Bridging Families to Clinics

The Conversations in Health: Global to Local class, led by Professor John Monahan, welcomed Michelle Roett, M.D., to discuss her journey through her medical education and professional experience. The purpose of this class is to bridge the gap between professionals in health care and students who have a profound interest in these fields, offering them an opportunity to learn what life is like for leaders in health. 

Dr. Roett is the chair of Georgetown University’s Department of Family Medicine. She is very familiar with the student experience at Georgetown, having earned her Doctor of Medicine degree at Georgetown’s School of Medicine. Following the completion of medical school, she began her residency at MedStar Health. Additionally, she holds a Master’s in Public Health from the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Dr. Roett has spent extensive time at Georgetown, both as a student and as a professional. In her conversation with Professor Monahan and the students, she emphasized how representation in medicine is different from her time as a student. Today, there is greater emphasis on the importance of doctors reflecting the diversity of the patients they treat, which strengthens cultural competence. Dr. Roett envisions Georgetown as a bastion for inclusivity in health care – a vision she has made efforts to fulfil by working with community partners in the Washington, DC area.

Dr. Roett has also spearheaded DC Safe Babies Safe Moms, a community initiative that reflects her commitment to inclusive health care. This program provides interdisciplinary, multigenerational health and social services for birthing women and their families across the DC area. Through collaboration between MedStar Health and community partners, the initiative delivers more comprehensive and streamlined maternal care services. 

As a student, it was refreshing to hear that Dr. Roett prioritizes student perspectives and ideas for improvement at Georgetown. While her leadership role carries a significant responsibility, Dr. Roett acknowledged that lasting change depends on students who are committed to building a more equitable, accessible, and effective health care system for all. 

Hearing Dr. Roett share her personal and professional journey firsthand was an invaluable experience as a student in the class.

Allen Tovmasyan (H’27) is an undergraduate student majoring in healthcare management and policy at Georgetown University.