Throughout the month of February and in celebration of Black History Month, we are excited to feature—via the Macy Notes blog—the stories, experiences, and voices of learners who are underrepresented in the health professions. Spanning medicine and nursing, and representing various points in the continuum of education, these contributors share their reflections on how the accomplishments and contributions of African Americans in the health professions have affected their own personal and professional lives—and how they will carry this legacy forward. This year’s Black History Month theme is “African Americans and the Arts,” and so it is most fitting that we are able to share these thoughtful and powerful written reflections with the Macy community.
By Tolu Akinpelu
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine
Third-year Medical Student
Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, first African American surgeon in America. Dr. William A. Hinton, first African American professor at Harvard. Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, first African American woman to earn a medical degree in America. The past pioneers. We would be remiss to move forward without recognizing the positive impact these leaders have had on African Americans in the field of medicine and on the lives of every American. Their lives should be celebrated, and their stories should be taught in medical school curriculums.
Dr. Arthur Fleming, the first president of the Society of Black Academic Surgeons (SBAS). Dr. Edward Cornwell, first African American president of multiple national organizations. Dr. Velma Scantlebury, first Black woman transplant surgeon. The current pioneers—active and retired physicians. I had the honor of hearing their words of wisdom at the 2023 SBAS conference. After overcoming systemic barriers and setbacks, they now dedicate their time to educating the current generation of physicians on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in predominately White spaces. Their guidance on how to persevere in the face of racial inequalities inspires me to forge forward and convey the same message to Black youth.
Tolu Akinpelu, Damisi Akinpelu, Daara Akinpelu—my younger siblings and me. The future pioneers. I pursue my MD for my siblings who are already following my steps, for my mother who never had the opportunity to chase her dream of becoming a doctor, and for the children in my home country of Nigeria whose dreams are stolen from them by poverty and disease. The lessons I have learned from past pioneers, the mentorship I have received from current pioneers, and the encouragement from my family drive me to be a mentor for Black children interested in medicine and to be an advocate for my Black patients. While February is designated as Black History Month, Black history is being created every day and should be recognized and celebrated continually.