Join us as we highlight the successes of inspiring black alums who are technologists, veterinarians and clinical managers. Danyelle Wilson, Radiologic Technologist, Wilson Class of 2019 What is your current role in healthcare? What interested you in healthcare? I currently work full time as a Radiologic Technologist in Maryland. Prior to changing my career, I worked as a Registered Veterinary Technician at various animal hospitals in Baltimore, Maryland for 10 years. I've loved animals since I was a small child, especially cats. As a high school senior I decided to attend Wilson because of its VMT program. After working with animals for 10 years I decided that I needed a more lucrative career. At the age of 27, I returned to school to become a radiographer. I decided to specialize in radiography because I always enjoyed imaging animals, dental imaging and client interaction. The transition from animal healthcare to human healthcare was a smooth one. This is because healthcare, regardless of the species you care for, requires compassion, empathy and a willingness to serve others. Has there been a time in your career that you feel you offered a valuable perspective as a Black person? How did your perspective change the conversation or outcome? I was always the only black VT and one of few black employees at the animal hospitals I've worked for in the past. I worked with a successful practice owner who had a reputation for being insensitive and rude at times. I like to change my hair frequently. This doctor called me a derogatory name based on my hairstyle out of ignorance. I had to make a decision to let it go or educate her as to why it was not okay for her to address me in that manner. I had to be bold and fearless when I approached her about the name calling. I explained to her that the reference was demeaning and offensive. She expressed her apologies and appreciated the time I took to educate her about the harm of referencing a black woman's hair to a movie character. What has been the biggest challenge you overcame in your field in healthcare? How did you overcome it? The biggest challenge that I've overcome in both of my health care careers is becoming comfortable with being one of few black team members. I used to feel out of place early in my vet tech career because I didn't work with anyone who looked like me. Today, as a radiographer, I am still one of few black technologists. However, I am no longer bothered. Over the years, I've gained strength, confidence, experience and resilience. As a result of hard work, determination and perseverance I know that I deserve to be in my professional position. There are opportunities for improvements in every field. What do you think this is in your field? As a black radiographer, some patients are surprised that I am the person who will perform their diagnostic imaging exams. Some patients assume that I am an assistant or transportation. Black patients have expressed that I am the first black radiographer to complete their imaging studies. Personally, I've worked with a limited number of black radiologic technologists. As a student, I did not encounter many black radiographers. I was also one of two black x-ray students in my class. I believe x-ray programs need to intentionally focus on recruiting more black students. As more black students graduate from x-ray schools there will be an increased number of black radiographers in the field. What has been your biggest accomplishment in your field? How has this impacted you or your practice? I am currently a member of the Radiology Black Caucus at my imaging site. I am proud to be a member because this group allows me to connect with other black employees within the radiology department. The Radiology Black Caucus consists of radiologic technologists, managers and other black leaders within the radiology department. What advice would you offer to Black students going into healthcare? As a black woman, I've learned to successfully navigate spaces as a minority. At the time I attended Wilson there were a limited number of black students and I learned to become comfortable in my skin. I also gained confidence to share my perspective and experiences. My advice to black students going into healthcare is to remember that you deserve to be successful and have a lucrative, fulfilling career. Remember to take pride in your work and always do your best. It's ok to make mistakes as long as you hold yourself accountable for your actions. Learn from your mistakes. My last word of advice is to be your authentic self. Kim Marie Walker, Manager of Clinical Operations, Wilson Class of 1988 What is your current role in healthcare? What interested you in healthcare? My name is Kim Marie Burroughs Walker and I am a 1988 graduate of Wilson College. I was a pre-med student majoring in Biology (until I met Professor Helen Dunlap-Pianka) then I switched to Chemistry and this afforded me the opportunity to move into the Clinical Research field. I just celebrated 15 years in September 2021 at Syneos Health Clinical Research Organization, where I am currently a Manager in Clinical Operations. Growing up in Baltimore City with my paternal grandmother, I always dreamed of being in the medical field. I always wanted to help others feel better, help others to smile, or put a smile on their