When Miasha O’Neal walks across the Commencement stage on May 15, the achievement will represent more than completion of her Doctor of Health Sciences (D.H.Sc.) degree. It will mark a full-circle moment decades in the making — one that brings her back to the surgeon who once helped save her mother’s life.
For Miasha, Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University is not just an institution — it is a catalyst that helped shape who she is today. Her experience here did not begin with her first day of classes, but years earlier, when her family experienced a life-altering moment that defined her path.
When Miasha was only 5 years old, her mother sustained life-threatening injuries. She was transported to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, where she was treated by L.D. Britt, MD, the Henry Ford Professor of Surgery and the Edward J. Brickhouse Chair in Surgery and Chair of Surgery at Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University.
While the circumstances were devastating, it was the care her family received from Dr. Britt and the Sentara Health staff that left a lasting impression.
“It was really amazing to see how kind and compassionate everyone was — not just Dr. Britt, but the nurses as well,” Miasha said. “My mother was pregnant with my brother at the time, and they even gave her a surprise baby shower in the hospital. They made sure our family had everything we needed, and because I was so young, they took the time to explain things in a way I could understand.
“It showed me what compassion looks like outside of your own family. No matter race or gender, when it comes to medical emergencies, everyone there was focused on making sure we were okay.”
For Miasha, the decision to pursue her education here was never in question. It was the only institution she applied to — first for her Master of Public Health, which she earned in 2021, and now for her Doctor of Health Sciences at Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences EVMS School of Health Professions at Old Dominion University.
Today, Miasha’s connection extends beyond her role as a student. She also works as a clinical research specialist for Research and Infrastructure Service Enterprise (RISE), a campus program that streamlines the research process, promotes interdisciplinary partnerships and helps elevate the institution’s research infrastructure.
“As an employee, I’ve had opportunities to collaborate with different departments and even serve on the internal advisory board for the Dr. L.D. Britt Scholars Program.”
Her work has already led to significant academic and professional milestones, including research publications, conference presentations and an upcoming international presentation in Spain. She is also preparing to submit a manuscript as a first author, further advancing her contributions to the field.
Working alongside Dr. Britt has added another meaningful layer to her journey.
“He’s amazing — very encouraging,” Miasha said. “He takes time out of his schedule to talk with you and guide you. When I wasn’t sure whether to pursue an MD or stay on an academic path, he sat down with me and helped map out both options.”
As she prepares for Commencement, that connection will come full circle. Dr. Britt will hood Miasha — a moment that will bring together her past and present in a deeply meaningful way.
Reflecting on the journey that brought her here, her thoughts return to her mother, who sadly passed away from unrelated complications.
“I hope she would be extremely proud of me,” Miasha said. “I think she would be touched that I’ve come this far and built this connection.”
Looking ahead, Miasha plans to continue her work in research, while expanding her impact across disciplines. Her career goals reflect the same compassion and commitment she witnessed as a child — values that first inspired her path and continue to guide her forward.
