DEIBXXEM2415 - CME/CMLE - Leading Up to a Career in Forensic Pathology: My Road to Success as a Black Female in Medicine-Leading Up to a Career in Forensic Pathology: My Road to Success as a Black Female in Medicine

Leading Up to a Career in Forensic Pathology: My Road to Success as a Black Female in Medicine

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Dr. Nicole Jackson, Assistant Medical Examiner, shares her journey to a successful career in forensic pathology despite numerous challenges. Dr. Jackson describes overcoming societal and educational barriers, emphasizing the importance of her supportive mother and transformative early experiences in medicine. Her background includes diverse influences from her father's upbringing in a predominantly white town and her mother's in an almost entirely Black community, highlighting systemic injustices.<br /><br />Despite excelling academically, she faced discouragement and racial discrimination throughout her education, leading her to choose Duke University for undergraduate studies focusing on psychology before switching to medical studies. Dr. Jackson's interest shifted from surgery, due to its hostile work environment, to pathology, emphasizing her love for anatomy and working with marginalized communities.<br /><br />Her fellowship at the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator was a positive turning point, where she felt treated as an equal. Dr. Jackson stresses the critical need for diversity, equity, and inclusion in medicine. She advocates for intentional outreach and support programs, equitable admissions practices, and national educational reform to dismantle persistent racism. Dr. Jackson's story underscores the significance of mentorship, community support, and resilience in achieving professional success.

Keywords

forensic pathology

racial discrimination

diversity

equity

inclusion

mentorship

medical education

resilience