An exclusive interview: Driving meaningful change in healthcare diversity, equity, and inclusion

I always wanted to be in healthcare. I would say I was probably one of those kids that always knew that I wanted to take care of people. My earliest memory was probably at the age of four, and wanting to be a pediatrician. In my first year [of college], I still was sure that I was going to be a pediatrician. I was a biology pre med major. My first year classes were surrounded by [chemistry classes].

My second semester, I looked at my list of classes and met with my advisor, and I saw that I was gonna have to take inorganic and organic chemistry. I was like, no, I'm not going to take those two classes. And I remember meeting with my advisor, and having a conversation with him.

Looking back at that moment, having my fair share of mentees that I've sat with, I'm kind of disappointed [with] my advisor. Seeing a student of my caliber, he didn't push me. And then he didn't challenge me and didn't, you know, afford me with some resources and didn't say, "you know, no, you're going to take inorganic and organic chemistry and we're gonna get you there."

Dr. Wilson sat down with NurseDeck to talk about health inequities, how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted existing health disparities, and where we can go next regarding self care and burnout.

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