Community Spotlight - Dominique Elmore, DO

You can't be what you can't see

Dominique Elmore, DO lights up a room when she smiles, which she does often.   She has a motto,  “No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, show up and never give up”.  Elmore explains, "To me, it means to always give 100% no matter how you feel. Some days, you may feel on top of the world, and other days you may feel far less. No matter what, always show up and never give up.” Dominique is a true daughter of WV.  She grew up in Huntington, WV, and shares her dynamic educational path. “So, my path was somewhat nontraditional and has truly shaped who I am. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Marshall University, During my time at Marshall, I was very active on campus, serving as Student Body Vice President 2006-2007, Ms. Marshall 2006, and Student Body President 2007-2008, among various other roles. After receiving my Bachelor’s degree, I received a Master’s of Arts degree from Marshall as well. While preparing for medical school and studying for the MCAT I worked for Congressman Nick Rahall from 2010 to 2012. I received my Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from WVSOM in 2016. Although my path was longer than some, I am thankful for the experiences and setbacks I encountered on the way to becoming Dr. Elmore.” She realizes the importance of representation of minorities, especially in the role of physician.  “Being a woman of color in the osteopathic medical field means the world to me. Black women comprise approximately 2% of physicians in the United States according to a 2020 Forbes magazine article, and I am so proud to be one of them. That number is also appalling and absolutely something that needs to change. I pray I can inspire other people that look like me to pursue the medical field because representation matters. I love the quote from Marian Wright Edelman, 'you can’t be what you can’t see.' Underrepresented minorities need to see people that look like them to know that their goals are attainable.”   Dominique’s social media posts speak volumes about the importance of family and community.  She is quick to give her mother credit for encouraging and supporting her medical career. “My mother is my best friend. She has walked with me through the peaks, as well as the valleys, and believe me, there has been an abundance of both! She always instilled in me to work hard, and that I can achieve any goal I set my mind on. She taught me to never give up, and she always believed in me when I did not believe in myself. She taught me how to pray and instilled in me the strong faith I have daily. I truly love my career – I am currently in my second year of pediatric emergency medicine fellowship and I truly believe it is my calling. I love going to work every day and making a difference in my patient’s lives. I also have opportunities to educate medical students and residents, which I absolutely enjoy. “  Dr. Elmore is paying that support forward through her medical career.