Today, we sit down with Dr. Jarren Section, M.D., and discuss his journey in Medicine as a Black American male. Dr. Section is a fellowship-trained spine surgeon with expertise in treating various cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spinal conditions. He specializes in procedures ranging from minimally invasive to complex reconstructive spinal surgeries.
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Interviewer: Hello, Dr. Section, thank you for making time for us today. As we begin, could you tell me about your upbringing and what early experiences and influences led you to become a physician?
When I was young, my mother was a military nurse, and I had the opportunity to meet different individuals she worked with, including physicians. Meeting these physicians led to my extreme curiosity about what it meant to be a doctor and how positively people in their profession could affect the lives of others. That is where my journey into Medicine began. As a child of military parents, I learned early on the importance of taking pride in sacrificing for the well-being of others. Due to the military, I became accustomed to change and meeting new people. Our family took immense pride in athletics. As an athlete myself, I developed a great understanding of how important it was to work as a team. Every person on the team has an individual vital role that can directly affect the success of the whole. My early childhood perspectives helped my efforts to collaborate and problem-solve as a physician and member of a medical practice.
One of my most significant mentors during medical training was Dr. Douglas Dickson. He’s an orthopedic spine surgeon, and working with him inspired me to specialize in the spine. He often told me about his visits to Ghana, where he took part in performing spine surgeries for an underserved population. He was a selfless person, to say the least. Every step of the way during my residency, his guidance was vital to helping me navigate my training and the hardships I faced in the process.
Interviewer: Can you share with us what challenges you faced and how you overcame those challenges?
Early in my medical training, I realized that as a Black American male, not many faces looked like mine. Generally speaking, my peers seemed less naturally inclined to befriend or associate with me. Overall, I never thought it was ill-intended. As I recognized that my cultural and ethnic background was less common within the medical profession, others did as well. Thankfully, my colleagues and I discovered that we are more alike than our culture and color would suggest. As I built connections and made friendships, the social barriers began to break down. Today, my lifelong friendships are with people who look quite different. Being a person of color in a profession where most do not look like me has provided a perspective that has allowed me to advocate for people of various minority backgrounds in many situations. For example, it has helped me understand how those of other cultures or who may not speak fluent English could feel marginalized by the medical community when seeking medical treatment.
I believe those with the ability to make a difference also have the responsibility to make a difference, and every chance I get, I try to do just that. Not every person has the same background, nor will they have the same degree of parental guidance and influence when it comes to academics. Not every person will have access to the same resources or knowledge that influence their decision to seek a medical career. As a unique face in Medicine, I hope to inspire people of all backgrounds.
Interviewer: What career advice would you give those looking to become a physician?
For those just beginning their journey, I would remind them that they can achieve anything they dream of by working hard and remembering that achieving their dream is possible. Becoming a doctor is an arduous process, but it is rewarding as well. Patience and a strong work ethic are what it takes. Always stay resilient and be willing to learn. There is no process of becoming better without failure, and there is no better superpower than believing in yourself.
Interviewer: How has the leadership encouraged diversity at Lone Star Orthopaedic and Spine Specialists?
Lone Star does an exceptional job of creating an inclusive environment. Our providers and staff come from a diverse set of ethnicities and backgrounds. We work hard to ensure everyone has a voice and intentionally build an atmosphere of mutual respect. Additionally, we have specific activities that emphasize appreciation for the dedication of our staff. I think that our patients recognize and appreciate this about us.
The community we serve is rapidly growing with an increasing variety of cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds. At Lone Star Orthopaedic, we embrace diversity and are better because of it. Our intentional diversity allows us to understand and relate to the community we serve. As physicians, we may not always look like the patients we serve or share the same customs or backgrounds, but we are here to help. I am proud to be a bridge to mutual understanding, respect, and trust between my cultural and medical community.
Interviewer: Thank you for sharing your journey, opinions, and time with us, Dr. Section.
Of course.