Dr. Nakiya Naomi Showell has broken new ground in pediatric healthcare as the first African American Medical Director of the Harriet Lane Clinic (HLC) at Johns Hopkins University. Her leadership and commitment to equity are transforming the clinic’s approach to healthcare for underserved communities.
A Leader in Pediatric Health Equity
Dr. Showell’s appointment as the Medical Director of HLC in 2021 marked a significant milestone in both her career and the history of Johns Hopkins. As the first Black faculty member to hold this position, Dr. Showell continues to shape the future of pediatric care at one of the nation’s most respected medical institutions.
In addition to overseeing daily operations at the Harriet Lane Clinic, Dr. Showell plays a pivotal role as the Associate Program Director for the Pediatrics Residency Program. She is also an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Her efforts focus on addressing health disparities in pediatric care, particularly among marginalized communities.
Expanding Access and Promoting Equity
Dr. Showell has been instrumental in enhancing access to pediatric care, particularly for children in East Baltimore. She has championed the expansion of healthcare services, including access to COVID-19 testing and vaccinations for pediatric patients. Under her leadership, the Harriet Lane Clinic has become a vital resource in the community, providing care for those most in need.
A key initiative Dr. Showell leads is the Johns Hopkins The Access Partnership (TAP) Program, which offers charitable care to patients who are uninsured. This program allows the clinic to provide essential services to families who otherwise may not have access to pediatric care, promoting health equity across socio-economic lines.
Championing Racially Just Pediatric Care
Dr. Showell is also a strong advocate for racially just trauma-informed pediatric care. She has led the clinic’s participation in a national, multisite collaborative aimed at improving pediatric care for children from marginalized racial and ethnic backgrounds. Her work helps to reshape the healthcare system by ensuring that trauma-informed care is integrated into the clinic’s daily operations.
Her efforts in this area are part of a broader commitment to address the socio-economic and racial/ethnic health disparities that disproportionately affect children in underrepresented communities. By integrating these values into her leadership and clinical work, Dr. Showell is helping to set a new standard for pediatric care nationwide.
A Vision for the Future of Pediatric Medicine
As Dr. Showell continues her work at the Harriet Lane Clinic, she is focused on both clinical and educational efforts to address health disparities. Her leadership is helping to train the next generation of pediatricians, over 100 of whom are now better equipped to provide equitable care to diverse patient populations.
Dr. Showell’s commitment to education and mentorship has allowed her to leave a lasting impact not only through her clinical work but also by guiding the pediatric residents she oversees. Her dedication to these efforts ensures that the future of pediatric medicine is grounded in equity and inclusivity.
Dr. Showell’s trailblazing work is changing the landscape of pediatric healthcare, making it more accessible and equitable for all children, regardless of their background.
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