Match Day, which is when medical students find out where they’ll be conducting their residency, is always a special occasion. For Nancy Abu-Bonsrah, it was even more so as she became the first Black woman neurosurgeon at John Hopkins. 

“Everything is special about the match. It will be a dream come true,” Abu-Bonsrah said.

Abu-Bonsrah was born and raised in Ghana before moving to Maryland with her family 11 years ago, which is where she finished high school and attended St. Mary’s University.

“I came to Johns Hopkins right after undergrad. I will be the first physician in my family, including the extended family,” she said.

“I want to be remembered for serving my community, whether it is through providing quality surgical care or helping mentor the next generation of surgeons,” she continued in a written statement. ” Unique thing: Everything is special about the match. It will be a dream come true.”