The Black Doctors Speak Podcast

In our latest episode of Black Doctors Speak, we confront a pressing issue that affects the African American community: healthcare disparities. Join us for a riveting conversation with two distinguished guests, Dr. Michael LeNoir and Kimmie Watkins Tart, Director of Public Health for Alameda County, as they unravel the challenges and responsibilities in achieving equitable healthcare outcomes. Healthcare disparities continue to disproportionately impact the Black community, with alarming statistics highlighting the inequalities. Our guests, Dr. Michael LeNoir and Kimmie Watkins Tart, offer profound insights into this critical issue. Dr. Michael LeNoir, a leading physician and advocate, is a prominent figure in addressing healthcare disparities. He is also the co-founder of the African American Wellness Project (AAWP), a trusted authority in the field. Dr. LeNoir has dedicated his career to dismantling the barriers to quality healthcare that many African Americans face daily. Kimmie Watkins Tart, Director of Public Health for Alameda County, is a trailblazer in public health and has a profound understanding of the intricacies surrounding healthcare disparities. She is deeply committed to improving the health and well-being of underserved communities and is a key figure in addressing healthcare inequities in her region. In this enlightening episode, our guests discuss the stark realities of healthcare disparities in the African American community, exploring the root causes and the responsibilities of patients in navigating their healthcare journey. Together, they offer valuable insights and practical solutions to bridge the gap. Tune in to Black Doctors Speak and discover how the African American Wellness Project (AAWP) is championing change and advocating for a more equitable healthcare system. Gain a deeper understanding of the role patient responsibilities play in achieving health and wellness for all members of the community.

In this eye-opening episode of Black Doctors Speak, we delve deep into the critical issue of gun violence in the African American community. Join us as we sit down with two distinguished experts, Dr. Michael LeNoir and Dr. Rahn Bailey, who shed light on the urgent need for solutions in the face of startling statistics. The African American community has been disproportionately affected by gun violence, with alarming rates of firearm-related incidents plaguing neighborhoods. Dr. LeNoir and Dr. Bailey are on the front lines of this crisis, and they bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the conversation. Dr. Michael LeNoir, a renowned physician and advocate, is a leading authority on public health in the Black community. As the co-founder of the African American Wellness Project (AAWP), he has dedicated his life to addressing the healthcare disparities that have contributed to the gun violence epidemic. Dr. Rahn Bailey is a distinguished psychiatrist and a prominent figure in mental health advocacy. He understands the intersection of mental health and gun violence, and he's committed to raising awareness about the impact of trauma and mental health on these issues. Together, Dr. LeNoir and Dr. Bailey bring their expertise to the forefront, discussing the complex factors behind gun violence in the African American community and advocating for innovative solutions to mitigate this crisis. Tune in to this thought-provoking episode of Black Doctors Speak and discover how the African American Wellness Project (AAWP) is taking a stand in the fight against gun violence, offering hope, education, and concrete strategies to create safer, healthier communities for everyone.

Did you know that African-American men have the highest incidence of prostate cancer in the world? Listen as Dr. Roach discusses the article “Racism Does Not Cause Prostate Cancer: It Causes Prostate Cancer Deaths. 

Join us on this edition of Black Doctors Speak Podcast as we discuss Health Equity, Racism and Health and updates on Asthma, Heart Disease and Cancer in the African American Community.

Join us on this edition of Black Doctors Speak Podcast as we discuss Health Equity, COVID-19 and the new variants, Heart Disease, Diabetes, Cancer, Mental Health, Obesity, Asthma and Environmental factors that affect the African American Community.

During this podcast, AAWP will discuss the impact of obesity, cardiovascular health and address heart disease and stroke prevention in communities disproportionately affected by cardiovascular disease. We will also discuss current therapeutic and options in the obesity and cardiovascular space.

On this week's Black Doctors Speak, we are joined by Michael LeNoir, MD and Kim Rhoads, MD, Associate Professor of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, UCSF; Director, Office of Community Engagement and Associate Director for Community Outreach and Engagement, UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center.  Join us as we discuss the latest information on the new CDC recommendations, long haulers disease and monkey pox.

On this week's Black Doctors Speak, we are joined by Michael LeNoir, MD and Noha Abeoleta, MD, founding CEO of Roots Community Health Center, a community-based, community-driven and community-empowering model for improving wellness that Roots calls "Whole Health" in Oakland, CA. Join us as we discuss COVID-19 Updates, COVID Vaccinations in Children, Pap Smears, Uterine Cancer, Climate Change, Unconscious Bias, and Sleep added to Cardiac Health Outcomes.

