Praise Matemavi, Young Alumni Award Recipient

Alumni Grand Awards

November 23, 2021

A.S. Nursing, Lake Michigan College | B.AS., Siena Heights University | D.O. College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University

The Young Alumni Award is given to graduates age 40 or younger who have distinguished themselves through high levels of professional accomplishment early in their careers. These individuals demonstrate a commitment to Michigan State University through outstanding volunteer service on behalf of the university and/or participation and leadership in meritorious public service on a local, state, national or international level.

She’s assistant professor of surgery and attending physician at University of Mississippi Medical Center, one of 10 African American female transplant surgeons in the U.S. and a Spartan.

Praise Matemavi, D.O. has transcended adversity and, with unfailing determination and grace, is now one of only 10 African American female transplant surgeons in the United States. Despite facing an unplanned teenage pregnancy and subsequent domestic abuse, Matemavi worked tirelessly as a single mother to provide for her children and graduate from MSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine. She was the only woman in her class as general surgery resident at New York Presbyterian Queens Hospital and completed an Abdominal Transplant Surgery and Hepatopancreatobiliary Fellowship at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. In her current role, she performs mostly kidney and pancreas transplants, as well as vascular access and general surgery.

She is the author of the award-winning book “Passion and Purpose: Black Female Surgeons.” She is the recipient of the 2018 University of Nebraska Medical Center‘s Provider of the Quarter; and New York Presbyterian Queens Hospital’s 2017 Surgical Resident of the Year, 2012 General Surgery Junior Resident of the Year, and 2011 Intern of the Year. In 2010, she received MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Walter Mill Award of Excellence in Surgery.

“Sharing your expertise with future generations, especially in international interests, is critical to growing our globalization. That is why maintaining a relationship with MSU is so important to me.”

Spartans will have a global perspective.