Rhonia Gordon, MD

I am a native New Yorker with roots in Jamaica. September 11, 2001, was one of the most profound events in my life. I was in middle school at the time, and I remember watching the Twin Towers collapse through the windows of my classroom. I was moved by the doctors and nurses who rushed to the scene of that tragedy in an attempt to save lives. After seeing that, I realized I, too, wanted to become a doctor so I could make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.

I attended Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. There, I became passionate about women’s health, reproductive justice, and health equity. Later, in medical school at The Ohio State University, I discovered that I bonded most with the pregnant women I cared for and became interested in providing obstetric and gynecologic care.

At NYU Langone Cityscape OB/GYN, I work with other general obstetrician–gynecologists, as well as maternal–fetal medicine specialists, who manage high-risk pregnancies. I perform a variety of obstetric and gynecologic procedures, including cesarean delivery, tubal ligation, hysterectomy, myomectomy, and hysteroscopy.

Caring for women during pregnancy—one of the most vulnerable and sacred times of their lives—is a privilege. As a new mother, I more fully understand how important it is to have a memorable birth. I help pregnant patients identify their preferences about labor and assist them in developing a birth plan they are comfortable with.

I pride myself on being a patient advocate. I am a member of the Gold Humanism Honor Society, which recognizes doctors and medical students who exemplify compassionate patient care. I work closely with my patients to help them make informed decisions about their care. I provide them with educational resources and explain all of their treatment options—both surgical and nonsurgical. I dedicate much-needed time to counseling patients so they are able to make the best decisions about their health.

Since medical school, I have committed myself to combating disparities in healthcare. I am currently a faculty member of NYU Langone’s Black Mothers Matter Committee, which aims to eradicate maternal healthcare disparities and racial injustice. I am proud of the innovative work we are doing to improve outcomes for Black and Brown women in New York City.