On today's edition of Black Doctors Speak, we are joined by James ED Jackson who is the CEO of the Alameda Health system. We will discuss his background growing up in Oakland, his role as a CEO of a large scale system in the Bay Area, and the role of the public hospital during the COVID-19 epidemic.  With more than 30 years in healthcare administration, James Jackson serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Alameda Health System in Alameda County, CA.   Prior to this role James was the Chief Operating Officer of Seton Medical Center & Seton Coastside, part of the Verity Healthcare System. James has served as the Chief Administrative Officer of San Leandro & Alameda Hospitals, part of the Alameda Health System. Prior to that he was the Administrator of Fairmont Hospital, also part of the Alameda Health System. Before joining AHS James was a Support Services Assistant Administrator with Kaiser Foundation Hospitals in the Diablo Service Area. Before joining Kaiser, James was the Chief Operating Officer of Saint Francis Memorial Hospital in San Francisco, California. Prior to joining Saint Francis, James held several positions at Children's Hospital and Research Center in Oakland, California, where he ultimately served as the Vice President of Ancillary and Support Services. His career in healthcare administration began with his service in the United States Navy at the Naval Hospital in Oakland, California.

On this week's Black Doctors Speak, we are joined by Michael LeNoir, MD and Kim Rhoads, MD, MS, MPH, Office of Community Engagement at the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, as we discuss Medicine, Advocacy, Cancer and COVID. Dr. Rhoads' background and scholarly work crosses the full cancer continuum from basic science (endothelial cell regulation and angiogenesis); to clinical care as a colorectal surgeon; through health services research in cancer disparities; and training in health policy (as a California Endowment Scholar in Health Policy at Harvard (2005-2006), and as the inaugural UCSF Philip R. Lee Fellow in Health Policy (2007-2008)). She has formal training in community organizing at the Center for Third World Organizing in Oakland, California; and Community Based Participatory Research as a member of the first cohort of academic-community partnership teams trained by the California Breast Cancer Research Program. Before joining the faculty at UCSF, Rhoads founded the Community Outreach and Engagement program for the Stanford Cancer Institute. Rhoads views community engagement and institutional partnerships as substantive pathways to promote health equity and eliminate disparities.

On this week's Black Doctors Speak, we are joined by Michael LeNoir, MD and Donna Carey, MD, Medical Director of Case Management at Alameda Alliance for Health as we discuss the COVID Pandemic and having candid conversations with patients on the importance of the vaccine.

On this week's Black Doctors Speak, we are joined by Michael LeNoir, MD and Noha Abeoleta, MD, founding CEO of Roots Community Health Center, a community-based, community-driven and community-empowering model for improving wellness that Roots calls "Whole Health" in Oakland, CA. Join us as we discuss the COVID Pandemic, Vaccine Boosters, Mental Health and Legislative Policy.

This week on the Black Doctors Speak Podcast, we are joined by Dr. George Woods who will discuss Mental health in the African American Community. Dr. Woods is a very prominent psychiatrist who feels that the mental health delivery system is not sensitive, and often prejudiced, against African Americans.  In addition, many African Americans are distrustful of mental health services. An article in the Journal of Racial and Health Disparities identified a small study highlighting differences and what was expected by African-Americans who ended up in the mental health system. Often African Americans preferred group therapy and therapy from professionals of the same gender. Regardless of the rationale for poor outcomes, especially during these difficult times, we have to do a better job both changing the mental health system to appreciate cultural differences and to increase awareness of the value of mental health services in the African American community.

In case you missed it, join the African American Wellness Project each Wednesday on our FB channel for Wellness Watch where discuss various health issues that affect you! During this episode, we were joined by Donna White Carey, MD, Dori Russ, MD and Lakiea Wright, MD as they discuss the flu and safety! Join in the conversation each week starting at 8pm ET.

