March 23, 2016 -- Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany’s Women’s History Month spotlight shines on a young Jamaican-American doctor, published author, keynote speaker, corporate consultant and success enthusiast, who is not only leaving her own footprints in the sands of time but also is motivating others to do the same.
Dr. Sherunda Simone Josey, podiatrist, Carl Vinson VA Medical Center Dublin’s Outpatient Clinic, aboard MCLB Albany, who specializes in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, has provided medical care for area veterans at the clinic here for roughly two years.
“I am the only podiatrist on base for our veterans,” Josey said. “I diagnose and treat all foot and ankle pathology, whether it (is) dermatology, vascular, orthopedic or neurological; I manage them or refer them as needed (for further treatment).
Josey also discussed her heritage; who and what inspired her early interest in her chosen profession as well as a number of other personal challenges she has faced on her journey toward her “destiny.”
“I was born in Ohio, but was raised in Jamaica,” she continued. “Both of my parents are Jamaicans. After high school, I went to college, but I really didn’t know what I was going to do. I knew I was interested in science and art, which are on two opposite ends of the spectrum.
“I have an aunt, who is actually a podiatrist outside of Atlanta,” Josey explained. “In about my third year of college, I was already doing biology, Spanish and chemistry as my majors. (My aunt) called me up and said, ‘Hey, I’m in this great profession. You should really check it out; it’s wonderful.’ I finally went to visit her office; she was doing well; she was treating patients and she loved it.
“I saw patients (literally) limping in and skipping out,” Josey added. “It was instant gratification; you could actually see the work. It wasn’t just medication; it was treatment and invention. I was intrigued by that.”
Josey said she surmised some of what she saw was just due to her aunt’s personality, “because she’s so wonderful, and awesome and peppy,” about life, what she does and the field of medicine she’s practicing.
“I said, ‘Let me go find a random podiatrist in the area,’” she admitted, while chuckling. “I was at the University of Dayton, (Ohio) at the time. I (thumbed) through the phone book and found a Dr. Weaver. I called him and said, ‘I’m a college student interested in podiatry; can I come to your office?’
“When I went in, it was a wonderful office; great staff; very laidback, but still had that good medical feel,” Josey reflected. “(I witnessed) the same exact patients’ experiences there. So, I asked Dr. Weaver, ‘If you had (to choose a podiatry school) to attend where would you go?’ He said he would pick Miami. At that time, I didn’t know that Miami had a school, because I was still very new to the search. Long story short, that’s how I got into podiatry.”
Dr. Simone, as she is also known, went on to graduate, with honors, from the University of Dayton with Bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Spanish, with a minor in Chemistry.
Following her time in Ohio, she moved to Miami Shores, Florida, where she attended Barry University. In 2008, she graduated from Barry University with academic honors in both a Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine and a Masters of Public Health degree.
It was during her time in Miami that she founded ESTEEM Motivational Speaking, LLC; now known as Dr. Simone International, the mission of the acronym ESTEEM is to Empower, Strengthen, Teach, Enrich, Energize and Motivate others to succeed in life.
In 2008, she was also accepted into the prestigious University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Podiatry Residency, where she successfully completed three years of surgical training.
Currently, Dr. Simone blogs and has a growing YouTube channel (DrSimoneSays). Her recently self-published book, More Than Medicine: What They Don’t Teach You in Medical, MA, Nursing or PA School is quickly gaining popularity within the medical field as the go-to manual for honing bedside manners and soft skills.
Throughout her life, Josey said she has dealt with many personal and professional obstacles -- gender bias, cultural bias, racism and other failures, but is guided by her favorite quote by Eleanor Roosevelt, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
With that, Dr Simone has copyrighted some of her own philosophies and thought-provoking quotes. One recent adage she has coined speaks directly to her feelings about the service she provides to her patients.
“When you are operating in your God-Given talent, you are not working, you are living in your destiny,” she concluded.
The United States has observed the entire month of March as Women’s History Month -- a time to celebrate women’s contributions to history, culture and society since 1987, according to the website: http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/womens-history-month.