Week Two: Expanding Access and Opportunity

As we continue our Black History Month series, Stories of Impact: Pioneers, Advocates, and Innovators, Week Two builds on the legacies of healing, innovation, and leadership introduced in our first week. 

Through our collaboration with the Fort Valley State University MANRRS Chapter, we are proud to share another collection of student-written features honoring Black women whose contributions have shaped medicine, science, nutrition, public health, and healthcare access.

DAY 8: Flemmie Pansy Kittrell

Flemmie Pansy Kittrell was born in North Carolina in 1904 to sharecropping parents and began working as a cook and maid at a young age, which sparked her interest in nutrition and child well-being in Black and low-income families. She became the first African American woman to earn a PhD in nutrition, graduating from Cornell University in 1936 during an era of intense racial segregation. This achievement marked her as a major educational trailblazer in nutrition science. From 1944 to 1971, Kittrell served as the head of the Home Economics Department at Howard University. While there, she led a study through an experimental nursery school on campus. This research later became a model for the federal Head Start program, which supports early education, health, and wellness for children from low-income families. 

Kittrell was also a dedicated public health advocate whose research focused on reducing health disparities in underserved communities. She traveled internationally to improve nutrition and public health outcomes. During her work in Liberia, she coined the term “hidden hunger” to describe vitamin deficiencies in individuals who consumed enough food but lacked proper nutrition. Overall, her contributions greatly advanced the understanding of how diet, health, and socioeconomic status are interconnected and continue to influence efforts toward health equity.

Written by Nylah Simpson

Major: Animal Science, Fort Valley State University

Future Endeavor: Master’s Degree in Nutrition; secured post-graduation position with USDA

Day 9: Dr. Mae C. Jemison

Dr. Mae C. Jemison is a physician, engineer, and former NASA astronaut who made history as the first African American woman to travel into space in 1992 aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour. She earned her medical degree from Cornell University and later worked as a general practitioner and Peace Corps medical officer, providing healthcare in underserved communities. Her career reflects a deep commitment to using science and medicine to improve lives around the world. Through her achievements, she has inspired countless Black women to pursue careers in medicine, science, and technology.

Beyond her medical work, Dr. Jemison has been a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in STEM fields. She founded the Jemison Group and the international science camp, The Earth We Share, to encourage young people, especially girls of color in exploring science and medicine. Dr. Jemison continues to speak globally about education, innovation, and social responsibility. Her legacy represents excellence, perseverance, and expanded opportunities for Black women in medicine and beyond.

Written by Amari Parker

Major: Agriculture Economics, Fort Valley State University

Future Endeavor: Agricultural Engineer

Day 10: Alice Augusta Ball 

Alice Augusta Ball was a brilliant chemist whose work made a lasting impact on medicine, despite her life being tragically short. Born in 1892, she became one of the first Black women to earn a master’s degree in chemistry and was the first Black woman to graduate from the University of Hawaiʻi. While working there, Ball developed an innovative and effective treatment for leprosy (Hansen’s disease) using compounds derived from chaulmoogra oil. Her method transformed the oil into a form that could be safely injected and absorbed by the body, offering real hope to patients at a time when few treatments existed. This breakthrough, later known as the “Ball Method,” significantly improved outcomes for people suffering from the disease.

Despite the importance of her discovery, Alice Ball did not receive proper credit during her lifetime. After her death at just 24 years old, her work was taken and publicly credited to a male colleague, delaying recognition of her contributions for decades. Today, Ball is celebrated as a pioneer for women in medicine and a powerful figure in Black history, representing both scientific excellence and the challenges faced by Black women in academic and medical fields. Her legacy serves as an inspiration, highlighting the importance of equity, recognition, and diversity in medicine and scientific research—values that remain essential during Black History Month and beyond. 

Written by: Zarien Vilsaint

Major: Plant Science with minor in Accounting, Fort Valley State University

Future Endeavor: Plant based medicine research scientist/Pharmaceutical medicine

Day 11: Dr. Rebecca J. Cole

Dr. Rebecca J. Cole was a pioneering physician and one of the earliest Black women to break barriers in American medicine. In 1867, she became the second Black woman in the United States to earn a medical degree, graduating from the Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania. At a time when both racial and gender discrimination severely limited opportunities in healthcare, Dr. Cole remained committed to serving those most in need. She focused her medical career on providing care to poor and underserved communities, particularly women and children who lacked access to basic medical services.

Dr. Cole was deeply involved in public health efforts and worked with organizations such as the New York Infirmary for Women and Children, which had been founded by Drs. Elizabeth Blackwell and Marie Zakrzewska. Through her work, she emphasized preventive care, hygiene, and education as essential components of health. Her dedication helped improve healthcare access for marginalized populations and laid important groundwork for future generations of Black women in medicine. Dr. Cole’s legacy endures as a symbol of perseverance, service, and commitment to health equity.

