For Marie-Carmelle Elie, MD, FACEP, a trailblazing physician and academic leader, the journey to the kitchen took a little longer than the journey to the top of her field. 

Dr. Elie is the first Black woman to be named professor and chair of an academic emergency medicine department at a major American medical school, the University of Alabama at Birmingham. While Dr. Elie has made inroads in emergency medicine, she recently discovered a new passion – one that connects her to her Haitian roots and provides a much-needed way to unwind. 

“It only took me 20 years,” Dr. Elie joked, referring to her newfound love for cooking. Married for two decades, she has relied on her husband to take on the culinary responsibilities. But now, after long and demanding days at the hospital, she finds solace in chopping vegetables, experimenting with flavors, and preparing meals for her family. Cooking, she says, has become an unexpected but rewarding way to destress. 

After a long day at the university, Dr. Elie enjoys the therapeutic rhythms of her newfound love of cooking and the nourishing results of each dish.

One dish in particular holds a special place in her heart – soup joumou, a traditional Haitian squash soup. More than just a meal, this dish represents resilience, history and freedom. Dr. Elie’s parents immigrated to the United States from Haiti, and she grew up hearing the stories of her family’s homeland. Through food, she now reconnects with that heritage in a tangible way. 

Soup joumou carries profound historical significance. During French colonial rule, enslaved Haitians were forced to grow and prepare the soup but were never allowed to eat it, as it was reserved exclusively for white enslavers. That changed on Jan. 1, 1804, when Haiti became the first Black nation to gain independence. As part of the celebration, Haitians finally made and enjoyed the soup, transforming it into a symbol of victory and liberation. To this day, Haitian families around the world prepare joumou every New Year’s Day to honor their ancestors and celebrate freedom. 

For Dr. Elie, preparing this dish is more than just cooking – it’s a connection to history and family. The rich blend of squash, turnips, herbs and spices reminds her of where she comes from; sharing the meal with loved ones strengthens those bonds. 

While her career has taken her from New York to Florida and now to Alabama, her Haitian roots remain strong. And even though her new role at UAB is filled with responsibilities, she embraces the opportunity to wind down in the kitchen, finding joy in the simple act of preparing a meal.