Ghanaian-Born Adventist Becomes First Black Female Neurosurgery Resident at Johns Hopkins
March 28, 2017: Nancy Abu-Bonsrah, a Ghanaian-born Adventist, has made history by becoming the first black female to become a resident at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine’s neurosurgical department.
The neurosurgery program at Johns Hopkins is highly prestigious and only admits 2 to 5 residents.
Ben Carson, the current United States secretary of Housing and Urban Development, is another Adventist alumnus of the program.
Abu-Bonsrah lived in Ghana until she was 15 when she moved with her family to the United States.
According to a report from the North American Division of the Adventist Church, Abu-Bonsrah moved to America when her father gained denominational employment at the General Conference headquarters of the denomination.
Abu-Bonsrah attended Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Before that she completed her undergraduate studies at Mount St. Mary’s University.
“I will be the first physician in my family, including the extended family,” said Abu-Bonsrah in a statement on the Johns Hopkins Medicine website.
“I am very much interested in providing medical care in underserved settings, specifically surgical care. I hope to be able to go back to Ghana over the course of my career to help in building sustainable surgical infrastructure.”
Abu-Bonsrah is married to University of Maryland medical student Kwabena Yamoah.
In a public statement on her Facebook wall, Abu-Bonsrah said, “It is indeed an honor and a privilege to have been granted this opportunity to be a part of the Johns Hopkins Neurosurgery Department as a resident, with its rich history of pioneering surgeons. It is truly humbling to be a part of such a legacy and to have so many inspired by our story. We are excited for the journey ahead and ask for continued prayers.”
Abu-Bonsrah told Adventist Today that her advice to young Adventists interested in pursuing a career in medicine is:
“Keep working hard, seek mentorship and always be open to God’s guidance.”
Photo of Nancy Abu-Bonsrah and Kwabena Yamoah. Courtesy of Nancy Abu-Bonsrah.
