As a Black woman physician and scientist, I was drawn to obesity medicine due to the high preponderance of obesity in the Black community throughout the United States.

As one of the first fellowship-trained obesity medicine physicians, I was determined to identify the disparities that exist in this field. I was also intrigued by the fact that obesity is the most prevalent chronic disease, but we do not give it the same credibility as other common diseases when it comes to education and treatment for adult and pediatric patients.

As we begin to recognize race as a social construct and not as a biological variable, I think this issue of the burden of obesity in the Black community will evolve along with our understanding of the disease.

My early introduction to scientific research in high school set the stage for my current work as a physician-scientist. I was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia and attended the Benjamin Elijah Mays High School Academy of Math and Science. The primary focus of our high school education was math and science with early exposure to basic and clinical research. Indeed, I received my first NIH funding through my work during my high school years.

As a NIH high school research apprentice at Emory University, I begin to conduct biochemistry research using column chromatography as I sought to understand recombinant flavodoxin. This work propelled me to my first international competition in the International Science and Engineering Fair representing the United States with my research.

At this early age, I realized I had the ability to produce and communicate meaningful research. I have continued my research career since that time in the early 90s. While my research questions may have changed over time, I still have the desire to help inform and shape the direction of clinical and population-based research.

If I were speaking to my younger self, I would say “Never give up.” Particularly as a Black woman physician and scientist, I’ve faced tremendous barriers as I have endeavored on this path. I have often been told I wasn’t capable of completing certain research studies. I faced tremendous barriers with regards to funding.

Despite all of these issues, I continue to persevere and I’ve published over 100 peer-reviewed articles in journals such as the New England Journal, JAMA, and the Annals of Internal Medicine.

So, I realize that perseverance is key. It also helps to believe in yourself. You are your own best cheerleader. As a former cheerleader, I do recite cheers in my head to tell myself to keep going no matter what.