During Black History Month, we reflect on the contributions of Black physicians and healthcare professionals, both past and present, to the field of medicine. Each week, we highlight distinguished members of the Doximity network. These interviews provide insight into the unique experiences these physicians encounter in today's medical field, as well as the paths they are pioneering.
This week, we are honored to feature Victor Ekuta, MD, Neurology
How does Black history influence your life as a physician?
Black history profoundly shapes my identity and practice as a physician. It serves as both a foundation and a driving force in my pursuit of health equity in neurology and brain health. The legacy of Black pioneers like Dr. Solomon Carter Fuller, a trailblazer in Alzheimer’s disease research, reminds me that my presence in medicine is part of a long continuum of resilience and excellence despite systemic barriers.
Black history also underscores my commitment to addressing racial disparities in healthcare. From the Tuskegee Syphilis Study to modern inequities in Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis and treatment, medicine has not always served Black communities equitably. This awareness drives my research, which examines racial disparities in neuroimaging biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease, the impact of repetitive head trauma in Black football players, and racial disparities in post-stroke aphasia. My past work on pulse oximeter inaccuracies in Black patients reflects my broader mission to ensure that medical tools and research are designed to serve all populations.
Black history is not just something I reflect on during Black History Month—it is embedded in my daily work, reminding me that I stand on the shoulders of giants and that my responsibility extends beyond individual patient encounters to systemic change.
Why is it important to you that we celebrate Black History Month in medicine?
Celebrating Black History Month in medicine is essential for reflecting on past injustices, addressing present disparities, and advancing healthcare equity.
Honoring the Past: Black pioneers like Dr. Solomon Carter Fuller, a trailblazer in Alzheimer’s disease research, made profound contributions that are often overlooked. Recognizing their impact corrects historical erasure and inspires future generations.
Acknowledging the Present: Black patients face higher rates of Alzheimer’s disease and worse stroke outcomes yet remain underrepresented in research. As a physician-scientist studying racial disparities in neuroimaging biomarkers, I see these inequities firsthand. Black History Month is a time to educate, advocate, and drive change.
Shaping the Future: Representation matters. When Black medical students and residents see their history celebrated, it fosters belonging and encourages persistence in medicine. Amplifying Black voices moves us toward a more just and inclusive healthcare system.
What has your journey been like as a Black physician?
My journey as a Black physician has been shaped by both barriers and purpose. During my training, I faced moments where I felt unwelcome in science and medicine—whether through lower expectations, limited opportunities, or outright bias. Rather than deterring me, these challenges fueled my commitment to rooting out disparities in healthcare through both patient care and research.
Today, I am not just a physician and scientist, but also an advocate for Black patients and future physicians, working to address racial disparities in Alzheimer's disease and biases in medical tools like pulse oximeters.
I previously shared my journey in more detail as part of the Cell Press Rising Black Scientist Award—highlighting the experiences that shaped my passion for equity in medicine. Read my Cell Press Essay.
What can we do to support Black individuals pursuing or interested in pursuing medicine?
Mentorship and representation are among the most powerful tools for change. Despite efforts to increase diversity, Black Americans remain underrepresented in medicine and research, even as they bear a disproportionate burden of diseases like Alzheimer’s. Black individuals are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s yet remain vastly underrepresented in clinical trials. Similarly, only 5.7% of U.S. physicians and 9% of scientists are Black, contributing to gaps in patient care and research equity.
To bridge these gaps, mentorship and visibility are critical. Aspiring Black physicians and scientists need to see that a path forward exists—that they belong. By fostering mentorship and increasing representation, we not only support individual careers but also build a more inclusive, equitable healthcare system that better serves all communities.
How is Doximity helping you?
Doximity has been an invaluable resource in my journey as a physician and advocate for health equity.
As a 2020-2021 Doximity Thought Leadership Fellow, I had the opportunity to write several Op-Meds focused on health equity, using my platform to shed light on disparities in medicine. Read my Doximity Op-Meds.
Currently, as a Doximity Digital Health Fellow, I’ve been able to learn about and beta test new Doximity products, gaining insight into the evolving landscape of digital health.
Beyond these fellowships, I use Doximity’s tools daily—whether for sending faxes, calling patients, or quickly looking up medical information—which streamlines my workflow and enhances patient care.
Doximity continues to be an essential platform that supports my work both clinically and in advancing health equity.
Are there any organizations you would like to highlight?
- Black Men's Brain Health
- Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative Health Enhancement Scientific Program
- MIT Introduction to Technology Engineering Science
- Boston Congress of Public Health
Are there any historical figures or current leaders that you want to acknowledge?
Dr. Solomon Carter Fuller was the first Black psychiatrist in the U.S. and a pioneer in Alzheimer’s disease research. His groundbreaking work on brain pathology helped shape our understanding of the disease, yet his contributions remain underrecognized. I’ve previously discussed his impact in more detail here: Tackling Racism in Alzheimer’s Disease Research
Dr. Robert Turner, PhD, a former football player turned neuroscientist, is leading efforts to address racial disparities in brain health research. He founded the Black Men’s Brain Health Conference to spotlight the unique risks Black men face in neurodegenerative disease research and to increase representation in clinical studies.
These leaders, past and present, continue to shape the field and inspire efforts toward health equity in brain research.