When my oldest son was around 6, I became a basketball coach. I grew up loving the sport, wanting to become a professional basketball player myself. Obviously that didn’t work out, but I believe God had a better plan for me which I’m now living. I took on coaching mostly to be present in my kids lives. As a doctor, it’s easy to get stuck between the walls of the hospitals and clinics, so this was a great getaway for me. What I quickly realized was this wasn’t just a mechanism for me to be present in my kids’ lives, but also the lives of other children. It was an opportunity for me to have an impact beyond medicine. I wanted the youth to see a black male doctor doing real life things that other people do.
When you think about the impact of black doctors in their communities, you might first think about their medical contributions – and those contributions are certainly significant. Black doctors have made countless breakthroughs in medical research, pioneered new treatments for diseases, and provided top-notch care to patients of all backgrounds. But their contributions don’t stop there – black doctors have a profound impact on their communities in many different ways.
One way that black doctors impact their communities is through mentorship. Many black doctors serve as mentors to aspiring healthcare professionals, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. By sharing their experiences and offering guidance and support, black doctors help to build a pipeline of diverse talent in the healthcare field. This is particularly important given the significant lack of diversity in the medical profession, which has been linked to disparities in healthcare access and outcomes.
Black doctors also serve as advocates for their communities. They may speak out on issues related to healthcare access, health equity, and social justice, using their platform and expertise to effect change. They may also work to build partnerships with community organizations, bridging the gap between healthcare and the broader community.
Beyond these more formal contributions, black doctors have an impact simply by virtue of who they are. Seeing black doctors in leadership roles, or being treated by black doctors, can have a powerful effect on the individuals and communities they serve. It can serve as a source of inspiration and empowerment, particularly for young people who may not have previously considered careers in healthcare.
Black doctors also bring a unique perspective and set of experiences to their work. As members of marginalized communities themselves, they may have a heightened awareness of the social determinants of health and the impact of systemic racism on health outcomes. This awareness can inform their clinical practice and research, leading to more nuanced and effective solutions to health disparities.
In short, the impact of black doctors on their communities goes far beyond their medical contributions. Through mentorship, advocacy, representation, unique perspective, and even coaching, black doctors, like all other doctors, are also making a difference in the lives of individuals and communities across the country.