Written by Edward Carter III 

Major: Agricultural Economics, Fort Valley State University

Future Endeavor: Agricultural Commodity Trader

Day 12:  Dr. Helen Octavia Dickens 

Dr. Helen Octavia Dickens was an innovative American doctor whose contributions revolutionized obstetrics and gynecology, simultaneously improving access to healthcare and education for marginalized populations. Dickens studied to become an obstetrician-gynecologist during a period when African American women encountered significant obstacles in the medical field. She was among the first African American women to achieve board certification in obstetrics and gynecology and subsequently became the first woman to lead the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Meharry Medical College, a historically Black medical institution. Her guidance advanced the training for doctors destined to assist underserved communities throughout the United States

Written by Nakira Morris

Major: Plant Science concentrating in horticulture, Fort Valley State University

Future Endeavor: Horticulturist

Day 13: Dr. Georgia Rooks Dwelle 

Dr. Georgia Rooks Dwelle was an important Black woman whose work made a lasting impact on the medical field, particularly in maternal and child health. Born in 1884 in Atlanta, Georgia, she grew up during a time when Black women faced significant barriers in pursuing medical careers. Despite these challenges, she believed strongly in education and earned her medical degree from Meharry Medical College. She specialized in both pediatrics and obstetrics, allowing her to care for children as well as mothers. Her dedication focused on improving healthcare access for underserved Black communities.

In 1913, Dr. Georgia Rooks Dwelle founded the Dwelle Sanitarium in Atlanta to provide medical care for Black women and children who were often denied treatment elsewhere. The sanitarium also offered professional training opportunities for Black nurses. Through her focus on pediatric care and safe childbirth practices, she helped reduce infant mortality rates. Her work showed how medicine could be rooted in both compassion and community service. Dr. Georgia Rooks Dwelle’s legacy continues to inspire future generations of Black women in healthcare.

Written by Phillip Smith 

Major: Agricultural Economics, Fort Valley State University

Future Endeavor: Agronomist

Day 14: Dr. Camara Phyllis Jones

Dr. Camara Phyllis Jones is a distinguished physician, epidemiologist, and public health leader whose work has reshaped the medical field’s understanding of health inequities. Born in the United States, she pursued medicine and public health with a strong interest in how social conditions affect health outcomes in Black and marginalized communities. She earned her medical degree and later specialized in epidemiology, where she focused on identifying the root causes of health disparities. Dr. Jones became widely known for developing a clear framework that explains racism at the institutional, interpersonal, and internalized levels. This work positioned her as a trailblazer in addressing racism as a public health issue rather than an individual failing.

Throughout her career, Dr. Jones has served in influential roles, including as a medical officer at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and as president of the American Public Health Association. Her research and advocacy have guided public health policy, medical education, and community-based health initiatives nationwide. She has consistently emphasized that achieving health equity requires changes in systems, policies, and social structures. Dr. Jones also founded the National Collaborative for Health Equity to promote fair and just health outcomes for all populations. Overall, her contributions continue to influence how medicine and public health address inequality, prevention, and justice in healthcare.

Written by Kayla Roberts

Major: Agricultural Economics, Fort Valley State University 

Future endeavor: Agricultural Data Analyst 

We are honored to amplify these stories through the voices of Fort Valley State University students, whose own academic journeys echo the perseverance and purpose of the pioneers they celebrate. As Black History Month continues, we invite you to reflect on these legacies, engage with each story, and recognize that the future of healthcare is being shaped by students inspired by those who came before them.

Stay with us as we continue this series in honor of Black History Month.

Today, we’re honored to introduce someone whose work and heart align deeply with our mission at Covington Women’s Health Specialists.

Meet Dr. Steven Samuels—plant scientist at Fort Valley State University (FVSU) and proud husband of our very own Dr. Sherley Samuels. While Dr. Sherley serves women and families in our community through medicine every day, Dr. Steven is shaping the future through education, mentorship, and leadership.

Dr. Steven serves as the advisor for FVSU’s MANRRS Chapter (a professional development and leadership organization), comprising 125 students preparing to lead in science, medicine, agriculture, and beyond. His commitment to guiding, advocating for, and opening doors for these students is exactly why Covington Women’s Health Specialists believed it was important to invest in this organization.

In 2025, our practice made a financial donation to the FVSU MANRRS Chapter—not just as a contribution, but as a statement. We believe in pouring into the next generation, supporting representation in science and medicine, and backing organizations that create real opportunity through action.

As a beautiful thank you, 28 incredible MANRRS students have written highlights celebrating 28 Black women in medicine and science. Beginning this February, in honor of Black History Month, we will be sharing one student-written highlight each day throughout the month with our patients and community.