On this edition of the Black Doctors Speak Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Oliver Brooks to discuss COVID-19 vaccinations in children. Oliver Tate Brooks, M.D. received his undergraduate degree in biology from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia in 1977, graduating in three years. While at Morehouse, he received the Frederick E. Mapp Prize in Biology for excellence in biology. Dr. Brooks received his medical degree in 1981 from Howard University College of Medicine, where he was a summer instructor in biochemistry. He completed a residency in Pediatrics at Children's Hospital-Oakland, where he practiced for four years before accepting a position at Watts Healthcare Corporation. Dr. Brooks is Chief Medical Officer and past Chief of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine at Watts Healthcare Corporation in Los Angeles, California (CA) where he also serves as the Medical Director of the Jordan and Locke High School Wellness Centers. He is a Medical Director for L.A. Care Health Plan, one of the nation's largest Medicaid managed care plans whose mission is “to provide access to quality health care for Los Angeles County's vulnerable and low-income communities and residents”. He holds staff appointments at Centinela Hospital in Inglewood, CA and at Martin Luther King Community Hospital in South Los Angeles, CA. Dr. Brooks is Immediate Past-Chairman of the Community Clinic Association of Los Angeles County, a consortium of 43 community health centers in the southern California area. Dr. Brooks is the immediate Past President of the National Medical Association (NMA), and has held several leadership positions within the NMA, including at the state and local level, as Past President of the Golden State (CA) Medical Association and Past President of the Miller-Lawrence Medical and Dental (local) Society. Dr. Brooks is a present Board member and Past President of the California Immunization Coalition and Chairman of the Immunize LA Families Coalition. He is a member of the national Leadership Panel for the Adolescent Immunization Initiative (AII), which advocated successfully for adding a column on the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice's Center for Disease Prevention and Prevention (CDC) yearly vaccine recommendations in 2017. Dr. Brooks is often requested to speak to the media on issues related to immunizations and is a vocal and passionate advocate for reduced disparities in immunization rates among disadvantaged communities. He also is frequently asked to present to physicians and other medical groups on the science and the implementation perspective of vaccine utilization. In June 2020, Dr. Brooks asked to, and joined the ACIP COVID-19 Work Group discussing and making recommendations to the ACIP regarding (potential) COVID-19 vaccine prioritization. Dr. Brooks is a member of the Best Practices Leadership, of the Right Care University of Best Practices, a group dedicated to reducing heart disease in CA and nationally. His community service extends beyond health and wellness and includes serving as Past President of the Long Beach Museum of Art's Board of Trustees. Dr. Brooks has received numerous honors and awards; he was honored by the National Council of Negro Women, Long Beach CA for Outstanding Service to the Community and in 2017, he was the Wall of Excellence for Medicine awardee for Long Beach 2016 Black History Month. In 2019, Dr. Brooks was honored as one of the Top Blacks in Health Care by BlackDoctor.org. Dr. Brooks is a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi and Sigma Pi Phi (the Boule) fraternities. He is married to his wife of 32 years, Lisa and has two children, Alana and Joseph.

On this edition of the Black Doctors Speak Podcast, we are joined by Mark Mitchell M.D., MPH, FACPM to discuss Environmental Justice and how this impacts your health. Mark Mitchell M.D., MPH, FACPM is a senior member of our Program on Climate and Health team. A preventive medicine physician trained in environmental health and health policy, for over two decades Dr. Mitchell has worked in the public health sector -- including as Director of the Hartford, Connecticut Health Department -- and with environmental justice communities to prevent and reduce environmentally related disease and change policies that are detrimental to environmental health.  Dr. Mitchell chairs the National Medical Association's Council on Medical Legislation and co-chairs the NMA's Commission on Environmental Health. He has also served on several U.S. EPA and FDA advisory committees and has received a number of awards for his community and environmental health leadership. Dr. Mitchell earned his medical degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and his Masters of Public Health from The Johns Hopkins University, and is the principal of Mitchell Environmental Health Associates, a consulting firm on environmental health and environmental justice issues.

