BY BISSAN BIARY, PRACTICE SOLUTIONS OUTREACH MANAGER
Dr. Josephine Fowler
Dr. Josephine Fowler is a distinguished physician, advocate, and leader dedicated to advancing health equity. She serves as professor and clinical vice chair for the Department of Family Medicine at UMass Memorial Medical Center and UMass Chan Medical School and chair of the Massachusetts Medical Society’s (MMS) Minority Affairs Section (MAS) Governing Council.
In celebration of Black History Month, Dr. Fowler shares her perspectives on her work, the motivations behind her advocacy,
and her visions for a more inclusive and equitable health care
system.
VS: You’re deeply involved in addressing health disparities. What drives your passion for this work?
Dr. Fowler: I’ve witnessed firsthand the profound impact health disparities have on individuals and communities. Everyone deservesan equal opportunity to lead a healthy life, no matter their background or where they live. What motivates me is the belief that
we have both the ability and the responsibility to do better — for everyone.
VS: You hold leadership positions in the MMS and the American Medical Association (AMA). Can you tell us about your work with these organizations?
Dr. Fowler: It’s a privilege to collaborate with these organizations to tackle critical issues affecting underrepresented minority physicians and the communities they serve. Our work includes advocating for policies that advance equity, increasing diversity in medicine, and addressing systemic barriers to quality care.
As a member of the Committee on Maternal and Perinatal Welfare with the MMS, our goal is to improve maternal health outcomes through advocacy, education, and policy development that address systemic barriers to equitable care. We promote evidence-based practices, support initiatives to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality, and advocate for legislative changes that ensure access to quality health care for all individuals, particularly those in underserved and marginalized communities. By collaborating with health care professionals, community organizations, and policymakers, we strive to develop sustainable solutions that advance maternal and perinatal well-being across Massachusetts.
VS: You chair the AMA’s Minority Affairs Section. Could you elaborate on its mission and your role?
Dr. Fowler: The MAS is a vital platform for minority physicians, providing a space to address unique challenges and foster solutions that improve health care for underserved populations. We focus
on mentorship, leadership development, and empowering underrepresented physicians and students. Our goal is to advocate for systemic changes that foster improved health outcomes in historically underserved communities.
VS: Maternal health is another area of focus for you. What challenges are you addressing, and how?
Dr. Fowler: Maternal mortality rates in the United States are unacceptably high, particularly among Black and Indigenous women. Implicit bias in health care, lack of access to prenatal care, and inequities in how care is delivered are significant challenges. My work centers on advocating for respectful, culturally competent care,
expanding access, and training physicians and other health care providers to recognize and mitigate biases.
VS: You’ve emphasized the importance of diversity in the medical profession. Why is this critical?
Dr. Fowler: Diversity is fundamental to a truly equitable health care system. When physicians mirror the communities they serve, we build trust, deepen cultural understanding, and deliver care that resonates with patients’ unique experiences. Representation ensures that everyone feels valued and heard.
VS: What are the biggest challenges underrepresented physicians face today?
Dr. Fowler: Discrimination, bias, and limited access to mentorship and professional development opportunities are persistent obstacles. Addressing these issues requires intentional efforts to create inclusive environments where underrepresented physicians feel supported and valued.
VS: How can we inspire young people from marginalized communities to pursue careers in medicine?
Dr. Fowler: Early exposure is crucial. We must actively engage young people through schools and community programs, demonstrating that medicine is a viable and rewarding path. Pathway programs, mentorship, and scholarships can help students overcome barriers and succeed in their journey.
VS: What role should medical schools and health care institutions play in advancing diversity and inclusion?
Dr. Fowler: These institutions must lead by example. This means
diversifying faculty and staff, implementing robust antidiscrimination policies, and providing cultural competency training. It’s about creating environments where all voices are respected and valued.
VS: What gives you hope for the future of health equity?
Dr. Fowler: I’m inspired by the next generation of physicians and health care leaders. Their passion, commitment, and innovative thinking give me confidence that we can achieve meaningful change. Together, we can build a health care system that truly serves everyone.
