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| Earlexia Norwood, M.D. |
Alumni Interviews:
Earlexia Norwood, M.D.
"The UI is known national for producing quality physicians. I wanted to be well prepared to care for the lives entrusted to me, and I knew the UI would give me the tools needed to be a comprehensive physician."
What is your hometown?
I am a Jackson, MS native.
How/when did you become interested in science and medicine?
In middle school (Junior High), I was interested in both law and medicine. I knew in medicine there would always be patients in need of care, job opportunities in any area I chose to practice, and an income that I could live comfortably on. The concerns over the lack of appropriate medical care for my grandfather in a small rural hospital provided the strongest motivation for me to pursue healthcare. He was a community leader and the first man in his town to own a Model T car. When he entered a local ER, he was judged and triaged by his race instead of this presenting illness, which led to a fatal MI (heart attack).
What interested you to pursue a career in Family Medicine?
Family Medicine offered the variety to keep medicine interesting. The concept of caring for and influencing the entire family also met with my goals of "making families whole".
Is there a faculty member or mentor at Iowa who helped shape your career?
Sharon Lassiter-Clayton was the director of the minority program. She was encouraging, supportive, and an active listener. She heard that I would stay up late to study. One night she called me after midnight to see if I was still up and to discuss changing my studying habits. She wanted me to sleep and to get up earlier when needed. I never changed that habit of staying up until everything was done, but I always appreciated the time and effort she gave to demonstrate how much she cared.
How or why did you choose the UI to attend medical school?
I was contemplating the MD/PHD program when I came to medical school. The UI had one of the best programs. The UI is known national for producing quality physicians. I wanted to be well prepared to care for the lives entrusted to me, and I knew the UI would give me the tools needed to be a comprehensive physician.
Please describe your professional goals/interests.
I am currently the Physician-In-Charge of the Henry Ford Medical Center in Troy, and the Division Head of Family Medicine for the Northeast Region. My goal is to make the areas under my leadership profitable and centers of excellence. I also want to develop new physician leaders and to take on more of a hospital administrative role in the future.
Please highlight your major career achievements, awards, discoveries, etc.
* Leadership Troy Business of the Year Award
* Robert E. Birk Award for Excellence in Research
* Who's Who of Women in America
* Who's Who of Health Care Professionals
* Troy Medical Center Above and Beyond Award
What kinds of professional opportunities or advantages did attending the University of Iowa provide? What about challenges?
The UI provides a degree that is well respected and honored around the world. It is known for its first rate educational experience and quality training (even though my University of Michigan colleagues here don't say it too loudly - smile). The challenge for me was being in a demographic area very different from my city, and learning the culture and practices of a city with very few minorities.
What are some of your outside interests?
I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, and museum strolling. Robert Norwood my talented husband of 18 years, Gabriel my intelligent 15 year-old son, and Mikhaella my creative 11 year-old daughter, make doing any activity enjoyable.
Do you have an insight or philosophy that guides you in your professional work?
I believe that if you have your priorities right, success and fulfillment is inevitable. For me it is God first, family second, and education/occupation third. I know that if I seek God first, all of my needs will be met.
If you could change one thing about the world (or the world of medicine), what would it be?
I want quality, compassionate health care to be available for everyone who needs it.
What is the biggest change you've experienced in your field since you were a medical student?
Most of the office visits were acute care in nature in the beginning of my practice. Visits have become much more chronic care based, with multiple chronic illnesses needing attention in short amount of time. Diabetes has exploded! There are more than 18 million people with diabetes, and the number of primary care physicians to care for them in the future is decreasing.
What one piece of advice you would give to today's medical students?
I advise all medical students to do their best, give their all, and know that this is a period you will complete. There have been many before you and after you who have done it, and you too have what it takes to succeed. Take one day at a time and do what is needed for today. Don't worry or stress about things that might happen tomorrow. Prepare for tomorrow and give your very best efforts in what you do today.
University of Iowa President David Skorton has named academic year 2005-2006 as the "Year of Public Engagement." In what ways are you engaged with the greater public?
I believe in community involvement. The last few years I have been active in women's health. I do 10-15 programs /year on various health topics to a variety of groups. I currently chair "My Journey to Wellness" which is a partnership with local churches, Henry Ford Health System, and Health Alliance Plan (insurance company) to provide health screening, lectures, resources, and physician interaction for health care needs. Mentoring and teaching are other small ways I try to assure another generation of competent, caring physicians for the future.
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