At Covington Women’s Health Specialists, Black History Month is not just a moment—it’s a mindset. We are committed to integrating the values of Black History Month into our daily practices and long term commitments, through education, partnership, investment, and action.

As we share these daily highlights throughout February, we invite you to lean in—whether you’re discovering something new or being reminded of the brilliance, resilience, and impact that have always been present. Each story is an opportunity to learn, reflect, and celebrate.

We encourage you to interact with every post—like, comment, share, and join the conversation. Be sure to take note of the name, major, and future aspirations of each student author. These are not just writers; they are emerging leaders, scientists, clinicians, innovators, and changemakers.

You just might be seeing the names of those who will be changing the world in the years to come.

WEEK ONE: BREAKING BARRIERS IN HEALTHCARE

WEEK TWO: EXPANDING ACCESS AND OPPORTUNITY

WEEK THREE: DRIVING INNOVATION AND IMPACT

WEEK FOUR: SHAPING THE NEXT GENERATION

Advanced Care Focused on Faster Recovery and Women’s Well-Being

When gynecologic surgery becomes necessary, most women want the same thing: effective treatment with the least disruption to their lives. At Covington Women’s Health Specialists, that goal is central to how care is delivered.

Dr. Cathy Larrimore and Dr. Sherley Samuels both perform minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, offering women advanced surgical options designed to reduce pain, shorten recovery time, and support a quicker return to everyday activities.

What Is Minimally Invasive Surgery?

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) refers to surgical techniques that avoid large abdominal incisions. Instead, surgeons use small incisions, natural body openings, and advanced technology to treat gynecologic conditions with precision and care.

For patients, minimally invasive surgery often means:

• Less post-operative pain
• Shorter hospital stays (often same-day discharge)
• Minimal or no visible scarring
• Faster recovery
• Earlier return to work, family, and daily routines

At our practice, minimally invasive surgery is not just about technology — it’s about providing thoughtful, individualized care that prioritizes healing and quality of life.

Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Procedures at Covington Women’s Health Specialists

Dr. Larrimore and Dr. Samuels offer a range of minimally invasive gynecologic surgical options, carefully selecting the approach that best fits each patient’s medical needs and personal goals.

Robotic-Assisted Surgery

Robotic-assisted surgery allows surgeons to perform complex procedures through very small incisions using enhanced visualization and precision. The robotic system is fully controlled by the physician, allowing for careful, controlled movements in delicate surgical areas.

Robotic Hysterectomy

Robotic hysterectomy is a minimally invasive gynecologic surgery option for removing the uterus and is especially beneficial for women with:

• Uterine fibroids
• Endometriosis
• Prior abdominal surgeries
• More complex pelvic anatomy

Patients often experience less blood loss, reduced pain, and a faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.

Robotic Myomectomy

A myomectomy is a gynecologic surgical procedure to remove uterine fibroids while preserving the uterus. This option is often important for women who wish to maintain fertility or keep their uterus for personal or medical reasons.

Using robotic-assisted technology, fibroids can be removed with enhanced precision through small incisions, allowing careful reconstruction of the uterus. At Covington Women’s Health Specialists, advanced robotic techniques allow some women with large fibroids—who might otherwise require a large abdominal incision—to have their fibroids removed through minimally invasive surgery instead.

This approach often results in less pain, reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and a quicker return to normal activities compared to traditional open surgery.

Laparoscopic Surgery

Laparoscopic surgery uses a small camera and instruments inserted through tiny abdominal incisions. This versatile approach is commonly used to:

• Treat endometriosis
• Remove ovarian cysts
• Address chronic pelvic pain
• Perform hysterectomies when appropriate

Most patients return home the same day and resume light activities within a short period of time.

Transvaginal Hysterectomy: The Original Minimally Invasive Approach

While newer technologies continue to advance surgical care, transvaginal (vaginal) hysterectomy remains one of the most important minimally invasive gynecologic surgery options. In fact, it is the oldest form of minimally invasive hysterectomy and continues to be highly effective for many women.

Performed entirely through the vagina with no abdominal incisions, transvaginal hysterectomy offers:

• No visible scars
• Short hospital stays
• Less post-operative discomfort
• Faster overall recovery

At Covington Women’s Health Specialists, this time-tested technique is carefully considered alongside newer approaches to ensure the best outcome for each patient.

Hysteroscopic Procedures

Hysteroscopy involves passing a thin camera through the cervix to diagnose and treat conditions inside the uterus—without any incisions. This minimally invasive technique is often used for:

• Abnormal uterine bleeding
• Removal of uterine polyps
• Evaluation of fertility concerns

Recovery is typically rapid, allowing patients to return to normal activities quickly.

