Dr. Tamia Potter Becomes Vanderbilt’s First Black Woman Neurosurgeon Resident In Its 148-Year History

Dr. Tamia Potter has cemented her name into the history books after Match Day. If you don’t know, Match Day is where medical students find out their residency.

When Dr. Potter matched at Vanderbilt University. She became the first black woman neurosurgeon resident at the university medical center after 148 years after its opening in 1874.

Dr. Potter shared her excitement about the news on social media. “My first job was as a certified nursing assistant at 17 years old in 2014. Today on March 17th, 2023 I was blessed to be selected as the first African American female neurosurgery resident to train @VUMC_Neurosurg (Vanderbilt University Medical Center Neurosurgery), Potter tweeted.

Dr. Chelsea Mooreland, who mentored and helped Dr. Tamia Potter secure a spot in Vanderbilt’s neurological surgery residency program speaks about her historical moment on her Instagram account.

“I could not be more proud of my amazingly talented and brilliant mentee who just so happens to be a Beta Alpha Soror and FAMU Alumnae,” Dr. Mooreland said.

Vanderbilt University Medical Center Neurosurgery even shared their excitement about Dr. Potter joining their program.

“We are thrilled to announce our new Vanderbilt Neurosurgery residents! Congratulations- we are so excited to have you on our team!,” VUMC Neurosurgery shared on Twitter.

Before matching with Vanderbilt University Medical Center Neurosurgery program, Dr. Potter studied chemistry at FAMU and attended Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Ohio.