By Virginia Hilton
In Wytheville, Virginia, one orthopedic surgeon cared for nearly everyone — setting broken bones for kids one day and replacing hips for grandparents the next.
Senah Stephens was one of the patients who noticed.
“That one doctor cared for so many families,” Senah said. “He treated my siblings’ fractures and replaced my grandfather’s hips. That kind of full-scope care is what I admired most.”
That early example didn’t just shape her interest in medicine; it defined the kind of physician she hopes to become.
Growing up in a rural community of about 8,000, Senah saw firsthand the challenges of limited access to care, a reality that continues today. She entered medicine with a clear goal: to return to an underserved area as an orthopedic surgeon.
After earning dual bachelor’s degrees in biochemistry and biological sciences in just three years, Senah sought additional hands-on experience before medical school. She was selected for the Dermatology Research and Practicing Scholars program in Tallahassee, Florida, where she gained clinical experience across all aspects of patient care, from scheduling to assisting in surgical procedures.
She chose to continue her educational journey at Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University, drawn to its strong emphasis on community-focused care.
“This was a place where I knew my passion for serving underserved communities would be supported,” said Senah, who will graduate this month as part of the MD Class of 2026. “Programs like Mother and Baby Mermaids and the student-run HOPES Free Clinic gave me the opportunity to connect with patients and better understand gaps in care.”
Through those experiences, Senah deepened her commitment to orthopedic surgery — a field that combines technical precision with the ability to restore quality of life.
“I love that orthopedics helps patients return to the activities and work that matter most to them,” she said. “It’s hands-on, it’s problem-solving and it’s incredibly rewarding.”
Her interest is also rooted in her own background, from working on her family’s dairy farm to competing as a student-athlete, both experiences that shaped her appreciation for physical resilience and recovery.
Following graduation, Senah will continue her training as a resident at Carilion Clinic–Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine in Roanoke.
As she looks ahead, Senah hopes to return to a rural or underserved area in order to provide the same kind of care that once inspired her.
“I want to be known as someone who is accessible, kind and clinically excellent,” she said. “My goal is to care for families the way my community was cared for growing up.”