For Dr. Laury Rosefort DC’08, medicine is about far more than just the study of anatomy—it’s about finding solutions for those left out of the healthcare system, increasing diversity among both physicians and patients, and always being an outspoken advocate for the health-related needs of under-treated communities.
After graduating Douglass in 2008, Dr. Rosefort graduated from The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in 2012 with her medical degree. Currently, she serves as an Academic Hospitalist at Trinitas Regional Medical Center in New Jersey and as a Clinic Preceptor with the Yale Internal Medicine and Pediatrics Program in Connecticut. In these roles, Dr. Rosefort not only addresses her patients’ physical concerns, but also considers their mental, social, and cultural circumstances.
“My decision to pursue a career in medicine is rooted in the desire to promote human well-being through the understanding of both intrinsic and extrinsic influences on health,” Dr. Rosefort said.
Unfortunately, in many STEM disciplines, including the field of medicine, women of color are underrepresented. In a profession that is rooted in the act of caregiving, this gap in representation is particularly alarming, as patients face the risk of marginalization, discrimination, and oversight from those who are supposed to be treating them. As a female physician of color, Dr. Rosefort knows her voice is particularly important for the well-being of patients and the future of a more equitable healthcare industry.
“As an African American woman,” she said, “I discovered that I had the opportunity to offer a perspective that is exceedingly underrepresented in medicine.”
Dr. Rosefort credits Douglass with providing a space for her to not only navigate the intrinsic scientific aspects of medicine, but also the extrinsic social issues at hand. As a biological life science undergraduate major—who graduated summa cum laude—Dr. Rosefort was given the opportunity to take courses outside her major that spanned across a variety of disciplines. In addition to her degree, she received a certificate in Women’s Studies.
“While my college experience was heavily influenced by the sciences and those intrinsic influences on health, Douglass helped fill in the gaps by highlighting issues that affect women and minorities, providing me opportunities for leadership, and fostering an environment that allows for both the receiving and giving of mentorship.”
Outside of the classroom, Dr. Rosefort was an active member of the Douglass community, and was involved in a variety of co-curricular activities.
“Some of the best memories I have of being at Douglass are rooted in the mere comradery among the many intelligent women (and men!) I had the privilege of studying with and learning from. Whether it was being crowned Ms. RU Caribbean, organizing group study sessions at the student center, strutting down the runway for a student-run fashion show, or duking it out with other intramural soccer teams at the recreation center, Douglass allowed me to tap into and further develop the qualities that have helped shape the well-rounded person, physician, and leader I am today.”
In addition to her work as a physician, Dr. Rosefort frequently serves as a mentor for students pursuing STEM careers, and particularly focuses on helping advance those who are minorities in their fields. Dr. Rosefort extends her mentorship abilities to Douglass women with some valuable words of advice:
“No matter what, always get up. Any goal, destination, or experience worth achieving will not be easy. The journey will be fraught with obstacles, both seen and unseen. You will likely stumble, fall, cry, and want to give up at some point through the process. But like many before you, and many more to follow, you must get up. Do not let any perceived failures or unexpected detours derail what you have set out to accomplish. Your future depends on it.”
