Maisha Robinson, MD, a neurologist at the Mayo Clinic Florida campus in Jacksonville, spoke with author Jaimie Wilson as part of the Jacksonville Business Journal's celebration of Black History Month, which takes place in February.
Dr. Robinson said her family has always been involved in medicine and holistic care. However, a particular moment with her father helped develop her feelings of self-worth and her career ambitions.
"When I was in high school, my father left a note at the bottom of the steps for my sister and I. It read: You can if you try. You'll try if you want to. You'll want to if you think it's worth it to you, but you'll never know if it's worth it until it's too late to try," she said.
"I think that was a profound moment for both of us, to be told we have the ability to really make an impact within our lives and our community, moving forward, but we have to want to do it. And we have to be engaged enough that we don't look back and realize we wasted the opportunity," she added.
Dr. Robinson also noted how important it is to stay mindful of the contributions of past generations that have helped bring her to where she is today. To help pay it forward, Dr. Robinson said she works with people in underrepresented communities to help them understand what living a healthy lifestyle looks like, and has worked with pastors from black communities to encourage early discussions on end-of-life care, the report states.
"When we think about the people who paved the way for people who looked like me in medicine, I am very appreciative of the efforts they made and the struggles they had to overcome. I think we've all realized how blessed we are," she said.
To access the full report, click here.