On this Juneteenth, I want to honor my second family.
I’ve gone to predominantly white institutions my whole life. Within them, I’ve always found and made my small crew of lifelong, ride or dies, most of whom I’m still close with, and who have given me a safe space in a setting that was frequently unsafe. But having a critical mass of my people - specifically Black people - in my residency turned what could’ve been a mostly harrowing three years into one where I frequently felt at home. If I encountered bias, I knew there was always someone in the hospital I could go and sit with who would understand. Who I could be angry with. Who I could tell off the collar jokes with, and not have to explain myself. Who could empathise with my specific experience as a Black resident in a hospital that treats predominantly Black patients. I felt more comfortable being fully authentic in part because I had a family behind me who saw my value and intellect and was ready to have my back if I ever needed them.
So this Juneteenth, I want to thank y’all. Ross, Ari, Nolan, Jacobi, Spencer, Rasidat, Alanna, and my sis Edna- I love you, wish the best for you, and am so excited to see what you do for the world. Congratulations on being finally out this bish, and ⬆️⭐️.
#juneteenth #resident #residency #intern #inpatient #doctor #womeninmedicine #blackdoctors #graphicmedicine #premed #premedmotivation #internalmedicine #medschool #medicine #medicalschool #medlife #md #medstudent #nurse #physician #webcomic #comic