Born and raised in Pensacola, Florida, growing up for Dr. Monica Moore was unforgettable. 

“Sometimes I think I took for granted the ability to drive 15 minutes to the most beautiful beaches-- our beaches can definitely compete with some of the best beaches in the world,” she said. 

Her parents always had a major influence on her life. Her Mom worked in human resources and her dad worked as a railroad engineer. They knew all too well the importance of education and hard work. When her grandmother fell ill and was in and out of the hospital-- a young Dr. Moore spent a lot of time there. It sparked an interest in helping and serving others.

“Education was very important to my parents. I’ve always worked hard because they instilled that in me,” she said. “I knew early on that I wanted to be able to heal and touch lives. My Granny was an LPN so I’m sure I got some of that from her,” she said.

When she became infatuated with the human body in anatomy and physiology class, she understood her calling. She wanted to be a doctor. Her next challenge would be to figure out exactly where she would go to get a quality education in her field.

“I had a friend in the neighborhood who attended a Xavier summer program and she loved it. My mom and I then started researching Xavier and loved what we found out about the school. I was ecstatic when I was accepted. I met so many wonderful people at Xavier and am grateful to continue to have these amazing individuals in my life now. I even met my daughter’s God mom there!” she reflected with excitement.

Dr. Monica Moore was a chemistry major and minored in biology at Xavier University of Louisiana, a place she says she will never forget. She was an active student on campus. One of her most memorable experiences was pledging her will to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.  where she found real friendship and sisterhood.

“My aunt and great aunt were Deltas so I was exposed to influential women of Delta early in life.  I was a member of Pamteens (now Delta Gems) and was presented in their annual cotillion. I was able to witness how hands-on the distinguished ladies of the sorority interacted with us and one another and loved how they gave back to the community.  My favorite times at Xavier definitely involved crossing with my sisters, volunteering with them on and off campus and forming lifelong bonds.” 

As a pediatrician, Dr. Moore loves caring for her patients and watching them grow but she had always wanted to write a book. When she finally took a leap of faith and began writing about her own experiences, she created Be Unique: A Girl’s Guide to Self-Awareness and Self-Acceptance.

“Three things inspired me to write this book. For one, my time in middle school was very challenging. I moved from a school where I knew everyone to a school where I didn’t know anyone and that can be very hard for a young person. Two, as a physician, I’m a healer and I know there are so many mental scars that need to be healed in our girls. And lastly, my own daughter. I wanted to give her and other girls a resource to be able to live unapologetically. I want to encourage young girls to live their truth and recognize their purpose,” said Dr. Moore, “I want girls to be the best version of themselves and to recognize their true worth. Even though you’re young, you still have purpose and you need to use your gifts to give back to the world. I want them empowered,” she said.

Be Unique: A Girl’s Guide to Self-Awareness and Self-Acceptance is a book of affirmations and motivational stories developed to inspire middle school and high school girls. However, Dr. Moore has received positive feedback from women of all ages who can relate the book’s lessons to early adolescent life as well as adulthood.

“We all need to know our worth, don’t settle, and live life without regrets.  Sometimes, we can be our own worst enemy. I want to encourage my readers that anything they put their minds to, they can do. I want them to know that God has a plan for them and not to let anything hold them back.” she said.

Dr. Moore graduated magna cum laude from Xavier University of Louisiana and received her medical degree from Morehouse School of Medicine. She credits Xavier for preparing her for medical school and providing a solid foundation that allowed her to discover more about herself and her path. 

“I feel that Xavier University of Louisiana was the perfect place for me. I didn't see myself in a large institution and it was a very nurturing environment. The professors looked like me and they wanted the best for me. Having people who want you to succeed and providing you the tools you need is very important. There’s something to be said about XULA continuing to be a leader in producing the most physicians of color,” she said.

To learn more about Dr. Monica Moore and to purchase your guide, visit www.premierwellnesspediatrics.com and www.buybeunique.com. You can also find her on Instagram and Facebook at @drmonicapeds.