PulsePoint

Association of Black Women Physicians’Newsletter

Beyond the Oath…

Each year the Association of Black Women Physicians gathers to review their path of serving the underserved; educating the populations that most need health education; and supporting Black female medical students.  The quiet efforts of this physicians organization is unparalleled by other non-profits in the health realm.
The ABWP opted to host their annual 2007 Medical Conference /Strategic Planning Retreat titled “Nurturing the Spirit Within….Balancing Our Role as Healers” at the exclusive Ritz-Carlton in Marina Del Rey on March 30th through April 1st, 2007.  Sponsors for this event included:  MetLife; Los Angeles County Medical Association; Roche; Alcon; Kaiser Permanente; and GlaxoSmithKline.

This season change was quite different for the membership.  In all other years, the event happened in the month of November.  The overwhelming consensus was to re-position this meeting to spring.  The members viewed this as an analogy to a rebirth and would be inspirational in kicking off the next quarter of a century of operations.

On Friday evening the retreat was ignited by bringing together Black professionals in the Los Angeles area.  There was close to four hundred men and women in attendance at this mixer spearheaded by the retreat planning committee.  The network included professionals from fields of television; medicine; finance and business community; real estate; acting and filming industry; entertainment; therapists; social services; and many others.  Other organizations have requested the ABWP to join them in future type events due to the success.

The second day was as remarkable as well.  Saturday began with a presentation on Metabolic Syndrome by one of ABWP’s own member.  This was followed by the organization’s dynamic, Program Developer facilitating an intriguing and explicit discussion of reflecting on the reason each physician joined and planning out the goals of upcoming years.  The discussion evolved into reconnecting with the vision of the association.  As well, participants attended a lunch presentation on Asthma by Cassandra M. Richards, M.D.

Dancercise; yoga and meditation were offered in the afternoon to the physicians for a relaxing strategic planning ending.  Members left this portion of the day’s events with an increased sense of pride and respect for their work.  The evening concluded with a dinner discussion on lupus.  Sponsored by the Lupus Society, the presentation was interesting and thorough.  The ABWP and Charles Drew Medical Society participated as co-sponsors.

The three day event concluded with a Sunday Brunch Harbor Cruise.  The live jazz aboard was provided by the noted founder of the Association of Black Cardiologist, Richard Allen Williams, M.D. whose incredible musical skills were showcased. LACMA’s President Ralph Di Libero, MD, Mrs. Di Libero and Joy Simmons attended, mingled and enjoyed the cruise with the association.

The following is a condensed synopsis of the historical passion of the ABWP organization.  The ABWP as it is affectionately referred to by partners in the medical and health care community has stood strong as a non-profit for over 25 years.  It is composed entirely of Black Female physicians who volunteer their time and energies.  Roberta Doucet, M.D. an anesthesiologist with Kaiser Permanently for over 17years states, “The Association of Black Women Physicians was there when I needed them the most.  They gave me the support and connection I needed as a fresh medical student just attempting to get grounded in my professional career.  I was a scholarship recipient.  Those funds not only helped me financially but gave me a sense of responsibility to other Black females who went through similar experiences in my training.  I am forever grateful for their support; insight and wisdom in providing this vehicle for connection to others like myself”.  Dr. Doucet is currently the presiding executive board president of the Association of Black Women Physicians for 2007.  This is the 25th Silver Anniversary.  Dr. Doucet feels her experience has come full circle.  She attributes much of her success to the association and is tremendously appreciative.  She chooses to use her energies in fund raising for scholarships and rigorously pursues expansion of its membership base. 

The Association of Black Women Physicians began in 1982 in a meeting organized by Jessie L Sherrod, M.D., M.P.H, and its founder president.  Fifty African American women physicians and medical students met to share their experiences and to discuss career development. The women recognized the need for organized support for Black women pursuing professions in medicine.  The group officially adopted the name set their goals into a mission statement, formed by-laws and set about doing heroic work.

The ABWP is also very fortunate to have its original founder attend meetings and she is active in many aspects of its present day operations.  The organization also has the privilege of having the majority of its charter members involvement.

The association has grown to nearly 500 African American women physicians in practice and training in Southern California and surrounding areas.  Their outstanding record is reflected in the areas of mentoring program and physicians matching to medical students; scholarship awards-over $500,000.00 has been given to date; community outreach programs; health education programs and hundreds of collaborative efforts. 
ABWP has thrived for over a quarter of a century and is the longest running Black female physician group in the nation.  It celebrates 25 years of dedicated service.

Their mission is most simply conveyed as follows:

The ABWP is an organized network of Black women Physicians committed to the improvement of public health and welfare through the advancement of knowledge concerning women and community health.  We serve as a philanthropic source of funds to individuals and projects related to the health concerns of the Black community.  We endeavor to enhance the personal and professional quality of life of present and future Black Women physicians.

The signature programs of the ABWP are currently:

Sister to Sister Mentoring

Scholarship

Weighting2Exhale

Where ever there is a call or health need, the Association of Black Women Physicians has responded with vigor and support.  The following is an incredible list of recent year’s involvement:

Minority AIDS Walk; Cardiovascular Project, “The Hearts of Black Folk”; Weighting 2Exhale; Black Women Lawyers Joint Symposium; NMA Canyon Ranch-Disparities in Wellness; Beauty and Health Symposium; Advocacy and an ABWP organized tennis tournament.

Its philanthropic efforts are exhibited through the Annual Charity and Scholarship our 27th Annual Charity and Scholarship Benefit; the Jenesee Center; LA Teenshop; the Holiday Party and Toy Drive; Real Men Cook prostate Screenings; 100 Black men Young Black Scholars and networking with many other health partners.

Professional development is accomplished through a number of venues including; General Meetings; Sister2Sister Mentoring Programs; Physician Family gatherings; Theater Nights; Medical Education and Strategic Planning Conference and a host of physician related activities.

Anyone seeking more information about the Association of Black Women Physicians may visit their website at:  www.blackwomenphysicians.org or by calling their administrative office at 310 364-1438.