Dr. Anakwah on her inspiration for becoming a physician and her motivation to work with cancer patients:

“I was always drawn to the medical field. Even as a little girl, I was fascinated by medical clinics and hospitals. I loved challenges and learning new things, so I majored in chemistry in college. I did not initially choose oncology, but oncology chose me!

While in medical school, my aunt died of metastatic breast cancer because she was very distrustful of her doctors and refused lifesaving treatments. When I started my month of my required oncology rotation as an internal medicine resident, I quickly discovered that oncology was my true calling. I was intrigued by the science of all the different cancer types and evolving treatments. However, I fell in love with the patients and the special bonds involved with not just the patients but also their families. I take great pride in developing close relationships with my patients in addition to providing excellent evidence-based medical care. I am honored to be able to serve my community in Alabama and come back to the hospital where I first fell in love with the field of oncology.”