1). “Freedom is a road seldom traveled by the multitude”— Renaldo Williams started his #chieftalk this morning @VUMCSurgRes with this Frederick Douglass quote— and took us down several personal roads in an incredibly thoughtful and moving #grandrounds. Thread follows....

2). It was about roads— the many different types of roads that get us from one place to another— some unmarked, some treacherous, some worn, some patched. And he reflected on his road— from Holmes County #Mississippi where 45% live in poverty.

3). To successfully navigate any road, you need a map and a compass (value systems), rest stops (opportunities that open doors), and guides (mentors).

4). He talked about the road of the African American male— HIS road, one often marked by #fear — fear sometimes of even just making it home...and trying to look for light in the path ahead... and finding that light in....

5). Examples of men before him in #medicine. Where African American males make up only 2.5% of #physicians. Those who blazed ahead held up a light.... #BlackMeninMedicine

6). And he gave credit to the mentors in his midst— people who were his guides on his journey—

7). The road needs to be navigable by the people WE need traveling it... We must have increased #diversity in #medicine and #surgery to care for all people. Where our population is 14% African American but only 6% of physicians... only 2.5% are African American males...

7). What to do? Be an example, be outspoken, go back, bring others up behind you by showing them the road you have navigated— and be a guide on theirs. (And the rest of us need to open our eyes— my add).

8). Renaldo will be a #surgical #criticalcare fellow @BrighamWomens @BWHSurgery this summer— we hope @VUMCSurgRes has given you all you need for that next road!! Thank you for your moving #chieftalk @VUMCSurgery

And finally tagging @DaDoc_IsIn himself here — took me a little while to find him on #Twitter— thanks for teaching me. Looking forward to seeing the roadmaps you share with others in the years to come. We will miss you next year at @VUMCGME @VUMCSurgRes @VUMCSurgery