Author’s note: Some quotes are paraphrased or lightly edited from the original recorded interview. The recorded interview will be provided with a voice over and transcript when it becomes available. This is also reviewed and approved by the interviewee.
In his entire life living in the Bronx, NYC, Amadou never met a single Deaf doctor or any doctor who knows ASL. However, his family pediatrician, who was hearing, made an effort to be attentive and respectful despite the communication barriers. Amadou grew to appreciate that and was inspired to follow a similar path in medicine. Despite the city’s large Deaf and hard-of-hearing population, Amadou realized the absence of role models in the medical field. This meant he had to become the role model he never had.
Amadou is no stranger to fighting against systemic barriers. As a BIPOC deaf individual, he experienced the challenges of language deprivation firsthand, which shaped his views on medical accessibility. From a young age, learning three languages- ASL, English, and Fulani, while using hearing aids, was an overwhelming experience, as he recalls. His home language, Fulani, was the primary way he communicated with his parents. This early struggle with language deprivation led to communication difficulties, making it hard for him to express his feelings. It demonstrates how such challenges can hold someone back.
“I am fighting against the system. I try my best to do what I can with the tools I have. It’s better than just giving up. I have to persevere at some point.”
It wasn’t easy, but Amadou worked very hard to make progress. By junior year in high school, he already knew what he wanted to do. He followed his passion and started studying in the Laboratory Science Technology (LST) program. He got the chance to work as a research assistant with Dr. Todd Pagano on a water purification project. Now, at NTID Deaf Hub, he’s involved in gathering data for research on medical literacy rates among deaf people, focusing on the prescription information. This work is especially personal for Amadou, as medical literacy is crucial for everyone. The Black Deaf community is vulnerable to language deprivation, which makes the lack of medical literacy even more damaging. For Amadou, this research goes beyond his own experiences and teaches him how important it is to support all people, regardless of hearing status, in understanding medicine.
Amadou’s journey doesn’t stop there. After graduating from the LST program, he plans to continue his studies in biomedical sciences. He dreams of opening an accessible and inclusive medical clinic where the community can receive health services like check-ups, flu shots, and more. His goal is to make healthcare accessible to everyone and help reduce healthcare disparities.
“One day, I want to open a local medical clinic where everyone, including deaf and hard of hearing people, can get care. The clinic will anchor the community and hopefully create a ripple effect nationwide.”
Amadou is an example of how the future of healthcare can be reshaped. For him, becoming a doctor isn’t just about treating patients, it’s about understanding their cultural backgrounds, promoting inclusivity, and ensuring everyone feels represented and valued.
