– Dr. Kimberly Gilbert, a board-certified Atlanta-based physician has penned a new book, So … When Do I See the Doctor? The book is about her journey to becoming a physician and the challenges she faced as a result of her race and gender and how she found the strength to complete medical school, residency, and beyond despite hardship.
When I started my journey to becoming a physician, there were not any easily accessible stories to read that spoke candidly about the trials that many Black students and doctors, especially Black females, would experience from different perspectives on the road to success. More physicians are starting to tell their stories online, in magazines, and on TV, but I wanted to also give something a little “old school” in the form of a book. I wanted it to be comprehensive and honest. I also wanted it to be inspirational. The book not only addresses racism and sexism but also intra-racial and intra-cultural issues, and how people in positions of influence can oftentimes encourage or destroy whoever is listening to them.
What is the story behind the title?
My first patient in private practice was an older White male. After clearly introducing myself when I entered the patient’s room wearing my long white coat and name tag, spending over one hour with him listening to his concerns, examining him, reviewing imaging studies with him, and discussing my recommendations, he told me that I had a great plan before asking, “So … when do I see the doctor?”
Name three takeaways for the reader from the book.
– Despite how society may portray us, Black people are equal and worthy of the same safety, education, respect, and opportunities for success as anyone else.
– Our ancestors are the reason why we have the opportunities that we have today, and our decisions each day will determine the opportunities of tomorrow for those who follow our paths.
– No matter what struggles you go through on your journey to success, you can not only persevere but also maintain who you are along the way.
My husband and friends have been telling me to write a book for years, after hearing my stories as they happened, telling me that very few people outside of medicine think Black female physicians also go through race and gender bias because our accomplishments and career are “so prestigious.” When the pandemic hit, it exposed so much racial injustice in America, I felt it was the perfect time to bring awareness of its existence in health care.
What is the best piece of writing advice that you received?
Be authentic
For more on the original article visit: https://rollingout.com/2020/10/19/dr-kimberly-gilbert-chronicles-her-experience-in-medical-school-in-new-book/
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