For the Culture, For the Community: Phebe Brocke on Finding Her Voice in Medicine
As Phebe Brocke prepares to cross the stage at 榴莲视频鈥檚 Spring
2025 Commencement Exercises, she marks not only a personal milestone but a historic
one for her family. A first-generation Ghanaian American and the first woman in her
family to become a physician, Phebe鈥檚 path to medicine has been shaped by purpose,
perseverance and a passion for impact.
She was drawn to MSM during a defining time 鈥� the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement. While many institutions claimed a commitment to health equity, 榴莲视频 lived it. 鈥淚 knew that coming here, I was going to be able to become the kind of doctor I wanted to be,鈥� she said.
At 榴莲视频, Phebe found more than an academic home. After earning her undergraduate degree at a predominantly white institution, she described the healing power of being surrounded by peers and mentors who reflected her lived experience. 鈥淏eing in a room with people who look like me, who have names like mine, who come from immigrant families like mine 鈥� that was transformative.鈥�
Throughout her four years, Phebe immersed herself in advocacy and service. As president of the OB/GYN Interest Group, she helped lead the Period Action Project and MSM鈥檚 menstrual product drives, collecting over 50,000 products for local women鈥檚 shelters. community organizations. 鈥淢edicine can鈥檛 stay within the four walls of a clinic,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t has to meet people where they are.鈥�
Phebe鈥檚 commitment to medicine took root early, influenced by her mother鈥檚 decades-long nursing career and her own experience navigating the healthcare system as a teen. After being misdiagnosed and dismissed by doctors, she finally found a physician who listened and uncovered the root cause of her symptoms. That experience transformed her. 鈥淓ven before medical school, I lost over 100 pounds to be a healthier example for my future patients.鈥�
Following graduation, Phebe will begin her OB/GYN residency at Harvard Brigham and Women鈥檚 Hospital/ Massachusetts General Hospital. She plans to continue centering health equity in gynecological care, engage with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists on Black maternal health, and build stronger bridges between providers and the communities they serve. 鈥淓ven with 80-hour weeks, if I can make just one patient feel seen and heard, that鈥檚 the goal.鈥�
Phebe leaves 榴莲视频 with more than a degree 鈥� she leaves with a legacy of leadership, empathy and advocacy. And her next chapter is just getting started.
About the Author
Michael Martin is a content strategist who believes in crafting compelling stories that inspire and connect. With a pen for storytelling, he brings the journeys of future physicians to life, highlighting their impact and dedication to healthcare.
Contact
Michael Martin
Digital Content Strategist
Office of Marketing & Communications
mamartin@msm.edu