Back! Still @DocWak here! So lets just agree I’ve convinced you, we NEED more black doctors. (All the likes is encouraging) Next question is how? I feel a thread coming on.

First thing is we need pipeline programs. This a huge topic but in summary it requires a longterm commitment. Dr. Finks has a great one here @UMichSurgery https://medicine.umich.edu/dept/surgery/news/archive/201809/doctors-tomorrow and @erikaanewman is building something special w/her HOPE collaborative https://medicine.umich.edu/dept/surgery/events/202002/impacting-hope-collaborative-symposium-concert

2nd we need to mentor & promote the current black docs we have to positions of power. My soap box on mentoring. We all have affinity bias. Meaning we tend to mentor ppl who remind us of us. Which can lead to the few minority faculty having the burden of ALL the minority learners

This is unfair and can slow down their own academic progress. So let me tell you surgeons out there just because the learner in your OR sucks at “guess the famous old white guy singing” game does not mean you two aren’t very similar.

I guarantee they share ur drive, passion, & ambition for patient care and personal growth. AND if a minority comes to YOU for mentorship don’t pawn them off to nearest minority faculty u can find. They picked YOU for a reason.

@UMichSurgery isn't perfect but I have benefited from a supportive environment. cc: me on the chair’s twitter. Also @DrHasanAlam @seth_waits @HPB_Txp_Surg @DanaTelem @MichaelEnglesbe have taken mentoring me personally despite racial discordance

This type of stuff shows because we have been able to attract super star talent. cc: @Gifty_Kwakye_MD Also the next big name in academic surgery, @SidraBonner. Not to mention this intern class!!!!

Thanks for coming to my TED talk. (Really should have saved that for my chief talk).
Last and most important thing I can say: #blacklivesmatter always have, always will. #JusticeforBreonnaTalyor