Today we’d like to introduce you to Napatia Gettings.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am originally from the south side of Chicago and graduated from Whitney Young HS (alma mater of Michelle Obama). Growing up my parents always emphasized the importance of education. My mother is originally from Lynchburg VA and my father is from Chicago. As a teenager, I was in the National Honor Society, on the track team and dance group Guys and Dolls. I first was exposed to the medical field through working with our neighborhood veterinarian Dr. Nagui Boutros during the summers in HS. I had an opportunity to learn how a private medical practice is managed and how to provide medical care to animals in need. Upon graduating from HS in 1999 I became a rehabilitation aide for Misericordia Home (a home providing 24-hour care to children and adolescents with profound neurological disabilities).
During my time at Misericordia, I developed a great appreciation to help others with neurodevelopmental disabilities. In the summer of 1999 I left Chicago and moved to Hanover, NH to begin my freshman year of college. I majored in Biology and unexpectedly became pregnant during my freshman winter break. I had to quickly make some very big decisions and as a result, moved back to Chicago after freshman year. I transferred to the University of Chicago and started as a sophomore in the Fall of 2000. My son was born in September and I was back in class two weeks after. Thanks to my mother I was able to continue my education and pursue my dream of being a physician. In 2007 I graduated from The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and completed my Adult Psychiatry Residency along with Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship in 2012 from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
As a Psychiatrist, I am extremely passionate about educating our community about the importance of brain health. I am currently practicing at the Amen Clinics. The Amen Clinics has over 11 locations nationwide and we specialize in providing individuals with brain scans specifically SPECT scans that allow individuals to take a deeper look at the functioning of their brain. One of our largest clinics is our Atlanta office. I believe that all of us should understand more about how our brains work and how to maintain brain health. It is estimated that Alzheimer’s disease will triple by the year 2050 and I am on the frontlines of preventing this growing epidemic. The Amen Clinics provides me the opportunity to treat individuals across the nation and empower individuals to preserve their brain function.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
While pursuing my professional endeavors several obstacles were present for sure. Managing being a teen mom and pursuing a medical career was one of the hardest of all, however, my parents were a true village for me. My oldest son is now 21 and I also now have three younger children ages 13, 9, and 8. I am happily married and living in Parkland Florida. Being a full-time mother and physician can be quite the balancing act. I am thankful for my husband Justin who not only supports me but encourages me to reach for my goals. He also blessed me with two bonus sons so we have a large family of six! In 2014, I lost my mother to stage 4 pancreatic cancer and this was the biggest challenge of my life. It is because of her that I dedicate so much time to helping others understand the importance of healthy living and self-preservation. Mental health is truly key to overall health and as a society, we need to remove the stigma of seeking professional mental health care.
As you know, we’re big fans of Amen Clinics. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Amen Clinics Atlanta Metro Area, as an essential medical practice, is open and available to help you and your loved ones with all of your brain health needs. Our clinic is adhering to CDC and city and state guidelines. We also offer telepsychiatry services if you are unable to visit in person. Amen Clinics Atlanta Metro Area provides psychiatric and brain health care in our Atlanta center to patients throughout the surrounding communities and the greater metropolitan area. In addition to treating patients throughout the state of Georgia, we also serve patients from all across the southeastern United States, and routinely see people from Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida.
5901 Peachtree-Dunwoody Rd NE
Suite C65
Atlanta, GA 30328
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Life will also bring unexpected circumstances that challenge us and require growth. As an African-American woman, I represent only 2 percent of all physicians in America. This number is entirely too low. We have to encourage our youth to pursue careers in medicine and increase minority representation. I encourage all young minority women to pursue their dreams in the medical field despite the current challenges. Perseverance, faith, and vision will always carry you through to the next level despite the obstacles in your way. Always stay focused on your vision for yourself and never let doubt and negative thinking interfere with your drive and determination.
Contact Info:
- Website: amenclinics.com
- Instagram: @drgettings
- Twitter: drgettings
- Other: drgettings.com
