26 Years Young Guinean Doctor
“I Am African & I Can” is a women’s empowerment blog highlighting stories of black women’s struggles and success.
By Hadiatou Wann| 05/31/19
Some dream of becoming an astronaut. Others dream of becoming a doctor. But few dream and attain that which they dream of. In the 8th grade, Bernadette Sylla, M.D. decided she was going to become a doctor, and took the steps necessary to become one.
Born in Guinea, Conakry, Dr. Sylla moved to the United States when she was about 10 years of age. Her biggest role models are: her mother who was an OB/GYN (Obstetrician and Gynecologist) in Guinea and father an accountant. They are the reason she dared to dream big.
Since the 8th grade, Dr. Sylla decided onward, all her actions would be in alignment with her goal to become a doctor. She attended an all-girls high school (Cathedral High School). While in high school, she volunteered at Lincoln Hospital in the Pediatric unit, where she engaged in childliFE activities and assisted with filing in the newborn nursery.
Later, she studied at Saint Peter’s University, where she majored in Biology, and pursued a minor in Women’s Studies to broaden her knowledge of women's rights.
During her undergrad, she was a Biology lab assistant for 3 years. After junior year, she went to Mayo Clinic in Arizona and did research in an immunology laboratory, and graduated Suma Cum Lade—highest honors there is.
From college, she spent 4 years in medical school, and is currently finishing up her first out of three years of residency in Pediatrics. In 2014, she went to School of medicine (St. George’s University) in Grenada, then spent 2 years rotating in different hospitals in New York City. All her hard work paid off. At just 26 years young, she is doing what she loves—working as a Resident Physician in Pediatrics at Morristown Medical Center/Goryeb Children’s Hospital , the top Children’s Hospital in New Jersey.
Dr. Sylla's aim was to follow in her mother’s footsteps. But during her OB/GYN rotation, she saw enough to realize that she didn't want to do exactly what her mother did because the culture was not for her.
Dr. Sylla has always been the brightest person among her peers. Although now she works in a setting where there are health professionals who have more experience than her, she recognizes that keeping a humble attitude will help her ensnare all the knowledge and experience she needs to excel in her field.
She has always relied on her intelligence to help her work independently. Since she became a health practioner, she admits that it has been a “crude awakening stepping in a male-dominated world with a set hierarchy.”
She is among the youngest in her workplace, but her strong mindset proves she’s qualified. “If you are able to believe in yourself, you can get somewhere,” she said.
Dr. Sylla was crowned Miss Guinee USA 2010-2011. Instead of focusing all her attention on the glistening crown, she turned to helping others. In 2013, she founded Thee Bee Project to empower social economically disadvantaged women and children. Her organization has since provided children in Guinea with basic needs and tools for education. Thee Bee Project has also sponsored an orphanage (Regina Maris), offered food to the less fortunate, renovating bathrooms and put in place 30 beds for better sleep conditions.
Johana Sylla, Dr. Sylla’s sister says: “Saying [Dr. Sylla] is an inspiration in my life simply doesn’t capture the weight she holds in it, and the light she’s brought to me as a sister, a best friend and a role model.”
During Dr. Sylla's reign as Miss Guinee USA, she took a trip to Guinea and was fortunate to visit her primary school (La Pyramide). Seeing the joy in the children and the way they jumped all over her ignited a deep desire to work with children. The children's reaction played a pivotal role in her decision to become a pediatrician.
“I always felt my vocation was to help children,” said the soft-spoken pediatrician whose artistic side brought her closer to her calling.
Being a doctor requires one to have a concern for human welfare. Although Dr. Sylla's profession comes with having a jam-packed schedule, the biggest reward for her is seeing sick patients walk in and being able to send them back home with a smile on their faces.
“[Dr. Sylla’s] love and care for the people around her is unlike something I’ve ever seen. It is rare that you meet someone with her level of intelligence that also has such a big heart. She truly has and continues to push me to be a better person in every way,” Johana said.
Becoming a doctor is not a walk in the park. But through hard work and perseverance, the goal is attainable. It took Dr. Sylla over a decade to become the doctor she always envisioned herself. Apart from knowledge-seeking, being there for others has always been a reflex for her. Emotional intelligence can also be added to her attributes. Her other calling is to use her emotional intelligence to help others heal emotionally and spiritually. With determination,experience, and the right resources, she also plans on providing adequate pediatric care for people in Guinea.
Welcome to Dr. Sylla's World
“I call myself a feminist.”
Dr. Sylla says that being a doctor made her more responsible and accountable for a lot of things.
In high school, Dr. Sylla was a part of a marching band for 1 year.
“I think futuristically. I don’t dwell on the past.”
In 2018, Cathedral High School honored Dr. Sylla with the “30 Under 30 Award.” She felt excited and happy to be reconnected to her high school.
Dr. Sylla is currently an executive board member of Guineans Succeeding in America (GSA), who's mission is to empower the Guinean community through education and professional development.
“If you are able to believe in yourself, you can get somewhere.”
Connect with Dr. Sylla:
Facebook: Bernadette Leonne Sylla
Instagram: @bee_leonne
Email: Bernadettesylla@gmail.com
Website: www.theebeeproject.org
Read other success stories here: www.iamafricanandican.com/blog
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