Dr. Naa Allotey
Recognized in February, Black History Month celebrates the achievements of African Americans and their central role in shaping our nation. In honor of the month, Naa Allotey, MD, pediatric emergency medicine physician at Akron Children’s, shares more about what Black History Month means to her and the individuals who have inspired her in her career.
What is your job title, and how long have you worked at Akron Children’s? I am a pediatric emergency medicine physician and EMS medical director. I have worked at Akron Children’s since 2005. I did my residency and fellowship here. I chose Akron Children’s because of how kind they were to me since I had just immigrated from Ghana. Dr. Jeff Kempf and Christine Mayes had a great impact on that decision.
What do you enjoy most about your work at Akron Children’s? I enjoy my work family in the emergency department and my bosses, Dr. Mary Costello and Dr. Laura Pollauf, who always give us the support we need.
What keeps you passionate about your work? It’s the kids I treat and the satisfaction I see with families. It’s rewarding when a parent or patient smiles because they feel better than when they came in.
What does Black History Month mean to you? It makes me dig deeper to learn how we can make this world a better place just as our forefathers did. As an African, I see it from another perspective. I come from Ghana, which was one of the places where the slaves were bought and sailed from. Anytime I tour these castles and see the gate of no return, it dawns on me the struggle of our ancestors and what they had to endure.
How do you recognize and celebrate the month? I love to read more about Black history and watch documentaries since I did not grow up in this country.
Is there an African American in history who has made a big impact in your life or inspired you? Rosa Parks. She inspired me to fight for what I know is right no matter the consequences – forget about the obstacles and forge ahead.
