Kamaria Coleman, MD, is a third-year physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) resident at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Upon graduating from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Dr. Coleman chose to become a specialist in PM&R due to her combined interests in anatomy and neuroscience, as well as her desire to laugh and connect with patients through painful times. As a budding researcher and advocate for medically underserved populations, Dr. Coleman has presented numerous abstracts at national conferences and is considering a pediatric fellowship. In her free time, she often volunteers in literacy initiatives.  

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine?  

As a child growing up in Memphis, Tennessee, there were two things about my future I felt were certain: one, that I would have diabetes, and two, that I would have high blood pressure. Being raised in an environment where I was taught to accept poor health outcomes led to an insatiable desire to deeply understand the human body.  

Q: How has NMF supported you in your quest to become a healer?  

NMF truly changed my life upon awarding me a scholarship in my fourth year of medical school that would not only greatly lift the stress of applying to residency but also fund my research. As this was the first award of this kind I had ever received, NMF truly opened my mind to the possibility of becoming a functioning and funded physician scientist. Research is currency! I want to become known for pushing the needle of pediatric and adult neuromuscular research.  

Q: Describe a challenge in your medical journey that you are proud to have overcome.  

Many moons ago, I repeated my first year of medical school. At the time, I thought it was the most horrible thing that could happen – until I realized I had an amazing opportunity to refine my learning skills, deeply delve into new information, and truly appreciate the science behind medicine. That year was one of the best years to date!   

I once thought success was associated with measurable achievements such as test scores, awards, and other measures of external validation, but as I’ve aged, I’ve realized success is not some far off fairy tale, but rather the moment directly in front of you.  

Q: Describe a patient interaction that has inspired your work today.  

My first difficult patient was an older male recently diagnosed with cancer. He was unpleasant to work with as he repeatedly called me a racial slur. One day, as I was listening to his complaints, I realized he was in excruciating pain. I talked with my attending, created a pain reduction plan for him, and over the next few days, he turned into a completely different person, and even finally addressed me as Doctor Coleman. He taught me the importance of staying true to your morals and values while managing emotions – both your patient’s and your own – in high-pressure situations.  

Q: NMF has built a legacy and networking ecosystem spanning 80 years; what does it mean to you to be part of that impactful story and worldwide community?  

Simply put, NMF is family. It is both an honor and an astounding privilege to be a part of the legacy of so many who have come before me. For the next 80 years at NMF, I dream of expanded programming, including post-medical school training during residency and beyond. 

Discover NMF