A Thoughtful, Patient-Centered Surgical Approach

At Covington Women’s Health Specialists, Dr. Samuels and Dr. Larrimore share a commitment to:

• Choosing the least invasive and safest gynecologic surgical option whenever possible
• Educating patients about their choices
• Individualizing care plans
• Supporting faster healing and long-term well-being

By combining modern robotic techniques with proven traditional minimally invasive approaches, Covington Women’s Health Specialists offers comprehensive gynecologic surgical care that is both innovative and grounded in experience.

Supporting Women Through Surgery and Recovery

Surgery can feel overwhelming, but the right approach can make a meaningful difference. Through minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, Covington Women’s Health Specialists helps women move forward with confidence—healing faster, experiencing less pain, and returning to their normal lives sooner.

Understanding your options is an important step in your care journey. We are here to support our patients every step of the way with expertise, compassion, and a focus on what matters most: their health and quality of life.

If you’ve been advised to consider surgery or are experiencing symptoms that may require evaluation, we encourage you to schedule a consultation. Call our office or request an appointment online to discuss your options and learn whether minimally invasive surgery may be right for you.

A message from Drs. Cathy Larrimore, Sherley Samuels, and Meridith Farrow in response to hurtful comments on our recent transgender awareness post.

At Covington Women’s Health Specialists, we welcome all individuals in need of obstetrics and gynecological services. We see you and want to help you live your best and healthiest lives!

So, what does inclusion mean to us? It means that we will not exclude any individual from our care and we welcome people of all races, faiths, walks of life when they are in need of obstetrics or gynecologic care. This includes the transgender and gender diverse communities.

Gender dysphoria, the medical condition that effects these communities, is defined by The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology as, “distress that accompanies the incongruence between one’s experienced and expressed gender and one’s assigned or natal gender.” The healthcare providers and staff at Covington Women’s Health Specialists are committed to not adding to the possible discomfort of these individuals by excluding them from our care. 

Here are some examples of the important medical care transgender and gender diverse patients need.

1. Common problems like heavy periods effect many individuals. Every day we offer these individuals medical treatments and surgeries to help address this challenging condition. Can you imagine how extremely distressing and bothersome heavy periods can be for a person living life as a man? Our neighbors who were assigned female sex at birth and are now living their lives as men deserve the same chance for heavy period treatments as our neighbors living their lives as women.  In other words, the same chance for a happy life as you have.
2. Cervical cancer kills.  Our fellow citizens who were assigned female gender at birth and are now living their lives as men deserve the same screening for cervical cancer as our fellow citizens living their lives as women. In other words, the same chance for a healthy life as you have.
3. Many of us are parents and feel that having children enhances our lives. Men who were assigned female sex at birth may consult a gynecologist about infertility treatment. Because some transmen who were assigned female sex at birth want to be parents as grown ups, just like many of you. These men deserve the same chance to be parents as other women who face infertility. 
4. Our patients who are living their lives as men but were assigned female sex at birth need and deserve healthcare just like you do for basic screening, problem visits, and complex problems. Please realize that although they are different from you, this community deserves the same access to healthcare. 
5. Specialty practices, such as plastic surgery and endocrinology, are available to treat people with gender dysphoria allowing them to transition to the people who they are inside.  Hormone therapy is guided by trained endocrinologists.  Surgeries can be expensive, and many transmen have not had such procedures, but even if they have had gender affirming surgery such as breast removal, gynecologic care may still be necessary. 
6. The majority of  gynecology patients are individuals assigned female sex at birth. However, there are times when gynecologists treat biological men such as prescribing medication to treat sexually transmitted infections in compliance with the Georgia state law that allows this to protect our primary patients and pregnant patients.  And testing or treating for infertility and inheritable diseases if we are treating their partner and there is a need to test or treat them.  These encounters never include physical examinations beyond vital signs.

Members of the transgender and gender diverse community live among us, and they have always been here! We believe it’s important to treat them with the same compassions and care as any other member of our community.

The comments that circulated in response to our recent transgender awareness post were hurtful–to this team, our colleagues, our staff and to many of our patients and neighbors. Please consider our words. Oppressing people will not elevate you. Happiness is infectious, bitterness is ugly. Do to others what you would have them do to you.

-Drs. Cathy Larrimore, Sherley Samuels, and Meridith Farrow

Acetaminophen remains a safe, trusted option for pain relief and fever during pregnancy.

From the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology website:

“ACOG reaffirms the safety and benefits of acetaminophen use during pregnancy. More than 2 decades of research have found no causal link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability in children. Acetaminophen continues to be an important and safe option for managing pain and fever in pregnancy – conditions that can pose serious risks to pregnant patients and their fetuses if left untreated.”

Please feel free to discuss the use of acetaminophen with our highly skilled and educated providers to make the most informed decision regarding your care.