Ghanaian Neurosurgeon Makes History at Johns Hopkins

Nancy Abu-Bonsrah has made history as the first Black woman to graduate from the prestigious neurosurgery residency program at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine the institution widely recognized as the birthplace of modern neurological surgery.
Born in Ghana, Dr. Abu-Bonsrah moved to the United States at the age of 15. She earned degrees in chemistry and biochemistry before attending Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Inspired by a visit to Ghana, where she witnessed the shortage of neurosurgeons, she chose to pursue one of medicine’s most demanding specialties with the goal of improving surgical care in underserved communities.
In 2017, she became the first Black woman accepted into Johns Hopkins’ neurosurgery residency program. After completing the rigorous seven-year training, she graduated in 2024, becoming the first Black woman to complete the program.
During her training, Dr. Abu-Bonsrah also earned a Master of Public Health, co-authored dozens of scientific publications, received multiple research awards, and has expressed her desire to help strengthen neurosurgical care in Ghana and other underserved regions.
Her achievement is a powerful milestone for Africa, for women in medicine, and for aspiring neurosurgeons around the world.