Thank You For Being Such A Vital Part Of Our Team, Justin W.! We Look Forward To Sharing More About You So Others Can Get To Know You Better!
Tell us a bit about your backstory and what led you down your current life path.
I was born and raised in Chicago, primarily raised by my nurse grandmother and dentist mother, who instilled in me the values of compassion, humility, patience, and grace in healthcare. Inspired by their example, I developed a service-oriented mindset. In college, my affinity for math and science led me to study neuroscience, where I researched neuroimmunology related to opioid abuse. Simultaneously, I discovered a passion for service through teaching and volunteering, engaging as a peer tutor, volunteering at underserved schools, and contributing to Barnes Jewish Children’s Hospital. Combining my love for scientific inquiry, service, and healthcare, I aim to become a physician. This role, akin to a researcher, involves gathering information, asking questions, and drawing conclusions. It’s rooted in service, demanding patience, adaptability, and compassion to guide individuals in making optimal decisions for their well-being.
What or who inspired you to pursue your career?
Shadowing a friend, a psychiatrist in St. Louis, made me seriously consider becoming a physician. I observed the hesitation among Black Americans in accepting prescriptions, reluctance to share stories, and discomfort in body language. This resonated with my past and my father, who avoided over-the-counter medicine. I’ve experienced both the power of healthcare and the lack of trust in my community. My education dispelled my fear, emphasizing the importance of patient-provider honesty. Despite literature advocating in-group relations for patient trust, there’s a shortage of African American male physicians. This motivates me to be part of the solution, restoring faith in the medical system for our community’s well-being, both physically and mentally.
What is one thing you are most proud of achieving in your life?
I am proud that I am doing what I said I wanted to do. Many of the things that I desired to have growing up are slowly coming to fruition. I have always wanted to have long hair, and I have recently grown my hair long. I wanted to be strong and in good shape, and I have been able to achieve this through a consistent regime of strength training. I have wanted to become a physician for so long, and I recently overcame one of the biggest hurdles for getting there (getting into medical school). Overall, I think I am most proud of my ability to stay consistent with setting and making goals for myself.
None of us can achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person you are grateful for who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story?
I’m grateful to Marwa Mikati for making science a welcoming space for me. In the summer of 2021, I entered a wet research lab, initially feeling nervous and afraid to make mistakes. Marwa’s mentorship was patient, rigorous, and inclusive. She affirmed my successes and guided me through challenges, such as learning stereotaxic injections in the brain. Despite the lengthy process, she stayed with me, fostering my confidence in both science and the importance of asking questions and learning from mistakes. Her support greatly contributed to my development.
What do you enjoy most about teaching/tutoring?
I find joy in guiding students to their best selves. Teaching is most rewarding when witnessing a student’s growth, particularly when they initially doubt their abilities. I recall working with Sam, a struggling trigonometry student. By adapting our approach, emphasizing positive reinforcement, and encouraging independent problem-solving, Sam’s confidence soared. He went from hoping to pass to earning a B+, surprising everyone. The gratitude expressed by Sam’s mother for our assistance, after years of struggles, made the experience uniquely fulfilling.
What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I tend to be on my feet. I do strength training most days of the week, and I also play tennis pretty frequently. I recently got back into gymnastics, which I did quite a bit when I was much younger. When I’m at home, I like to draw, watercolor paint, and play the piano.
Tell us about an amazing trip you took. Where did you go and what did you enjoy most?
This past summer I traveled to Ghana. This was my first time traveling to the continent of Africa so I was extremely excited when I was told in January that we would be going in the summer for my mom’s birthday. It was beautiful to see the strong sense of community the people in Bortianor (where we stayed) had, and how everyone knew each other and was quick to express it. We traveled throughout Ghana, with my favorite destination being the western edge of the country near Togo, where the Wli Waterfalls resided. That day we hiked the mountain, went into the waterfall, and cooked with locals on top of the mountain.
Is there a particular book that made a significant impact on you? What is it and why did it resonate with you?
Thich Nhat Hanh, “The Heart of Buddha’s Teaching” opened my eyes to a new form of thinking and adapting to what the world throws at me. The book is centered around the teachings of Buddha and explains how we can embrace and end suffering through mindfulness. This resonated with me because I have always viewed suffering as a negative process. One of the core truths of Buddhism, however, is that suffering is not only universal but necessary in the path towards peace. Sometimes to move forward you have to take a step backward, and the four noble truths do a great job of outlining this idea.
The road to success is difficult and requires tremendous dedication. What advice would you give to a young person who aspires to follow in your footsteps and emulate your success? Focus
Everyone grows and develops at a different pace and at a different point in time. There is no set way to live, no set date when you have to have all the answers and be solidified in what you are doing with your life. If you knew them already, you would have no more living and learning to do! It is ok to make mistakes, to fail, to be unsure. I would argue it is necessary for growth because acknowledging them teaches you how to ask questions and adapt to difficult situations. It is ok to be upset when things do not go according to plan but in these instances remember to be kind to yourself—don’t dwell on the negatives too long and remember how far you have come to be where you are now. Celebrate your successes when they come!
Please share your favorite Life Lesson quote. How is it relevant to your life?“
“If it was easy, everyone would do it”. I love this quote and I have it written on the front of my journals and also on my magnetic fridge calendar. It is relevant to my life because there have been many instances where I have felt defeated and wanted to give up. But then I remembered that the lifestyle that I wish to craft is unique to me —there would be millions of people exactly like me doing exactly what I want to be doing if it was easy to do.
