Physician-Scientist. Tillman Scholar. Health Disparities Advocate. Fortune 500 Keynote Speaker. Community Cultivator. ChangeMaker.
“I love my Louisiana accent, and I’m not going to try to lose it in order to fit the mold of what is commonly thought of as an English-speaking doctor.” In the medical field, there’s often an unspoken pressure to conform to a certain standard, including how we speak. As a Black physician with a Louisiana accent, I embrace my roots and refuse to alter my voice to fit someone else’s idea of what a doctor should sound like. This extends beyond me—many of my colleagues with origins outside of the United States face similar pressures to get rid of their indigenous accents to fit the culture of healthcare. This pressure to change not only impacts our mental health but also strips away a vital part of our identity. Our accents are a reflection of our culture, our history, and our experiences. Asking us to eliminate them is like asking us to erase a part of ourselves. This can lead to a sense of loss and diminished self-worth, affecting our overall well-being. Moreover, our unique accents and cultural backgrounds are essential in providing equitable and culturally sound healthcare to our patients. When patients hear a familiar accent, it can foster a sense of trust and connection. It shows them that we understand their experiences and backgrounds, which is crucial for effective communication and care. Healthcare should celebrate diversity in all its forms, including the way we speak. By embracing our accents, we not only honor our heritage but also enhance our ability to connect with and serve our patients. Let’s continue to advocate for a more inclusive and culturally competent healthcare system where everyone feels valued and respected. Support The 15 White Coats by purchasing a sweatshirt at www.15WC.org and please tell your friends about our nonprofit that is helping in every way to diversify healthcare through scholarships. The best part is that none of us as leaders of this organization get paid, and all of us are minority physicians! #CulturalCompetence #HealthEquity #BlackMenInMedicine #DiversityInHealthcare #PatientCare #MentalHealth #InclusiveHealthcare #RepresentationMatters #15WhiteCoats #SupportDiversity #Nonprofit #Scholarships
I love the accent and following your every post!
We all have accents depending on the area of the country we were raised…….Southern- Alabama, GA, LA (all unique), Northeast (Boston, no r’s). I have been asked about my accent, but always proud of it. I think you said it best: “When patients hear a familar accent, it can foster a sense of connection.” It is the same when you look like someone else (halo effect), it also fosters a sense of connection. In this changing world, we need diversity for people to find a connection.
It was a long time ago but when I went to college I thought that I had changed the way that a speak so that I would not sound so much like a hick being rom a more rural area. I say I thought because people still asked me where I came from, my answer "parts unknown". Going to college was the first time that I was around anyone knew or outside of the area that I lived for extended periods of time. I was a little nervous.
Showing up as your authentic self means everything…it’s especially important for patients who look like you. They can see themselves in you which is inspiring. I’d also argue it creates better patient care and increases trust in the patient-doctor relationship. ✊🏽
We all have accents and some of us have hard to pronounce last names too tied to our unique cultures of origin. America was, is and forever a country built by many hands, our freedoms blood bought by the same diverse people who gave the ultimate price in multiple wars before and after Independence. Our #diversity is our strength if we choose to make it so. No culture, "race" or tribe is superior to another. We are all #Americans and fellow humans. Keep shining your light in your authentic self accent and all, Russell J. Ledet, M.D., Ph.D., M.B.A. !!
That's exactly how I feel being from GA. I live in L.A. now and it's seems like every accent is acceptable except for American Southern Accents, especially if you're AA. I tell people all the time my accent is not the problem, fix ya ears.
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Fantastic!!! God be praised, my Brother!
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3wI love your voice, I think it sounds fantastic This whole “conform or get out” thing really needs to be tossed in the rubbish Keep being you no matter what, we need authenticity nowadays