blog PodcastMarch 26, 2024

Making a Difference in My Hood: Dr. Abdullah Pratt

Dr. Abdullah Hasan Pratt shares his experiences as an emergency medicine physician on the Chicago South Side. He recounts the craziest cases he has encountered, including a friend who was shot in the head and the challenges of saving his life. Dr. Pratt emphasizes the importance of connecting with patients on a personal level and the impact of violence on the community. He also discusses the inequities in the healthcare system and the need for more resources in underserved areas. Dr. Pratt is dedicated to teaching emergency preparedness to youth and motivating them to save lives. The principal themes discussed in this part of the conversation include the reality of violence and safety in certain neighborhoods, the importance of popularity and social interconnectedness, the role of mentors and family support in navigating challenges, the impact of teachers and their beliefs on students’ aspirations, the connection between sports and academic success, and the influence of peer examples in motivating career goals. Abdullah Hasan Pratt MD discusses his journey from being a high school football player to becoming an ER physician. He talks about the challenges he faced as a student-athlete and the pressure to excel both academically and athletically. He also highlights the importance of sports in developing skills that are beneficial for a career in medicine. Pratt shares his experience of getting into medical school and the imposter syndrome he felt as one of the few African-American students in his class. He emphasizes the value of mentorship and the support he received from influential individuals in his field. Abdullah Hasan Pratt MD shares his experiences and insights in the field of medicine, particularly in working with black communities. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship and community engagement in shaping the future of healthcare. Pratt discusses the initiatives he has been involved in, such as Project Brotherhood, MedKeep, and TRAP Violence, which aim to address health disparities and provide opportunities for black youth. He also highlights the role of sports in promoting health and education among at-risk youth. Pratt’s journey from being an intern to becoming a respected leader in emergency medicine showcases the power of perseverance and advocacy.

CHAPTERS
00:00 The Craziest Thing as an Emergency Medicine Physician
02:59 The Reality Check of Becoming a Medical Doctor
10:17 Growing Up in the South Side of Chicago
13:40 Negative Influences and Positive Influences of the Environment
28:27 Finding Balance and Making a Difference
29:16 The Importance of Writing a Book
29:59 Early Interest in Medicine
31:29 Challenges and Doubts in Pursuing Medicine
36:06 Balancing Football and Medicine
41:11 College Experience and Major
45:31 Leadership and Growth
48:29 MCAT Experience
52:20 The Challenges of Medical School Admissions
54:23 Being a Black Man in a White Coat at University of Chicago
56:22 Imposter Syndrome and Supportive Mentors
59:25 Med-Keep: Medical Careers Exposure and Emergency Preparedness Initiative
01:01:46 TRAP Violence: Trauma Recovery and Prevention of Violence Initiative
01:06:07 Sneakers to Scrubs: Keeping At-Risk Youth Off the Streets
01:10:35 Increasing the Number of Black Men in Medicine
01:12:15 Choosing Between MCAT Year and Intern Year
01:19:00 BMWC Podcast Outro