Otolaryngologist Discusses What Equity, Diversity Meant to Her Career

I grew up with their stories about the patients in their communities. Sometimes my grandfather was paid in chickens and eggs! Their history is embedded in my epigenetics; it’s in my DNA. I inherited this drive for pioneering and fostering community-based medical care from my father and grandfather. I carry forward their value system.

SR: Did you feel like a pioneer early in your training and career?

DT: In many ways, I did. I completed my residency at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota in the 1990s. During my training, I was the first Black woman in the surgical program. Then I became the first Black woman member of the surgical staff. Later, I was the first Black female surgeon to be named a professor at Mayo, and actually the first in otolaryngology in the entire country.

I have a lot of respect for my journey at Mayo. My time there provided me with supportive, principled mentors who believed in me and helped steer my career. The honor and privilege of training and working somewhere like Mayo has also allowed me to lean into that reputational excellence when I have encountered patients with bias or who may question my credentials. But after those “firsts,” I wanted to find a pathway to contribute differently. I wanted to work where my perspective and skills could directly impact the practice of medicine at the community level, as well as open the community’s access to its own medical care.

SR: Did you feel lonely as you accomplished these remarkable “firsts”?

DT: I’m pretty good at compartmentalizing, but yes, it was certainly lonely at times. When you walk into a room, and you realize you’re the only woman and the only woman of color, it’s a responsibility. And it’s one to honor. My dad used to say, “Just be careful carrying the weight of the race on your shoulders.” What keeps me from getting exhausted by this process is understanding that at some point my story is going to have an impact on someone else and remembering those who have supported, [have] mentored, and have provided sponsorship and allyship.

SR: How did you develop the courage to speak out about issues like race and gender equity?

DT: I developed the courage incrementally. I think there were several seminal events I experienced over the course of my career that helped me develop that courage. I do not think that these events were intentional, but, taken together, they were transformational experiences.