ABIM Foundation reposted this
So grateful for the authentic accompaniment and pragmatic solidarity of our entire teaching team, with Pedja Stojicic, MD, MPH , Brooklyn Communities Collaborative and Gretchen Susi, K. Torian Easterling, East Brooklyn Call to Action, Bruce Richard, Francois-Edy Philippe, Roger Green, Michelle Morse, Bram Wispelwey, Loretta Ross, Lloyd Goldsamt, and support, guidance and wisdom from our internal teams Conrad Fischer, Chris Paras, DO, FACP, Raquel McDaniel, Jeffannie O'Garro, Andrea Schulters, and Omega Augustus, Fernanda Kupferman. Grateful also to ABIM Foundation and The New York Women's Foundation for supporting this work! Onwards and upwards, together!
Health Advocacy | Community Organizing | Adjunct Lecturer at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health | Executive Director at People Power Health | Lifelong Activist
As I sit down to reflect on the past year, I’m filled with a deep sense of gratitude and awe. On August 8th, we wrapped up a year-long journey with One Brooklyn Health, and it’s hard to put into words just how powerful this experience has been for me. When I first started working with the medical residents at One Brooklyn Health, I didn’t quite know what to expect. Many of them came from different parts of the world, bringing with them unique perspectives and experiences. But what struck me most was how quickly they connected with the community in Brooklyn and how deeply they embraced the idea of fairness for everyone as a prerequisite for health. Watching these residents, who initially seemed so different from one another, come together with a shared purpose was truly inspiring. As we were teaching them about the history of inequities and community organizing, they weren’t just learning about medicine—they were learning about what it means to care for a community, to listen, and to lead with empathy. One Brooklyn Health has its challenges, like many healthcare organizations, but what stood out to me was the unwavering commitment to the people they serve. This commitment was reflected in the incredible leadership of Sophia Kostelanetz, K. Torian Easterling, and the other residency program directors at OBH. And I can’t forget the invaluable contributions of Gretchen Susi, Bruce Richard, and Roger Green from Brooklyn Community Collaborative, who supported and guided us every step of the way. Special thanks goes to Conrad Fischer and Chris Paras, DO, FACP, for seeing the vision beyond the surface and creating the space for this work to happen. This year wasn’t just about teaching or mentoring—it was about witnessing transformation. Seeing these clinicians grow, not just as doctors or nurses but as compassionate leaders, has been one of the most rewarding experiences this year for which I’m deeply grateful. I’m excited to see how these young clinicians will continue to make a difference in their communities in and beyond Brooklyn. #community #healthcare #residents