U.S. Surgeon GeneralVerified account

2/9 It's not just about workforce diversity training/ making sure everyone knows how to talk to people from different backgrounds. You must also have a diverse workforce so that trust develops and patients see there are people there who look like them and whom they can relate to.

5/9 We think of role models as people you must have a close relationship with, but I’ve found you can be a role model to someone just by being visible, for instance just by a young person [seeing] there is a black male who is a doctor, much less, who is the surgeon general.

6/9 I want young [people of color] to understand that while they may grow up in an environment where there aren’t role models around them who look like them, there are still plenty of people out there who will care for them and help them along.

8/9 Advice, especially for youth of color & young girls: never be afraid to ask for help, to ask someone to advocate for you or give you an opportunity, and never be afraid to be politely persistent in following up with a potential mentee or sponsor. #WomensHistoryMonth

9/9 Finally, don’t let being the first or the only deter you- it’s allowed me to create my own path without having to fit into someone else's expectations. Embrace it, but also recognize you may have to work harder than others to establish your network and support system.

3/9 Evidence shows that when you're cared for by people who look like you, who talk like you, who think like you, who come from your background, you have a greater faith in the system and you also have better outcomes

4/9 Unfortunately only 6% of physicians are black and the number of black males going into med school right now is actually less than in the 1970s and 1980s- so [in some ways] we're actually going in the wrong direction, particularly in terms of black males. @AmerMedicalAssn

7/9 I've had many white males and females (among others) be mentors and sponsors, lift me up, and open doors for me. I want all people to recognize they can mentor black males, and females, provide or secure enrichment opportunities, and help them succeed.