On this edition of the Black Doctors Speak Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Oliver Brooks to discuss talking to black parents about the COVID-19 vaccination. Oliver Tate Brooks, M.D. received his undergraduate degree in biology from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia in 1977, graduating in three years. While at Morehouse, he received the Frederick E. Mapp Prize in Biology for excellence in biology. Dr. Brooks received his medical degree in 1981 from Howard University College of Medicine, where he was a summer instructor in biochemistry. He completed a residency in Pediatrics at Children's Hospital-Oakland, where he practiced for four years before accepting a position at Watts Healthcare Corporation. Dr. Brooks is Chief Medical Officer and past Chief of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine at Watts Healthcare Corporation in Los Angeles, California (CA) where he also serves as the Medical Director of the Jordan and Locke High School Wellness Centers. He is a Medical Director for L.A. Care Health Plan, one of the nation's largest Medicaid managed care plans whose mission is “to provide access to quality health care for Los Angeles County's vulnerable and low-income communities and residents”. He holds staff appointments at Centinela Hospital in Inglewood, CA and at Martin Luther King Community Hospital in South Los Angeles, CA. Dr. Brooks is Immediate Past-Chairman of the Community Clinic Association of Los Angeles County, a consortium of 43 community health centers in the southern California area. Dr. Brooks is the immediate Past President of the National Medical Association (NMA), and has held several leadership positions within the NMA, including at the state and local level, as Past President of the Golden State (CA) Medical Association and Past President of the Miller-Lawrence Medical and Dental (local) Society. Dr. Brooks is a present Board member and Past President of the California Immunization Coalition and Chairman of the Immunize LA Families Coalition. He is a member of the national Leadership Panel for the Adolescent Immunization Initiative (AII), which advocated successfully for adding a column on the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice's Center for Disease Prevention and Prevention (CDC) yearly vaccine recommendations in 2017. Dr. Brooks is often requested to speak to the media on issues related to immunizations and is a vocal and passionate advocate for reduced disparities in immunization rates among disadvantaged communities. He also is frequently asked to present to physicians and other medical groups on the science and the implementation perspective of vaccine utilization. In June 2020, Dr. Brooks asked to, and joined the ACIP COVID-19 Work Group discussing and making recommendations to the ACIP regarding (potential) COVID-19 vaccine prioritization. Dr. Brooks is a member of the Best Practices Leadership, of the Right Care University of Best Practices, a group dedicated to reducing heart disease in CA and nationally. His community service extends beyond health and wellness and includes serving as Past President of the Long Beach Museum of Art's Board of Trustees. Dr. Brooks has received numerous honors and awards; he was honored by the National Council of Negro Women, Long Beach CA for Outstanding Service to the Community and in 2017, he was the Wall of Excellence for Medicine awardee for Long Beach 2016 Black History Month. In 2019, Dr. Brooks was honored as one of the Top Blacks in Health Care by BlackDoctor.org. Dr. Brooks is a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi and Sigma Pi Phi (the Boule) fraternities. He is married to his wife of 32 years, Lisa and has two children, Alana and Joseph.

On this edition of the Black Doctors Speak Podcast, we are joined by Asthma Specialist, Dr. Esteban González Burchard to discuss Asthma in the 21st Century and how this impacts your health. Esteban González Burchard, M.D., M.P.H. is an American physician-scientist, specializing in pulmonary and critical care medicine, asthma, genetics, gene-environment interactions, pharmacology, epidemiology, and health disparities. He is the Founder and Director of the Asthma Collaboratory and the Center for Genes, Environment, and Health at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). He is a distinguished tenured professor in the Schools of Pharmacy and Medicine at UCSF and holds dual appointments in the Department of Medicine and the Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences. Dr. Burchard is best known for his work in the health disparities of asthma. Specifically, he founded and directs the largest study of minority children with asthma in the United States, called the Asthma Translational Genomics Collaborative (ATGC). This study involves whole genome sequencing of more than 15,580 minority children with and without asthma. All children with asthma have spirometry and bronchodilator drug response measures. Burchard is also affiliated with the UCSF Institute for Human Genetics and the UCSF Lung Biology Center.

On this edition of the Black Doctors Speak Podcast, we are joined by Sleep Disorder Specialist, Dr. Jerrold Kram to discuss Sleep patterns and how this impacts your health.

On this edition of the Black Doctors Speak Podcast, we are joined by NBA Coach, Brian Shaw, to discuss Children, Sports and COVID-19 effects on children. Learn how to keep your children safe and healthy, during sports activities on this edition of our podcast.

On this edition of the Black Doctors Speak Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Samira L. Brown, Co-Founder of Little Lives PPE and Primary Care Pediatrician and Ms. Lakisha Culpepper, Garland Independent School District Liaison to the African American Community, to discuss Going Back to School and the effects of COVID-19 on children.  Learn how to keep your children safe and healthy during this pandemic on this edition of our podcast. 

On this edition of the Black Doctors Speak Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Michael A DiGiacomo, a Podiatry Specialist in Oakland, California who brings more than 46 years of diverse experience in Podiatry.  Learn more about the causes of diabetes and foot related conditions on this edition of our podcast. 

On this edition of the Black Doctors Speak Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Oliver Brooks and Dr. Dawud Lankford who are discussing ED and the signs of health problems that require treatment to help prevent more serious complications. Black men are more likely to experience ED than any other race.  Learn more about the cause of erectile dysfunction and ways to overcome this sensitive condition. 

