Calling all ears! This Black History Month, the D.O. or Do Not Podcast is honoring Black osteopathic physicians and sharing their stories of challenge, triumph, and how they helped to shape the osteopathic profession.
Last week the podcast highlighted Dr. William Anderson D.O., a 93-year-old physician, who is both a civil rights pioneer and doctor. Throughout the episode Dr. Anderson recalls his experiences during the Civil Rights Movement advocating alongside his friend and colleague, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Pivoting to his osteopathic career, Dr. Anderson holds the incredible distinction of being the first Black physician to serve on the AOA Board of Trustees and, later, as AOA President. To this day, Dr. Anderson continues to practice as a Professor of Surgery and Senior Advisor to the Dean at MSUCOM.
This week in the newest episode of D.O. Or Do Not, hear from Dr. Barbara Ross Lee D.O., the first Black osteopathic physician to serve as the Dean of a U.S. medical school. In this episode, Dr. Ross Lee, sister to singer Diana Ross, discusses the obstacles she faced as a female and African American pursuing a career in medicine in Detroit during a time when only a few medical schools offered limited admission to minority students. In a tale of true adversity to success, Dr. Ross Lee excelled in her career as a D.O. becoming the deserving recipient of numerous awards including the “Magnificent 7” Award and the Distinguished Public Service Award. Serving as a role model to all future osteopathic physicians, she concludes the episode with advice for minority students pursuing a career in medicine.
Tune in to Spotify, Apple Podcast or iHeartRadio to hear these inspiring stories!