In one of medicine’s most specialized fields, Dr. April McDonald stands as one of the few Black women practicing interventional pulmonology, and her journey is a masterclass in purpose, perseverance, and faith.
A Board-Certified Interventional Pulmonologist at Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Dr. McDonald is a proud Spelman College graduate whose mission is deeply personal: to revolutionize lung cancer outcomes by diagnosing the disease earlier, offering not just treatment options but hope.
At just eight years old, she dreamed of becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon. That childhood ambition shaped every academic decision, guiding her to study biochemistry at Spelman and pursue medical school with a tenacious spirit.
During medical training, the path she once saw as straightforward took an unexpected turn. It was through the trials and triumphs, those moments of uncertainty and unease, that she began to reflect deeply, think critically, and realign her vision. In reimagining what success looked like, she uncovered a more personal and fulfilling definition of purpose in medicine.
She recalls the moment she had to release her dream of becoming a surgeon, a decision she describes as the hardest of her life. For someone who had always been driven and goal-oriented, the shift led to a cascade of self-doubt, challenging her sense of belonging.
But through prayer, deep reflection, and faith, she began to see what felt like failure as a divine redirection. Every detour became a building block toward a deeper purpose. The obstacles weren’t setbacks, they were comebacks.
Embracing new possibilities became the internal pivot that led her toward critical care with a focus on lung health. During her clinical training, she witnessed a reality: lung cancer was often diagnosed far too late. Patients were arriving beyond the point of cure when curative options were limited, frequently at stage III or IV. More often than not, she and her colleagues were preparing families for palliative care and hospice, rather than discussing treatment options. She knew there had to be a better way.
A more proactive approach, one that offered and gave patients a fighting chance and, most importantly, hope. That realization lit a fire within her. Interventional pulmonology gave her that path forward. With the ability to intervene early, proactively, and efficiently, she blended her passion for hands-on care with her desire to redefine patient outcomes. In this field, she discovered a way to breathe new life literally and figuratively into medicine.
Her journey was anything but linear, Dr. McDonald emphasized. Though she clung tightly to her original dream, mentors encouraged her to remain open to other specialties. It wasn’t until the discomfort of misalignment became impossible to ignore that she truly began to listen to herself. During her surgical rotations, she explored the profession and path she once believed was hers. While the technical aspects intrigued her, something deeper was missing; the fulfillment she longed for simply wasn’t there.
It was then that she felt drawn to the intensity of patients’ illnesses, their disease processes, and the resulting physiological changes in critical care. Her curiosity deepened, her knowledge expanded, and her true calling in lung health began to take shape and came into focus. But the road wasn’t just medically demanding; it was marked by systemic and academic barriers. As a Black woman navigating predominantly white medical spaces, Dr. McDonald faced doubt from some advisors and mentors during vulnerable moments. At one point, a counselor even suggested she reconsider pursuing medicine altogether. Yet even in the face of discouragement, she stood tall. She leaned into her faith, returned to her childhood dream, and reminded herself: medicine was her destiny.
Those moments taught her the power of self-belief, that trusting your inner voice is essential, and not everyone in a position of guidance will truly advocate for your growth. In building that confidence and sense of direction, Spelman College played a foundational role. The historically Black women’s institution instilled in her a deep sense of purpose, identity, and empowerment. Though naturally quiet and introverted. She gained a strong sense of self and learned to assert her presence, unapologetically and authentically. That grounding helped her thrive, and with the voice she found, she’s been uplifting others ever since.
In one of medicine’s most specialized fields, Dr. McDonald proudly champions young women of color who feel unseen and unheard.
Her message is one of empowerment: don’t wait for permission or a plan, take the lead and forge your path. Your presence is valuable, regardless of whether you’re blazing a trail or following in others’ footsteps. You have the power to break barriers and defy expectations. Don’t let doubt hold you back; believe in yourself and your abilities.
She also urges patients to take ownership of their lung health. This belief shows up in her everyday clinical practice. Dr. McDonald understands that quitting smoking, especially after decades of dependence, is no easy feat. Yet she consistently reminds her patients that the choices they make hold the power to transform their health. She’s seen individuals successfully quit after 10, 30, even 50 years, and each time, she offers a simple reassurance: healing is always possible. The benefits of quitting are profound. Even with irreversible conditions like emphysema or COPD, many former smokers experience a renewed sense of energy and improved breathing. As tobacco is removed, the root of inflammation, patients often describe the change as their lungs finally “opening up.”
Dr. McDonald credits her thriving in medicine to two essential habits: flexibility and soaring determination. “Success rarely follows a straight line,” she says. There are twists and triumphs at every turn: low self-confidence, academic hurdles, and personal doubt. What fuels impact and longevity is the ability to push through it all while remaining open to growth. What allowed her to transform setbacks into stepping stones was her willingness to pivot, reflect, and redefine her goals. Her story is inspiring. Dreams may evolve, but they don’t have to disappear. When purpose is pursued with humility and courage, it can reshape lives, starting with the patients who walk through her doors every day.
