Dr. Katie Howe studied cultural anthropology at Duke University with a focus on systemic racism. She joined Teach for America and taught middle school social studies in New Orleans, Louisiana before earning her Doctor of Medicine and Master of Public Health degrees at Louisiana State University, where she was an Albert Schweitzer Fellow. She completed her residency training in General Surgery at Carilion Clinic – Virginia Tech. Dr. Howe is currently a Mastery in General Surgery fellow at Carilion Clinic, cross training in basic orthopedic, obstetric and anesthesia care. Next year she will move to Niger to work at Galmi Hospital as part of the World Medical Mission Post-Residency Program. Dr. Howe’s areas of research include nutrition and interprofessional education, trauma survivorship, opioid prescribing and surgical care for Black Appalachians. She twice performed at New Orleans Jazz Fest, was once kissed by Richard Simmons at Mardi Gras and breathes fire recreationally.