BlackDoctor.org Thought Leadership Summit Addresses Healthcare’s Most Critical Issues

The energy was electrifying as some of the nation’s most influential Black healthcare leaders convened at BlackDoctor.org’s (BDO) 10th Annual Thought Leadership Summit for a dynamic morning of insightful discussions. The summit, held at the Fontainebleau Miami, addressed some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the health and well-being of the Black community.

Followed by a networking breakfast, the day commenced with welcoming remarks from Shari Beagelman, Chief of Staff, and Reggie Ware, CEO, of BlackDoctor.org, which set the stage for a day of insightful discussion and collaborative solution-building. 

The Future of Health

Moderator: Kerri Gober, American Cancer Society

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Panelists:

1. Jude Ngang, Executive Director of Global Access & Use Evidence Generation, Amgen
2. Niesha Foster, Vice President, Global Health & Social Impact and Co-chair, Multicultural Health Equity Collective, Pfizer
3. Lissiah Hundley, Global Head of DEI, UCB

Gober guided a compelling conversation around the evolving landscape of healthcare. The panelists explored conversations such as the impact of technology, the importance of preventative care, and what needs to be done to dismantle systemic barriers and create a healthier future for all communities.

Leading with Impact: Advancing Dermatology for Every Shade of Care

Moderator: Jade Curtis, Executive Editor, BlackDoctor.org 

Panelists:

1. Rhonda Peebles, Head of Dermatology
2. Tiffany Crawford, Head of Marketing, Derm
3. Cheryl Westbrook, Brand Lead, HS
4. Logan Howard, Associate Director, Head of Consumer Marketing, HS
5. Charity Williams, Director, HS Consumer Marketing Lead
6. Ellisha Clay, Executive Assistant, UCB

Led by Jade Curtis, panelists explored some of the biggest dermatology challenges impacting Black Americans such as misdiagnosis and lack of culturally competent care. The panelists also explored what needs to be done to advance equitable dermatological care, including the need for greater representation in research and clinical trials and the importance of arming patients with knowledge about their skin health.

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Storytelling & Battling Health Misinformation  

Moderator: Eric Weisberg, Global Chief Creative Officer, Havas

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Panelists:

1. Emma Andrews, Vice President, Global Patient Advocacy, Pfizer
2. Andre Gray, Chief Creative Officer, Havas
3. Derrick Lane, Chief Marketing Officer, BDO
4. Alan Balch, CEO, Patient Advocate Foundation

Drawing inspiration from the article “Battling Health Misinformation: a Crisis of Trust,” the “Storytelling & Battling Health Misinformation” panel highlighted the vital role authentic storytelling plays helping in patients navigate the complex landscape of health information.

The panelist also explored how compelling narratives can resonate with diverse audiences, build trust in healthcare information, and empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health.

Access to Care: Uncovering Barriers to Clinical Trials and More

Moderator: Ellis Dean, marketing manager, MSM (Morehouse School of Medicine)

Panelists:

1. Sandra (Oyemola) Ajisafe, PharmD, Executive Director, National Accounts, Genentech
2. Mitzi Joi Williams, MD, Founding Medical Director at Joi Life Wellness Group Neurology Center
3. Craig Emmitt Cole, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Dept of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine
4. Katie Wozniak. Vice President, Clinical Research, Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation
5. Elaine Barfield, MD, Associate Director, Medical Affairs, Takeda

Systemic barriers often hinder communities of color from participating in clinical trials and accessing quality healthcare. To explore how we can combat this, the panelists gathered for a conversation about what can be done to dismantle these barriers and foster greater inclusivity in research and care delivery.

Get your Skin in the Game

“Get your Skin in the Game” featured Marla Littlejohn, Head of Dermatology Pipeline Commercial Strategy at AbbVie, and Dr. Gigi, Founder of the Rodham Institute gathering for a dynamic conversation about the latest advancements and strategies in skincare for diverse skin tones.

Obesity as a Disease 

Moderator: Derrick Lane, CMO, BlackDoctor.org 

Panelists:

1. Sylvia Shubert, US Therapeutic Area Head, Obesity
2. Dr. Virginia Caine, President, NMA

The event concluded with an “Obesity as a Disease fireside chat moderated by Derrick Lane for an enlightening conversation on the critical shift in understanding obesity as a chronic disease and the importance of destigmatizing the condition.

Bringing the leading Black voices in healthcare together to address critical health issues and drive meaningful change for the Black community is only the beginning. BDO remains committed to the fight towards a more equitable and healthier future.