During Black History Month, we take a moment to deeply honor and reflect on the significant contributions and leadership roles that Black individuals, both past and present, have made in the realm of medicine. This month serves as a powerful reminder of their enduring legacy and the profound impact they have had on healthcare. Recognizing the importance of these contributions, we are dedicating each week to spotlight prominent Black members within the Doximity network. Through a series of insightful interviews, we aim to illuminate the unique challenges and experiences these esteemed physicians encounter in the field of medicine today, alongside highlighting the groundbreaking work they continue to pioneer. Our initiative not only celebrates their achievements but also fosters a deeper understanding of the vital role diversity plays in enhancing medical research, patient care, and healthcare innovation. This week, we had the privilege of interviewing, Joshua Anthony, MD, MBA.
How does Black history influence your life as a physician?
Black history not only influences my life as a physician but also profoundly influences my commitment to mental health care. It challenges me to be a better physician, advocate, and educator—one who recognizes the scars of the past, the resilience of the present, and the hope for a future where mental health equity is a reality for the Black community.
Black history illuminates the complex interplay between racial identity and mental health. It reveals how historical injustices—slavery, segregation, and ongoing discrimination—have left indelible marks on the collective psyche of the Black community. These experiences contribute to the prevalence of stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions, compounded by barriers to accessing mental health services. This awareness informs my clinical practice, guiding me to address not only the individual symptoms but also the broader socio-cultural factors impacting my patients' mental health.
In my public presentations and educational efforts, I draw upon the lessons of Black history to highlight the importance of mental health awareness in the Black community. I emphasize the need to destigmatize mental health issues, encourage community-based support systems, and champion the integration of cultural competence in mental health services.
In mentoring young people of color interested in healthcare, I emphasize the critical role they can play in transforming health care to be more inclusive and equitable. By sharing the lessons of Black history, I hope to inspire a new generation of mental health professionals who are committed to cultural competence, social justice, and reducing health disparities.
Black History is the reason I am a physician. I am a proud graduate of one of the only HBCU medical schools in the country. My institution gave me and several other amazing physicians an opportunity to learn medicine and fulfill our dreams when other institutions wouldn't give us a chance. This grounding I received in an environment that not only nurtured my academic ambitions but also deeply valued and understood the cultural and historical context of my identity was instrumental in shaping my approach to healthcare. It instilled in me a profound sense of duty to serve and advocate for communities that have been historically underserved and marginalized. This foundation has empowered me to not only be a physician but also a leader in the fight for health equity, a mentor to the next generation of Black healthcare professionals, and an advocate for systemic change within the healthcare industry.
Why is it important to you that we celebrate Black History Month in medicine?
Celebrating Black History Month in medicine is very important to me for several reasons, each rooted in the recognition of past contributions, the acknowledgment of current disparities, and the inspiration for future generations.
It serves as a dedicated time to honor the groundbreaking achievements and contributions of Black physicians, researchers, and healthcare professionals who have historically been marginalized or overlooked. These figures paved the way for future generations under extraordinarily challenging circumstances. Celebrating these achievements not only acknowledges their invaluable contributions to the field but also corrects the historical narrative that often excludes Black excellence in medicine.
Black History Month provides an opportunity to spotlight and address the ongoing health disparities that disproportionately affect Black communities. It's a time to critically examine how systemic racism, social determinants of health, and healthcare inequities continue to impact the well-being of Black individuals. By bringing these discussions to the forefront, we can advocate for meaningful changes in policy, practice, and education to advance health equity.
The commemoration of Black History Month is crucial for inspiring and nurturing the next generation of Black medical professionals. It sends a powerful message to young Black students that they belong in the medical field and that their contributions are needed and valued. Celebrating Black History Month in medicine helps to build a supportive community that encourages diversity, equity, and inclusion, which are essential for creating a healthcare system that serves all populations with compassion and competence.
Finally, it is a reminder of the work that remains to be done. While we celebrate progress, we also recognize the persistent barriers and challenges faced by Black individuals in medicine and healthcare. It motivates ongoing efforts to dismantle systemic racism, enhance diversity and representation, and ensure equitable access to healthcare opportunities and outcomes.
What has your journey been like as a Black physician?
My journey as a Black physician has been one of profound learning, resilience, and advocacy, marked by both challenges and triumphs. It has been a path where the weight of history and the promise of the future converge, shaping a career dedicated not just to healing but to breaking down barriers and building bridges.
Starting from my education at an HBCU medical school, I was immersed in an environment that celebrated Black excellence and instilled a strong sense of purpose and community. This foundation was crucial, providing me with not only the medical knowledge and skills I needed but also a deep understanding of the health disparities that disproportionately affect Black communities. It taught me the importance of culturally competent care and the role of physicians as advocates for equity and justice.
However, navigating the medical profession as a Black physician has also presented its challenges. I have encountered systemic biases, microaggressions, and barriers to advancement that reflect broader issues of racism within the healthcare system and society at large. These experiences have been disheartening at times, but they have also galvanized my commitment to change and advocacy. They have reinforced the necessity of mentorship, support networks, and advocacy within the medical community to ensure that Black physicians and students have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
Professionally, my journey has been deeply influenced by the desire to address health disparities and improve the wellbeing of underserved populations. This has led me to engage in public speaking, education, and the development of initiatives aimed at expanding access to mental health resources. Through my work, I have sought to highlight the importance of understanding the social determinants of health and integrating this knowledge into patient care and policy advocacy.
My experience as a Black physician has also been about finding strength in community. Collaborating with other Black healthcare professionals, participating in organizations that focus on health equity, and mentoring the next generation of Black medical students have been sources of inspiration and hope. These relationships have provided a sense of solidarity and shared purpose, reminding me of the collective power we have to effect change.
Reflecting on my journey, it's clear that being a Black physician is about much more than individual achievement; it's about contributing to a legacy of resilience, excellence, and advocacy. It's about using my platform and expertise to challenge inequities, inspire future generations, and work tirelessly towards a healthcare system that serves everyone with dignity and respect. The challenges have been significant, but the opportunities to make a difference in the lives of my patients and the broader community have been even greater.
How is Doximity helping you?
Doximity has helped me the most through its easy to access directory of physicians that I know personally and those I would like to reach out to.
Keep an eye out for further insights from our community members as they share their unique experiences and perspectives throughout Black History Month.