Meet Dr. Kendra, Psychiatrist

My first impression of Dr. Kendra was that she is humble. In our initial contact, I called her Dr. [Last Name] (I generally do not include last names in articles for privacy reasons), and she said, “Please call me Kendra.” We settled on a compromise—I call her Dr. Kendra. I was impressed not only by how much she cares for her patients but also by how she takes it a step further, truly empathizing with them. The world definitely needs more doctors like Dr. Kendra.

Name: Dr. Kendra

Occupation: Psychiatrist (currently working remotely and meeting with patients virtually)

Background:

Dr. Kendra has wanted to be a doctor since she was five years old.  During medical school, she explored different specialties, expecting to go into primary care or women’s health. But during her psychiatry rotation, something clicked. “Nothing really stuck for me until I got to psychiatry,” she said. “I realized it was a great fit for my personality.” Dr. Kendra loves connecting with people and hearing their stories, and she is an especially good secret keeper.

Her HBCU:

Dr. Kendra completed her residency at Morehouse School of Medicine, her top choice, and found the experience incredibly rewarding. Morehouse School of Medicine is one of four historically Black medical schools in the U.S., recognized for its focus on primary care, health equity, and medical research. It has a strong reputation for training physicians and healthcare leaders dedicated to serving diverse communities.

How She Started Learning Her Craft:

Dr. Kendra’s path to psychiatry included rigorous academic training, clinical rotations, and mentorship. She encourages aspiring Black women psychiatrists to seek guidance and build strong professional networks. “I wouldn’t be here without people making space for me,” she said. “

What She Loves About Her Job:

When asked what she loved about her job, her face lit up, and without hesitation, she said: the patients. “I love connecting with patients,” Dr. Kendra said. “I hear so many different life stories, and I get to help people who I might never have met otherwise.”

All in a Day’s Work

Dr. Kendra works remotely as an outpatient psychiatrist. She sees about 10 to 13 patients a day via televisits, primarily treating depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, psychotic disorders and ADHD. Her appointments focus on medication management and supportive therapy, while long-term therapy is referred out to therapists or psychologists.

Her approach is both collaborative and educational—she explains treatment options and diagnoses, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their care and medication.

Biggest Challenge:

One of the hardest aspects of her job is knowing that medication alone isn’t always enough. “Medication helps, but it doesn’t erase trauma or life stressors,” she said. “Some patients don’t have the ability or resources to do the deeper work needed for healing. That can be tough to see.”

Advice to Other Black Women Who Want to Do What She Does:

●        Find mentors—You must actively pursue mentorship. “They aren’t just going to knock on your door,” Dr. Kendra said with a smile. Having guidance from experienced professionals can make all the difference.

●        Don’t be afraid to ask for help—Reach out to psychiatrists and doctors on social media, ask questions, and learn from their experiences.

●        Be persistent—The journey isn’t always smooth, but if you stay committed, it’s absolutely attainable.

Future Goals:

In the very near future, Dr. Kendra plans on launching her own private practice.

Fun Fact:

Dr. Kendra is a bodybuilder! She started training in 2023 and competed in two shows last year.