Today we’d like to introduce you to Anita Moton.
Hi Anita, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
From the moment I could comprehend the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I knew I wanted to be a pediatrician. I can remember talks with my mother, a former educator, and grandmother, a former pediatric nurse, about my goals of becoming a “baby doctor” and decades later, here I am! My journey started with a dream that was watered by a supportive family and surrounding village.
Growing up in Hartsville, SC, there were not many examples of Black women in medicine, certainly not Black women physicians. Over the years, it became my mission to become the representation I so desperately wanted as a child. My aspirations lead me to the College of Charleston, where I earned my Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology with a minor in Psychology. I then received my Master of Science Degree in Medical Science from Hampton University. Lastly, I obtained my Medical Degree from the University of South Carolina, Columbia, followed by pediatric residency training at Morehouse School of Medicine. I am proud to be the pediatrician I always dreamed of becoming and now the face of Twin Mommy MD.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I can say I have been truly blessed on this journey. Of course, this path does not come without its bumps and bruises. I believe college was the moment I realized faith, fight, and focus were requirements if I really wanted this. I remember one particular advisor encouraging me to consider a different path because I didn’t have the “ideal” grades to get into medical school. I decided soon after that conversation that nothing and no one could deter me. One scripture I live by is Philippians 1:6 “Being confident of this that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” I had to remember this when circumstances appeared dim. I didn’t ace every test, I stumbled on more than one occasion, but I always kept the faith that I was destined to be who I am today and who I am yet to become.
Even parenting twins has its unique challenges. I was pregnant at the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic while continuing to enter the hospital to take care of sick children. After they were born, I found myself fighting to balance being a wife, new mom of two, physician in training, all while processing a newly diagnosed autoimmune illness of my own. And believe me, having two kids at the same time is not for the weak! With all transparency, there were several tears shed, but nothing compared to the joy I find in caring for my family and my patients. I constantly remind myself, “You prayed for this.” Although not without trials, living this life is a privilege, and I do not take it for granted.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a pediatrician certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. I am an assistant professor in the Department of Pediatrics at Morehouse School of Medicine. I currently work at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Hughes Spaulding campus in the inpatient and outpatient settings taking care of children and adolescents in metro Atlanta and the surrounding areas. Aside from seeing pediatric patients, I have an active role in teaching and supervising medical students and pediatric residents. I also serve as an advisor and mentor.
Within my field, I have a special interest in caring for children from similar backgrounds as myself. There’s something about seeing the look on their faces when they realize I am their doctor. I have also developed an interest in breastfeeding medicine and mitigating barriers to breastfeeding in African American women. There is stigma and misinformation surrounding breastfeeding in our community, and I enjoy using my influence as a Black pediatrician to properly educate those who are interested in using human milk as a form of nutrition for their little ones.
I am also the face of Twin Mommy MD. Twin Mommy MD was created during my second year of residency while pregnant with my now two years old twin boys. It is a brand and platform created to share my journey as a twin mother who also happens to be a physician. This platform has been used to empower not only twin moms but all moms through encouraging words, giveaways, acts of kindness, and small snippets into my life. I have also developed several mentor/mentee opportunities for students interested in medicine and relationships with moms interested in support from other moms.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Give yourself grace. Your imperfections and your obstacles are the framework to a beautiful story. Always believe in yourself and your capabilities. Be intentional with the vision for your life. Write it down and make it clear, as this will lead to you holding yourself accountable and ensuring your success. Identifying mentors in your field of interest is imperative! Don’t be afraid to reach out to those who have gone before you to seek guidance and sensible advice. Protect your peace. Most importantly, stay grounded in your faith, whatever that looks like. It’s inevitable that life will take you through various twists and turns but remember who you are and whose you are.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twin.mommy.md
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063862730474&mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Ashley J. Gilmer: Divine Eye Media, Porsha Malin