Did you know that African Americans are three times more likely to die from asthma than other racial groups in the United States? Asthma is a serious condition that severely impacts the Black community, yet it is commonly forgotten about when discussing health conditions that impact the community. Today's episode of the Black Doctors Speak Podcast will help answer any questions you might have about this serious condition. The episode starts off with a conversation between host Dr. Michael LeNoir and Mr. Ellis Dean of Blackdoctor.org about the importance of COVID-19 vaccinations and the persisting severity of the Coronavirus. With the Delta variant spreading aggressively throughout the country, Dr. LeNoir lines up some of the reasons why people should ensure they are receiving their vaccines. Also included in this episode is a quick PSA from actor Delroy Lindo about his personal experience with the Coronavirus and the reasons why he believes people should prioritize their vaccinations. The guest joining in on this episode is Dr. LeRoy Graham, a world expert in the diagnosis and treatment of asthma. He brings his expertise to the podcast to discuss the reasons why African Americans are so heavily impacted by asthma, including environmental and historical factors. He also goes into some of the steps to diagnosing asthma, and pillars of treatment for the lifelong disease. Does marijuana have an impact on asthma severity? How do you know if your asthma is under control or if you need a new treatment plan? Tune in to this informative episode to get answers to all of your questions on asthma in the black community.

Did you know that black people are 50% more likely to die of cancer than white people? This is not the only shocking statistic surrounding cancer prevalence and treatment. This is why today's episode of Black Doctors Speak is dedicated to sharing the important information specifically surrounding prostate cancer. There are many misconceptions about prostate cancer, such as the idea that all different types and grades of this cancer are the same. Many people misunderstand the complexities, treatment options and the widespread presence of prostate cancer. Joining Dr. LeNoir for today's installment of Black Doctors Speak is a world expert in all types of prostate cancer, Dr. Mack Roach. Dr. Roach is devoted to promoting health equity for all men with prostate cancer, and is currently a professor of Radiation Oncology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). Dr. LeNoir and Dr. Roach delve into the specifics of prostate cancer in this episode, discussing the different medical screenings that are necessary for diagnosis and early intervention, how race impacts the outcomes of prostate cancer patients, and more. Dr. Roach also goes into some of the specifics of the different types of prostate cancer and ideas about why the age suggestions for prostate screenings exist. Why is prostate cancer more prevalent in black men? Is it due to racism, chronic stress, comorbidities, or is it due to the black community's reluctance to get routine tests? Hear Dr. Roach and Dr. LeNoir's thoughts about the reasons for this health disparity on this Black Doctors Speak episode. Dr. LeNoir also goes into some quick COVID-19 updates that you should be aware of at the end of this episode. Stay tuned for future Black Doctors Speak episodes on important health topics.

This week's episode of Black Doctors Speak is all about sickle cell disease. Sickle cell is a genetic blood disorder in which red blood cells become hard and appear like the C-shaped sickle tool, which can be very painful and difficult to manage. Sickle cell anemia commonly impacts the Black community, as it occurs in about 1 in every 365 Black or African American births. Even greater is the amount of Black or African American babies born with the sickle cell trait, which is about 1 in every 13. If you are curious to learn more about sickle cell, tune into this informative episode of Black Doctors Speak! Today, Dr. LeNoir opens up the episode by recognizing the importance of receiving the COVID-19 vaccination, and provides updates on the changing landscape of the virus. Following updates on the Coronavirus is an informative discussion on the ins-and-outs of sickle cell disease. To discuss this important topic, Dr. LeNoir is joined by Mr. John Burns from the Black Women's Health Imperative, an attorney and partner at Burns Brothers, a culture-driven diversity agency. Also joining in on this important episode is Dr. Doris Browne, a past President of the National Medical Association and distinguished hematologist and oncologist, as well as Mr. Ty Montgomery, running back for the New Orleans Saints, who is also a carrier of the sickle cell trait. This panel of guests dive into some of the details of sickle cell that are unknown to much of the public. They dive into the differences between the sickle cell trait and sickle cell disease, the importance of testing for the trait, as well as some complications that come with diagnosing and treating sickle cell. Mr. Montgomery offers some insight on what it was like to be a professional athlete living with the sickle cell trait, and how he handled this diagnosis throughout his personal and professional life. Mr. Burns also goes in to the specifics of what the Black Women's Health Imperative is doing to help educate the public and advocate for those living with sickle cell. Tune in to this episode to learn all about this disease that severely impacts the black community.

