8 Questions With: Dr. Laura Espy-Bell
Where you were born and/raised? I was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. I grew up in the Berwick area which is on the East side of Columbus.
What was your first job? My first job was at The Ohio State University in the Infectious Disease Department. I was a senior in high school and worked as an intern. I was able to work on special projects with Dr. Julie Mangino centered on infection prevention.
What made you decide to be a physician and in particular an EM physician? I wanted to be a physician since I was 11 years old. I was watching a surgery on “The Learning Channel” and was so intrigued by medicine. After working in the emergency department as a medical assistant every summer while in college, it solidified my decision to pursue a career in Emergency Medicine.
What hobbies do you participate in your free time? Photography, jigsaw puzzles, and traveling.
What would you like your fellow CMA physicians to know about you?
I have a strong interest in health disparities and diversity in medicine. I am the founder of The Columbus Black Physician’s Network, established in 2016, a social/service organization created to promote networking, provide mentorship, and volunteerism among African American physicians in the central Ohio area. Since its inception, we have recruited over 150 African American physicians to participate in the network and have had a strong presence in many inner-city schools to show disadvantaged youth the possibilities around a career in medicine.
I am currently leading a diversity pipeline initiative with the Columbus Medical Association to increase interest and exposure to medicine among minority students in central Ohio.
In your opinion, which animal is the best (and why)? Dolphins – they are intelligent, resilient, and agile. All three are important characteristics to have in life.
What was the first concert you attended? Kriss Kross Concert in 1995 at The Ohio State Fair
When you’re able to travel freely again, where is the first place you’d like to go?
Costa Rica,
Tulum, Mexico
London, England