the Redefining Victory Scholarship will help reduce the burden of school loan debt, allowing me to focus more on my mission of providing care both locally and globally, and to pursue further training, and develop the skills I need to make an even greater impact in the world of medicine. As a resident physician, I am constantly learning and striving to improve my skills. The scholarship will enable me to access additional opportunities for professional growth, such as attending conferences, participating in research, and gaining further training within the family medicine field. It will also give me the flexibility to pursue medical missions, where I can bring healthcare to those who have limited access to it. This will be an essential part of my journey to success, as I will be able to serve those who are in desperate need of medical attention, often in areas with limited resources, all of which will make me a more effective and well-rounded physician. Ultimately, success, is being able to freely use my skills to help others and make a positive difference in the world. The Redefining Victory Scholarship will support me in my mission to create lasting, meaningful change through resilience, commitment to improvement, and an unwavering dedication to service. I aim to make a difference by enhancing healthcare access for the underserved people of my community. I aspire to inspire other students, and make them aware of the many opportunities we have to give back. I plan to will continue to practice as a teacher, mentor, servant, and leader with the goal of local and global advocacy.

Hi! I’m Malika Adams, an Atlanta, Georgia native. I’ve spent many years striving to accomplish my goal of practicing medicine and making both a community and global impact. My life has taken many detours including studying biology in New Orleans, LA, serving in the Army National Guard while also attending graduate school in Mississippi, and then having the opportunity to study medicine in a small Caribbean county, Saint Vincent. This path has lead me to residency in Georgia. As a now family physician resident with a commitment to practicing hospice and palliative medicine, I aspire to make a profound and positive impact on the world. Some of my core values are empathy, respect, and dignity for all individuals, particularly those facing life-limiting illnesses. A little over 10 years ago I loss one of my older sisters to her second battle with breast cancer. It was very difficult seeing her fight until she physically could no long fight. At that time, I had no idea I would finally make it into the medical field and even further I had never even considered pivoting into palliative medicine. One of things I enjoy the most about family medicine is the versatility and the ability to care for entire families from babies to grandparents. Moreover, as a future palliative and hospice specialist, I intend to create a holistic approach to care that addresses not only the physical aspects of illness but also the emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs of patients and their families. One of my primary goals is to practice medicine with open communication and shared decision-making during difficult life decisions. I look forward to acting as a facilitator in collaboration with patients and their families for these conversations in a supportive environment. A core component of my practice will also focus on community education and patient advocacy. I believe that raising awareness about the benefits of hospice and palliative care can transform societal perceptions about end-of-life care. I hope to help improve the quality of life of not only my patients, but everyone I come in contact with. In addition to patient care, I am committed to model the importance of self-compassion and encourage my colleagues to prioritize their well-being, thus promoting a culture of care that extends beyond the individual to the entire healthcare team. My goal is to inspire others to also make positive impacts in their communities, thereby expanding the reach of compassionate care and ultimately making a lasting positive impact on the world that will resonate for many years to come.

I have been a resident of the English Avenue community in Atlanta, Georgia for over 15 years now. I have seen first-handedly the devastation that occurs when resources are limited and low-income populations are overlooked by the glamorous life of downtown Atlanta. The historic English Avenue and Vine City communities are home of civil and human rights movements, home of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and many other culturally significant events that has helped shaped our country’s history. I definitely feel a strong connection to English Avenue, and the people who I have served throughout the years. Additionally, I have an invested interest in providing medical services to underserved and underprivileged populations within my community. I started working at The Healing Community Clinic for uninsured and underinsured people as a medical assistant volunteer. During that time, the clinic was located within a homeless shelter in English Avenue. Most of the patients came from marginalized backgrounds, grappling with socioeconomic challenges, language barriers, and lack of transportation. These experiences made it clear to me that healthcare is not just about treating illnesses; it’s also about addressing the broader social determinants of health. This understanding ignited my passion for community medicine. English avenue and Vine City are medically underserved in that there are many low-income and no-income individuals who are underinsured and uninsured. There are only 1-2 medical clinics available, and their availability is often inconsistent due to lack of funding and resources to retain healthcare professionals who are willing to accept a pay cut to serve a community in need. Socioeconomic differences and health disparities both make this community medically underserved and underinvested. My journey to medicine was anything but conventional. I took may twists and turns from surviving the horror of Hurricane Katrina as a freshman at Xavier University. Then attending a local community college in Atlanta after earning my BS in Biology, while trying to figure out my path. I then joined the Army National Guard, and I managed to matriculate through graduate school at Mississippi College. I finally was able to pursue my dream by studying medicine in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, a small Caribbean country. Rotating at the only hospital in the country taught me the importance of being resourceful. As a now resident physician in Family Medicine in Augusta, Georgia, I am currently serving a community similar to English Avenue. Later this year, I will be pursuing a subspecialty in palliative and hospice medicine. This will allow me to introduce more information and resources to my community that have been overlooked and underutilized. I am excited to employ the skills that I have developed from residency and apply them in my community as a highly trained Family physician to Atlanta’s own, English Avenue and Vine City. I aim to be impactful by making a difference and enhancing healthcare access for the underserved people of my community.