June is Men's Health Month, and The Black Doctors Speak Podcast is bringing you an episode all about black men's health in America. Historically and currently, black men's health outcomes are poorer than those of other communities when it comes to life expectancy, morbidity, chronic illnesses and more. A common question that is raised regarding the health of black men is; is the black community responsible for their own poor health outcomes? Or is it the fault of systemic and institutional failures that black people lack the resources to adequately care for their health? These questions and many more will be addressed by the panel of experts in this episode of Black Doctors Speak. Today's first guest is Dr. Oliver Brooks, Past President of the National Medical Association (NMA), Chief Medical Officer at Watts Healthcare, and Medical Director for LA Care Health Plan. Also featured on this episode is Dr. Rodney Hood, who is another Past President of the NMA, an Internal Medical Specialist and Managing Partner of Care View Medical Group. These two experts join Dr. LeNoir and Mr. Ellis Dean of BlackDoctor.Org for a lively and informative discussion of all things related to black men's health! Dr. LeNoir kicks off the episode by discussing the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic as it relates to the Delta strain and it's growing dominance in the United States. The doctors discuss the two-fold importance of receiving the COVID vaccination. Not only are vaccinated people protecting their own health, but they are also protecting the health of their community, families and loved ones. The guests expand on this and why receiving your vaccine is so crucial, especially for members of the black community. Following the COVID-19 updates is a lively discussion on the big questions surrounding black men and health. The experts touch on topics such as food deserts, schooling and education, exercise and racism in healthcare, which can all impact black men's health outcomes. Additionally, they touch on some of the misconceptions that bad lifestyle choices are solely to blame for the poor health seen in the black male community. Tune in to this episode to stay updated on all of the relevant topics surrounding black men's health!

Dr. Michael LeNoir and Ellis Dean from BlackDoctor.org discuss the Social Emotional Role of the Black Father with guest speaker Macheo Payne, Ed.D, Executive Director of Community and Youth Outreach. Dr. Michael LeNoir and Ellis Dean from BlackDoctor.org discuss the Social Emotional Role of the Black Father with guest speaker Macheo Payne, Ed.D, Executive Director of Community and Youth Outreach. The role of a father in a child's social emotional development is very important. Fathers have the opportunity to provide a support system which can facilitate their children's development and understanding of their emotions and relationships as they grow. This episode of the Black Doctors Speak Podcast is all about fatherhood, with an emphasis on the social emotional role of the Black father. Dr. LeNoir speaks with guest Dr. Macheo Payne, Executive Director of Community & Youth Outreach. He talks with Dr. LeNoir about the many different aspects of a father's role in the social and emotional development of their children, utilizing his own personal experiences on the successes and failures of emotional parenting. Dr. Payne also identifies parental triggers and responses to the social emotional needs of children. Also discussed in this episode are some social & emotional issues that are important to understand for progressive and supportive parenting, as well as how to engage in active listening.

The American healthcare system has a history of ignoring the health and wellness needs of Black women. Time and time again, African American women experience negative health outcomes, whether it be related to pregnancy and birth or other health related experiences. Research and statistics have revealed that this issue of poor health outcomes for Black women is a unique product of medical racism and discrimination in the United States, not a result of genetic difference between Black women and women of other races. Knowing all of this information, the question remains, what can be done to reconcile these health disparities being faced by so many African American women? This episode of Black Doctors Speak will explore these timely, complex issues that Black women are facing. Dr. LeNoir is joined by a number of guests on this episode to discuss these important topics. Firstly, we hear from Dr. LaTonya Washington, President of the Bluff City Medical Society, which has worked for decades to eradicate health disparities. Dr. Washington & Dr. LeNoir engage in an informational discussion on why the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted Black and brown communities, and the importance of receiving the COVID vaccinations. Next, Dr. LeNoir is accompanied by Dr. Kanika Harris, a health equity strategist, birth justice advocate and expert on maternal health from the Black Women's Health Imperative, as they explore a number of topics related to the health of Black women in America. The Black Women's Health Imperative is dedicated to fighting for the health equality of Black women, and this episode of Black Doctors Speak will give insight into the issues being faced by Black women, including COVID-19, maternal health and more! This episode also features Kineta Sealey, Esq. who works as the policy counsel for the Black Women's Health Imperative. She shares some details with Dr. LeNoir about legislation which would advocate for and protect Black women's health, and discusses how things such as climate change can exacerbate inequality in health outcomes.