face. I dreamed of being an ObGYN until I went to New York for an internship during my junior year. Then I switched up because I could not accept that insurance companies dictated who and when a doctor could see as a patient. I then worked at a lab (because I fell in love with Chemistry with Deb and Wayne Harrison) for 3 days and 4 hours until I quit. The one and the only job that I quit in my life. I then worked at the hospital where I met my mentor, Dr. L. Kofi Essandoh, and started working with research. He specialized in cardiovascular disease and was a Principal Investigator in Clinical Research. Dr. Essandoh is why I fell in love with and now thrive in the clinical research field. Has there been a time in your career that you feel you offered a valuable perspective as a Black person? How did your perspective change the conversation or outcome? As a Black woman in clinical research, I feel that I offer daily valuable perspectives but being able to investigate and discuss the past and present atrocities against people of color in clinical research is the most thought- provoking. I believe that ensuring that we all know the facts and not just hearsay or what someone felt has been the greatest eye-opener for not just others--but for me What has been the biggest challenge you overcame in your field in healthcare? How did you overcome it? Although people are more open to listening and understanding the facts, it is still a big challenge to encourage people of color to volunteer for and participate in clinical research. People do not want to be "guinea pigs" or to be used. I always remind everyone about the process and regulatory updates that do not allow or condone things that have happened in the past. I also remind that people of color do not or can not benefit if they are not volunteering. This challenge has not been overcome but I work daily to help others understand and want to be involved in clinical research. What I do think has helped us in overcoming some challenges is that the clinical research field is more diverse than it has been since I first started at the clinical research organization level. This diversity is allowing us to improve opportunities for working in the field which results in sharing of the clinical research space and how far improved the field has become and continues to strive toward. What has been your biggest accomplishment in your field? How has this impacted you or your practice? Because the clinical research space was shared with me, I started entry-level as a Clinical Research Associate I and developed and grew to my current role as Manager of Clinical Operations. Being a manager is one of my biggest accomplishments, as it has allowed me to use all of my talents and learned information to develop others in this clinical research field. What advice would you offer to Black students going into healthcare? As a Black woman in the healthcare field, I feel that we always have to work harder but we must also learn to work smarter. We must learn to stand bold on our heritage and history. We must make our mark on the future of the medical field by being better each day and stronger in all areas of the medical field. Sylvia Singletary, Veterinarian, Wilson Class of 1986 What is your current role in healthcare? What interested you in healthcare? I am a veterinarian with background in laboratory animal medicine, currently working as practicing small animal veterinarian in corporate setting. Has there been a time in your career that you feel you offered a valuable perspective as a Black person? How did your perspective change the conversation or outcome? Yes, I have participated in diversity programs and STEM events. In addition, I have mentored veterinarians throughout my career. The most common conversation I have with mentees include feeling overlooked and unworthy to be in the position that they are in. I always remind my peers that they are enough and they are worthy. What has been the biggest challenge you overcame in your field in healthcare? How did you overcome it? There is limited support for women of color in the veterinary profession. We have to deal with unfair stereotypes. Always be respectful but remain confident in your position. It is difficult when your majority peers are afforded the altitude rise their voices and act on "perceptions" You have to have a strong network of people around you at all stages of your career to help you keep your sanity and faith. There are opportunities for improvements in every field. What do you think this is in your field? Veterinary medicine is the whitest profession in the healthcare field. The primary reason that we don't see more people of color in this field is because of low visibility of African Americans who are in the field. We are not recognized or elevated in the same manner as our peer. However, there are new professional organization that are addressing the lack of diversity in the field of veterinary medicine. What has been your biggest accomplishment in your field? How has this impacted you or your practice? My biggest accomplishments have not be achieved. I want to keep achieving What advice would you offer to Black students going into healthcare? Seek out the counsel of other who have gone before. Have a strong network both inside and outside of your profession.
