Sharpest Scalpel Volume 4, Number 2 | Page 18

42nd Annual ABWP Gala was a Signature Message of Commitment( continued)

The second Lifetime Achievement Awardee was Dr. Carol J. Bennett, the Henry E. Singleton Chair in Urology at UCLA. She is the first Black female board-certified urologist in the US. She was described as“ the ultimate physician” – a clinician, educator, researcher, and lead administrator who has paved the way for Black women urologists. In 2022, The urology clinic at the West LA Veterans’ Affairs Medical Center was renamed in her honor.

Dr. Bennett was both gracious and animated as she accepted the lifetime achievement award. She spoke about the importance of the love and support that she received from her family, including her husband, world-renowned surgeon Dr. Keith Black, and her two sons who have been there every step of the way on her journey to success.

Dr. Bennett spoke of the lessons that she has learned and has applied to her life. As a message to the young professionals in the room, she stressed perseverance in clinical work and research.“ Find a mentor,” she advised.“ Don’ t be afraid to ask them,” she suggested,“ rather than waiting for them to choose you. Cultivate more than one, as they will be of assistance throughout your professional career.” She was also pleased to see so many Black women in leadership positions present at the Gala, noting how heartening it was that the numbers are growing in strength.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, a former Physician Assistant, received the Humanitarian Award. The first woman elected to the mayoral post, she has compiled many years of meritorious work that includes serving as Speaker of the California State Assembly, and as a distinguished member of the US Congress. She was introduced by the Honorable Sydney Kamlager, who succeeded her in Congress. Mayor Bass thanked the congresswoman for agreeing to run for the office and replace her.

The mayor began her acceptance on a chilling note that explained her passion for alleviating homelessness: African Americans constitute 8 % of the total city population and 30 % of those unhoused. She regularly goes out to the various encampments where homeless people live to gain

insight regarding their plight, she said. She noted that when a housing opportunity becomes available, it is common for people to cry tears of joy, when they leave the streets.

Mayor Bass noted that homelessness is a health issue. She cited homeless cancer patients who die because they do not receive proper treatment because out in the streets, the go untreated. She criticized the current system as not being focused on health, as it is no surprise when people wind up on the streets. She proposed a change in health service delivery and asked ABWP to be part of that effort.

Mayor Karen Bass

ABWP has developed a quality network of associates and professionals who will help with the myriad issues associated with staging the event. Splendid Affairs is the noted full-service event management firm that spearheads the execution of many important events including the city’ s annual Kingdom Day parade. First Option Entertainment is an experienced production company retained to represent ABWP’ s vision.

Numerous sponsors have been strong advocates of ABWP over the years. This year’ s group includes SCAN Health Plan, Molina Healthcare, Anthem, The California Wellness Foundation, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, UCLA School of Medicine, Optum CA, the Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine, and Keck Medicine of USC.

2023 ABWP scholars with Dr. LaTanya Hines.

CDU College of Medicine | PG. 18