Kofi B. Quaye, MD, was influenced by medicine from a young age due to his family's background. His parents emigrated from Ghana to the United States (U.S.) in their late twenties, bringing a strong commitment to education and healthcare. His mother, a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), fostered his passion for the medical profession, while his father, a college professor specializing in healthcare systems and sociology, enriched Quaye's understanding of health and well-being complexities.
Born in Boston, Mass., Quaye grew up in Wooster, Ohio. With his mother’s guidance, he directed his career aspirations toward general surgery, ultimately specializing in vascular surgery.
"There’s a wide breadth of cases, and just like the patients, you become lifelong friends with them because of their life-long conditions. You get to know them well, and I truly appreciate that aspect of the field," Quaye said.
He graduated from Albany Medical College and completed his residency training at Houston Methodist. After gaining extensive surgical experience, he pursued a vascular surgery fellowship at Duke University Medical Center. In 2023, Quaye joined Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeons in Austin, Texas. He is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Society of Black Vascular Surgeons (SBVS), the Society of Vascular Surgery (SVS), the Society for Clinical and Vascular Surgery (SCVS), the Vascular and Endovascular Surgical Society (VESS) and the American Medical Association (AMA).
Quaye actively embraces his Ghanaian heritage in his personal and professional life. While living in Austin, he has engaged with the local Ghanaian community by participating in activities such as soccer and cooking, which helps him foster connections. He plans to return to Ghana in the coming year to "keep my roots close."
His family strongly emphasizes learning about history as it pertains to African Americans. In medicine, he reflects on the pioneers in African American history who paved the way for a more diversified medical community. During Black History Month, he makes a point to learn about individuals who have contributed significantly to advancing African Americans in the medical field to “keep that close to heart.”
One notable figure that comes to his mind is Daniel Hale Williams, MD, a pioneering African American surgeon who was among the first to perform open-heart surgeries in the late 1800s. Williams founded Provident Hospital in 1891, the first non-segregated hospital in the U.S.
For Quaye, self-education on these issues is crucial, especially among SVS members during a time of significant disparities.
"Awareness of these issues is critical to the growth of the SVS and the future of medicine. We must progress as a Society and deliver the best patient care possible," Quaye said.
Quaye appreciates the exposure and donations that support initiatives like the SVS Foundation's Voices of Vascular, which aim to continue progress in diversifying the Society and celebrating the achievements of vascular surgeons and researchers making a difference in the field.
"The more people donate, the more we can grow, raise awareness and address these critical issues," he added.
When you donate to the SVS Foundation, you support Voices of Vascular's important work in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Learn more and make your gift today.