Rising Stars: Meet Dominique Hines of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dominique Hines.

Hi Dominique, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi, I am Dominique. At work, I have the privilege of being called Dr. Hines. I was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, with my four siblings. Since I was in the second grade, I knew that I wanted more out of life than what I saw in my immediate surroundings. I set my sights early on becoming a doctor; specifically, a pediatrician. My unwavering focus on my education was the anchor that allowed me to persevere through life’s many challenges.

I completed high school as the Salutatorian of my class and then moved hundreds of miles away from home to attend the number one HBCU in the country, Spelman College, as a Biology/Pre-Med major. Going to Spelman was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I received so much more than a high-quality education; I gained an incredible sisterhood and the confidence in myself to be a change agent for good. I graduated from Spelman magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa. I then spent two years as an AmeriCorps member, serving as a STEM enrichment coordinator with Georgia Tech and Atlanta Public Schools, before gaining admission to Morehouse School of Medicine. In 2020, I graduated from medical school and proudly became the first doctor in my family. I stayed at Morehouse School of Medicine to complete my residency training in Pediatrics. I now work as a primary care Pediatrician in the Austell area.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey has certainly had its challenges, as there were many odds stacked against me accomplishing my dreams. My father suddenly passed away when I was 10 years old. My mom abruptly became a single parent, left to raise young, school-aged children on her own. This dramatically shifted the dynamic of my home; grief, stress, and financial strain became daily burdens. However, I became even more determined to honor my dad’s legacy by persevering through the challenging road ahead to become the first doctor in my family.

I am a first-generation college student who did not hear many people talk about, let alone pursue and complete a college degree. Although the college admission process often felt overwhelming, I took it upon myself to attend financial aid workshops, venture out on college tours, and apply for scholarships like it was my full-time job. Thankfully, all of my efforts were rewarded when I proudly became a Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholar and member of the Spelman College Class of 2013.

Despite my distinguished academic accomplishments at Spelman, gaining admission to medical school was an arduous task. I took the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) three times and completed a year of post-baccalaureate education before I was finally awarded admission to the Morehouse School of Medicine as a medical student in the Class of 2020. When my day to triumphantly walk the commencement stage to be hooded and called “Doctor” finally arrived in May 2020, it was nothing like I had imagined. I graduated at the onset of the COVID pandemic in my best friend’s living room instead of an auditorium, with a very small group of our closest family and friends, many of whom joined on Zoom. A month later, I started residency as a brand-new doctor during one of the scariest times I have lived through, working to protect the littlest and most fragile lives from a virus that we knew very little about. I was exhausted, afraid, and stretched far beyond what I thought I could handle. But day by day, patient by patient, I learned, I adapted, and I continued to show up for the children and families who needed me. I would not wish that kind of medical training on anyone, but those years helped mold me into the compassionate, thorough, and deeply caring physician that I am today.

None of this would be possible without my faith in God and the incredible support of my mother, June¬—the most resilient human being I know who believed just as fiercely in my dreams as I did and did everything in her power to help me achieve them—my husband, Nick—a steady source of love, encouragement, and anchoring during some of my most challenging seasons of life, while he was also in the process of completing a rigorous PhD in mechanical engineering—and my family, friends, mentors, co-residents, and school and church communities.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a Primary Care Pediatrician in the Austell area. I see patients from newborns up to age 22, managing both well and sick conditions, including but not limited to Asthma, Urinary tract infections, ear infections, and mental health conditions. I am particularly passionate about teen health, fitness, and nutrition. I stand out for the empathy I show my patients and their families; I listen attentively and provide intentional, practical support. I am grateful for the opportunity to grow with families and partner with them in providing the best possible care for their children.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
My resilience has been pivotal to my success. Years ago, I committed to accomplishing this dream that was placed on my heart as a child. This journey required me to do things I had never seen done before and overcome many hurdles, setbacks, rejections, failures, and curveballs along the way. There were many times when I questioned why I was doing this and if it was truly meant for me. But despite my doubts and fears, I have persistently picked myself back up and figured out how to take the next step forward toward my dream. As hard as it was, I did not let the difficulties define me. I chose then, and still choose now, to keep striving to be my best self, to live out my purpose, and to inspire others to do the same.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: withlovedrdom
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominique-grasty-hines-md