This discussion on what the Asthma and Allergy provides for patients with these problems. No one should be sick with asthma. In addition, they have been working on the issue of COVID in underserved communities and with a church based asthma program called NOT ONE MORE LIFE..founded by Dr. Leroy Graham...a template on how Black Churches can impact the asthma crisis in the African American community. Dr. Michael LeNoir is joined by Tonya Winders is on the Board of Directors of the American Respiratory Care Foundation and is the current president of the Global Allergy & Airways Patient Platform representing more than 50 respiratory patient organizations throughout the world.

Dr. Michael LeNoir and Ellis Dean from BlackDoctor.org discuss the  impact of racism on the health of African Americans. What is unique about this discussion is how racism affects the health of all people in this society.

If you're a Human Service Worker, caregiver, or you work with at-risk populations as a counselor, social worker, parole officer, medical or mental health professional, or in any of the dozens of helping professions, Surviving Compassion Fatigue: Help for those who help others is for you. You will learn about one woman's physical and emotional descent due to years of self-neglect. You will also learn about her recovery as well as how to serve and care for others without forgetting to take care of yourself.This book is full of practical wisdom and advice for those in the helping professions and caregivers. It tells Beverly's story, as well as the stories of others who have neglected their own self-care. But more than that, it educates those in the helping professions and in caregiver roles about the importance of strategies for consistent self-care. Find out how you may be putting yourself at risk and learn skills, techniques and strategies to restore and maintain self regulation, physical and emotional wellness and inner calm while still caring for those in need. You owe it to yourself.

Diabetes impacts every 1-in-10 people and prediabetes impacts every 1-in-3, with rates being among the highest for African Americans. Coupled with the fact that diabetes dramatically increases your chances of having a stroke or heart attack, and is a contributing factor to many other health issues, it's easy to see why we must take this seriously. So, what can we do to avoid falling victim to this crippling disease?   Dr. LeNoir is joined by Dr. Lenore Coleman, a Pharmacist and Founder of Healing Our Village, as they offer you the tools you need to prevent and manage diabetes.

This year has been an endless cycle of adjusting to “new normals”. Whether it's having to shelter-in-place, being displaced from a job, losing a loved one, or the strain of not being able to be around family and friends, the impact this year has had on the mental health of people is not to be taken lightly. So, how do we cope during this unprecedented pandemic?    Dr. LeNoir is joined by Dr. Leesha Ellis-Cox, a Board Certified Child, Adolescent, & Adult Psychiatrist, and Wellness Strategist, as they offer you the tools you need to assess and manage your mental health during these trying times.    For helpful resources, including a self-help calendar, please go to: https://mailchi.mp/aawellnessproject/selfcare-calendar

Sports are an international commonality, transcending culture, class, and creed. From playing out in the yard, to school teams and travel leagues, more and more children are enjoying active extracurricular activities. But, as the drive to be the best is fueling “pro-like” programs in youth leagues, are we really doing what's best for our children's health?  Dr. LeNoir is joined by Dr. Warren Strudwick, an Orthopedic and Sports Specialist and former team physician for the Oakland Raiders, as they look at the impact that playing sports has on young people.   Later in the program, Dr. Rahn Kennedy Bailey, an author, and Chief Medical Officer of The Kedren Community Health Center drops by to discuss his new book: Intimate Partner Violence.

African American culture and healthcare have always seemed to be conflicting terms. We've seen our communities have their insurance coverage stripped away, implicit-biases in primary physician care, and healthcare companies continue to raise their prices－with the burden being felt most by communities of color. But, with a new administration that is promising action, have we finally reached the turning point?  Dr. LeNoir is joined by Dr. Mark Smith, a board-certified Internist and Former President & Chief Executive Officer Alumnus of the California Health Care Foundation, as they explore what the future of healthcare looks like for our people.

With everything that has been happening in our country and our lives, it has been easy for many to overlook the importance of health and wellness. While we all feel like we are trying to balance a multitude of tasks and responsibilities, we must all take a moment and ask: How do we take better care of ourselves?  Dr. LeNoir is joined by Jamil Frazier, an author, speaker, and CEO of Think Life is Different, as they offer you life-changing health and wellness tips, as well as the tools you need to get motivated.  For a $50 discount on Health and Wellness coaching visit: https://mailchi.mp/cb4d5b4f93e6/monique-optavia

