Anesthesiology student, rising leader champions diversity

For RoyMackenzie Kelly, a nurse anesthesiology student at the Michigan State University College of Nursing, he knew he wanted to give back to his community of Detroit. He is now making an impact as a board member of Dotun Ogunyemi Foundation (DOF). 

The foundation aims to better the world by helping underserved communities. It offers community health screenings where they go into communities and offer vital signs checks, blood glucose levels, a “Pathway Program” to help students become health care professionals, and community outreach initiatives that provide food, toiletries, hygienic products and clothing to those in need. 

"I've seen firsthand the challenges many face in Detroit, from lack of mentorship to limited opportunities," said Kelly. "That inspired me to find ways to uplift young people."

Kelly, who grew up in Detroit and graduated from Cass Technical High School, started his career as a trauma nurse at Detroit Receiving Hospital. His experiences caring for patients affected by gun violence and trauma inspired him to pursue advanced education in anesthesia and to want to mentor students like him.

“There are so many students who fall through the cracks,” said Kelly. “This just underscores the importance of going to high schools and becoming a mentor.” 

Kelly was inspired to join DOF and was connected with its namesake, Dr. Dotun Ogunyemi. They found that they both wanted to mentor young people who are monitories. 

“When I found out that Dr. Ogunyemi didn’t have a nurse on his board I felt like it made sense to step up and be a part of it,” said Kelly. “I’m able to educate what a (certified registered nurse anesthetist) does to young students — but also my colleagues — and explain the impact of nursing.” 

“Foundations like the Dotun Ogunyemi Foundation are so important in impacting diversity in nursing. Currently, only 10% of registered nurses are African American, and 1-2% are Hispanic,” said Kelly. “It is important to increase these numbers for care for the bedside; people want to see someone like themselves caring and advocating for them.” 

While juggling being a board member, mentor and a CRNA student, Kelly also is a part of Diversity CRNA, another national organization trying to increase diversity in nurse anesthesiology. 

“Only about 3% of CRNAs are African American, we have to increase this number to improve patient outcomes,” said Kelly. “This is something very important to me as I continue my education. I want my patients to feel as comfortable as possible.” 

While Kelly was attending a seminar put on by Diversity CRNA, it fueled his passion to be a mentor even more. 

“This was my first time being with that many providers from diverse backgrounds,” said Kelly. “It really helped me tremendously and honestly, had I not gone I may not be in this program. That's how impactful it was.” 



Kelly found that MSU aligned with his passions and goals for his future career as a CRNA. His faculty members, Nurse Anesthesiology Program Director Gayle Lourens and Assistant Program Director Angella Ruley not only support his future but are also working to set Kelly up for success. 

“Both Drs. Lourens and Ruley have made me feel not only supported but they care about what I am passionate about,” said Kelly. “And if I was going to go through something as challenging as CRNA school, that's the type of environment that I wanted to be in.”

“Roy is an excellent student and representative for the NA program and for the CON,” said Ruley. “He is dedicated to becoming the best Nurse Anesthetist possible. He demonstrates this during his clinical rotations and didactic courses”.

Ruley is the chair of the Diversity Committee of the Michigan Association of Nurse Anesthetists (MANA). Is already planting the seed to become a part of this organization too

“We’ve already begun chatting about me joining MANA and continuing my goal to mentor and cultivate diversity in nursing,” said Kelly. 

While Kelly is still early in his program, he has shown that even as a student he can continue to have an impact. 

"It's about paying it forward," said Kelly. "Reaching out to communities and showing students what's possible — that’s what matters most."

 

Published Jan. 7, 2025