Aaron D. Dotson, MD (he/him/his)
Ophthalmology Resident
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Although I celebrate Black History everyday, Black History Month is a particularly special time where I reflect on the milestones that my ancestors overcame to allow for me to be the individual that I am today. It’s an honor and a privilege to be an African American male physician in the current era, but I must continue to remember all of the sacrifices made & paths created from those before me.
Please share an accomplishment that you are proud of?
An accomplishment that I’m personally proud of has been helping several minority pre-medical and medical students successfully matriculate into medical school and match into residency, respectively. Black men in medicine are particularly a dying breed. Fewer Black men applied to medical school in 2014 than in the the 1970’s. With that knowledge, I’ve joined forces with the organization Black Men in White Coats to help recruit and retain Black men in medicine. There’s no amount of money that can suffice the joy I receive from my mentees when they tell me of their medical school acceptances or matching into ophthalmology residency!
Chris Robinson, MD (he/him/his)
Dermatology Chief Resident (2020-2021)
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month is a celebration marking Black achievement through countless obstacles. I am reminded of all the great leaders and brilliant Black minds which have built a bridge so that people like me may be able to face the rapids of life just a little less difficulty.
Representation is at the spear of change. We gauge our vision of who we are and who we can be by what we see. Seeing Black faces succeed and in positions of leadership is essential to help normalize and inspire the next generation.
Please share an accomplishment that you are proud of?
I am proud to be the first member of my family to go to graduate from college. Moreover, I am proud to have followed by dreams through medical school, internal medicine internship, and now dermatology residency where I serve at chief resident.
Femi Suraju, MD (he/him/his)
General Surgery Resident
What does Black History Month mean to you?
For me, Black History Month signifies a time to reflect, acknowledge, and promote awareness of the hard work many have and continue to put in to break down systemic barriers to Black progress in the US, how much advancement has been made, and how much work we have left to do as a nation.
The 2021 Black History Month theme of “Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity” represents to me a togetherness that stretches beyond a single family unit, the resilience to break down systemic barriers together, and the shared celebration with every success. Every time I interact with my Black mentors, colleagues, and patients there always seems to be a palpable shared appreciation of this notion!
Please share an accomplishment that you are proud of?
Being able to maintain relationship with family, friends, mentors and mentees despite the many challenges brought on by the corona virus pandemic over the past year has been the most important accomplishment for me over the past year.
Alanna Tisdale, MD, MPH (she/her/hers)
Neuro-Ophthalmology Fellow
What does Black History Month mean to you?
From my perspective, Black History Month is a time to celebrate courageous African-Americans who paved the way for future generations of Black Americans. These are pioneers who had dreams that seemed impossible during their time, and achieved them against all odds. They are individuals who were able to see themselves as a part of a larger movement and were determined to help their community advance forward.
This year's Black History Month theme of "Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity" is one that I can relate to on a personal level. In my own family, we have both African-American, and Afro-Latino roots. This has given me awareness of the fact that the Black community is enriched by a wide array of cultures, ethnicities, and experiences.
Please share an accomplishment that you are proud of?
As a high school student, I was one of 50 students, of 1500 applicants, accepted into Brown University's 8 year undergraduate/medical school combined program (the Program in Liberal Medical Education). As a result, as a senior in high school, I was already admitted to medical school!