October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. Although this can impact anyone, Black women have among the highest rates of miscarriage and baby loss. While socio-economic issues, implicit bias, and health equity are major factors, the real question is: How do we heal once it has happened?   Dr. LeNoir is joined by Dr. Chanda Nicole Holsey, a Health Services Consultant and Founder of Healthy Aims for Little Ones and Families, as they take you through their personal experiences and the tools they used to cope.  For a downloadable resource on pregnancy loss and infant loss visit www.aawellnessproject.org

Your health is your most important asset and it needs to be protected. However, many of us go into the healthcare system ill-equipped for the potential challenges and hurdles that can be faced. So, how do you take charge of your health?      Dr. LeNoir is joined by Dr. Glenda F. Newell, a Board Certified physician in Internal Medicine, and co-author of the book, “Focus on Your Best Health: Smart Guide to the Health Care You Deserve,” as they give you the tools you need to succeed.

Your feet are your body's natural form of transportation but, much like a car, they require the right features and maintenance to keep them running smoothly. As a majority of people deal with some type of foot problem, what steps can be taken to not only treat but also prevent many of the more common ones?    Dr. LeNoir is joined by Dr. Michael DiGiacomo, a Podiatrist and a former pro sports consultant, as they offer can't miss information to keep you on your feet and healthy!

At a time where racial, social, and political divides are sweeping our country, a bastion of hope is just 33 days away: Election Day. African Americans are considered one of the most important voting groups, yet it's been easy to feel like the system hasn't always done right by us. So why should we show up and what's on the ballot for our community?   Dr. LeNoir is joined by Dr. Oliver Brooks, a past President of the National Medical Association, as they examine the potential impact of the upcoming election on our health and our people.

Air is necessary for life, but social, economic, and racial factors impact not only the quality of the air we breathe but also our bodies' ability to do so. As African Americans and other people of color are often more susceptible to diseases that limit our ability to breathe properly, how is it possible for our community to ever “take a deep breath,” especially given our current health crisis?   Dr. Lenoir is joined by Dr. LeRoy Graham, a Pediatric Pulmonary Specialist and Founder of Not One More Life as they breakdown asthma and its relation to our current pandemic. 

You become a doctor because you have an unwavering desire to help and heal. You go through years of schooling, work long hours, and take late-night emergency calls﹣all with the intention of saving others. But, what happens when the doctor becomes the one that suddenly needs treatment?  Dr. Lenoir is joined by Dr. Mack Roach III, a Professor of Radiation Oncology and Urology at the University of California San Francisco, and Urology Specialist Dr. Dawud O. Lankford as they give us a behind the scenes look at his diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. 

Becoming a Doctor is hard enough, but trying to do it while Black is a different experience entirely. As the future of our health equity hinges on putting more Black Doctors into the workforce, how do they navigate this challenging, yet necessary, path? Dr. LeNoir is joined by Jenay Powell, a fourth-year medical student, and CEO of The White Coats Black Doctors Foundation, as well as Teneshia Patton, a third-year medical student, and the Associate Director of WCBD as they take us through their journey to physicianhood. 

Food is something that unites us, it brings us together with our families, and represents a major part of our culture. But, access to quality ingredients has been hard for our people to come by. With prices continuing to rise and the health gap worsening, how do we balance our diet, while also balancing our budget?  Dr. LeNoir is joined by celebrity Chef Nikki Shaw, as they dive into the culture behind our food choices, the small adjustments that we all can make, and how they impact our overall health. 

With misinformation at an all-time high and representation mattering more than ever, it is imperative that we craft and control our own narratives--particularly around the health and wellness of our people. So, how do we build platforms that are truly for us, by us?  Dr. LeNoir is joined by Reginald “Reggie” Ware, Founder and CEO of BlackDoctor.org as they explore their path to building advocacy initiatives and the future of the healthcare media industry. 

The history of Black people in this country is no great secret. While we know that slavery was never truly abolished－just renamed and reformed through Jim Crow, systemic racism, and oppression－are the health issues we face today a direct result of our slave descendency? Dr. LeNoir is joined by Dr. Rodney Hood, Internal Medicine Specialist, and the 101st President of the National Medical Association as they talk through a past that still has lingering effects and provide action steps for a better future.

Our society has been shifted by the growing presence of the Coronavirus and, as always, Black women are hit with the brunt of the work. As our lives change by the day, how do we take care of ourselves, each other, and our communities? Dr. LeNoir is joined by Dr. Sharon D. Allison-Ottey, CEO of CARLDEN Inc., Beautiful Woman Inside and Out, and Executive Director of The COSHAR Foundation. Together, they discuss empowerment, advocacy, and how to cope with this new way of life.