In honor of Black History Month, we reflect on the incredible achievements and contributions Blacks and African Americans have made in our nation’s history. Many of them have broken barriers to conducting research, discovering new treatments, and provide leadership to change the face of medicine in America.Â
These efforts continue today with many TPMG providers who are committed to closing the gaps of inequality in health care and improving the health outcomes of Black and African Americans in our community. As we reflect on these milestones we want to share the inspiring work of many of our providers. These individuals are guided by our core values: excellence, belonging, diversity, compassion, professionalism, and innovation. Â
Valerie Harvey, MD, MPH, FAAD
TPMG Dermatologist, Valerie Harvey, MD, MPH, FAAD, is committed to reducing health disparities among underrepresented groups and educating the dermatology workforce on conditions that disproportionately affect minority groups. She is an active leader in our community and serves as the President of the Virginia branch Skin of Color Society.
TPMG Urologist, Ifeanyi Ani, MD is passionate about raising awareness and educating the Hampton Roads community about the impacts of prostate cancer. Age and race are two of the greatest risk factors for men. African Americans pose the highest incidence rates of prostate cancer in the U.S. Â
TPMG General Surgeon, Steven Hopson, MD, FACS, is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and expertise in hernia repairs through hands-on training and lectures. His efforts include international education during a hernia workshop held at Edenvale Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa. The hospital hopes to expand services to local patients by offering a dedicated hernia center, which would make it the first public hospital in the Gauteng region to offer this type of service.Â
Clinical Research Director, Linda G.P. Schneider, MD of TPMG’s Clinical Research Division in Newport News partners with Black Health Matters, an organization that works to raise awareness about illness and diseases, which disproportionately affect African American communities. Through their partnership, Dr. Schneider promotes her Chronic Kidney Disease clinical trials. According to the National Kidney Foundation, African Americans are three times more likely to experience kidney failure than white Americans.Â
TPMG Rheumatologist, Kristi V. Mizelle, MD, MPH, FACR, advocates providing the highest level of care no matter a patient’s race or ethnicity. She actively works with multiple pharmaceutical companies to disseminate educational information on health disparities and adverse health outcomes in vulnerable populations. She also participates in direct patient education programs to help empower disadvantaged populations to take an active role in their health.