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that police are meant to protect and serve rather than be a leading cause of death . It is more than politics ; it is a public health issue .
What truly transformed me from slightly desensitized to righteously furious was the initial autopsy report . The medical examiner stated that George Floyd died due to “ cardiopulmonary arrest complicating law enforcement subdual , restraint , and neck compression ,” further exacerbated by his underlying conditions such as sickle cell disease and atherosclerotic disease . In addition to this , results revealed “ no physical findings that support a diagnosis of traumatic asphyxia or strangulation .” When I read this , I was utterly shocked . The medical examiner claimed that George died of a heart attack due to his underlying conditions when there was video evidence of him being pinned on his neck . It was one thing to know that inherent bias and racism exists in police , but to see this in a medical professional disgusted me . It showed me how pervasive racism is in all areas of America , even my chosen career field .
Then the news of Breonna Taylor ’ s death went viral . Since this happened right here in Louisville , I am sure many of you have heard how she was shot by police while asleep : this was the last straw . A Black woman , a fellow health care professional , was murdered in her bed . She had hopes and dreams and had no idea that that night would be her last . Only one officer was initially fired as a result of this , but none of the officers involved were was charged with her death . Two jurors reported that homicide charges were not even presented to them . I had no words . Enough was enough .
So , this past summer , my activism gene became fully acetylated and expressed , and it has not been methylated since . I began participating in peaceful protests , both as an active participant and photographer . During my AHEC rotation , my classmates and I delivered water and snacks to protesters and members of Black Lives Matter Louisville . The Black medical students at the University of Louisville School of Medicine held a meeting with Dr . Toni Ganzel , the Dean of the school , where I was selected to be the spokesperson . In this meeting , we voiced our concerns and desires in regard to more comprehensive , racially diverse curriculum , increased amount of representation in faculty and staff , and greater utilization of our voices in promoting administrative changes . In addition to this , I am leading a multidisciplinary team to create a separate Social Justice Curriculum through the Distinction in Business and Leadership track , with my mentor Dr . In Kim being a constant source of support and one of the driving proponents for this curriculum .
I also found that I can be an activist in different ways as a future doctor . One of the main ways is advocating for Black patients during rotations . Whenever there was a Black patient on the service , I would usually try to talk to them both as a medical professional and as a fellow Black person . This helped me get a better sense of what was going on with them as I understood the cultural implications associated . With my young patients , I also served as an example of the future . During my pediatrics rotation , I met two young siblings who were in the foster care system . While the sister had a vibrant personality , the brother was withdrawn and silent . While getting a history from their new foster parents , I showed them both how to listen to their heart and lungs with a stethoscope . As he put the stethoscope on his sister ’ s chest , his eyes lit up as he said , “ I heard it ! I heard it !” After that , I could not take that stethoscope away from them as they humorously attempted to auscultate their feet and arms . I can ’ t help but think that this interaction made the possibility of becoming a doctor much more real to them ; the spark in their eyes was the same spark I had when shadowing my pediatrician in middle school .
My friend Tino Mkorombindo reached out to me and told me of his idea for a nonprofit organization . This nonprofit would aim to increase access to resources for those pursuing medicine , particularly those with marginalized identities . Greater influence , Inc . was then created with me as the Programming Director . Through this role , my team and I have been able to host diverse programs targeting the holistic student . It is important to me to target the holistic aspect of student life in preparation for a future in medicine because I know that there is more to being a good doctor than just good scores . Some notable programs have been virtual mock interviews ( both traditional and MMI-style ), panels with health care professionals , and wellness-promoting discussions such as combating imposter syndrome . We now have well over 500 subscribers across the nation , and that number is growing every day . Working in Greater Influence , Inc . has enabled me to do my part in making sure more students like me not only reach medical school , but are also successful in it .
How did 2020 change me ? It radicalized me . No longer am I desensitized to the plight of my Black brothers and sisters in America . Seeing Black trauma day in and day out is tiring , but we must still press forward for change .
How did 2020 change me ? It empowered me . As a future Black physician , I now understand much more clearly how racism and other forms of oppression injure health . I will be a better advocate for my patients .
How did 2020 change me ? It activated me . Activism has now become a core part of my being . I learned that I can be an activist for social justice in all areas of my life , including my profession . 2020 may have been an ordeal for many reasons , but the person I have become is equipped to make a difference .
Oladele ' Dele ' Osisami is a fourth-year MD / MBA student at the University of Louisville School of Medicine / School of Business . He plans on going into Emergency Medicine as his specialty and using his MBA to become a leader in the business of healthcare and eventually own his own hospital .
This essay was a submission to the 2021 Richard Spear , MD , Memorial Essay Contest .
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