Happy Black History Month

This time of year invites reflection, celebration, and honesty about where we have been and where we still need to go.

When people hear the word “doctor,” many still picture a narrow lane that does not reflect the full scope of doctoral training or the diversity of the people who hold these credentials.

Black doctors exist across every discipline, including DrPHs, MDs, DOs, PhDs, EdDs, PharmDs, DDSs, and more.

Yet across doctoral degrees in the United States, Black professionals represent less than 10 percent. That number matters.

It matters because representation shapes who feels welcome in classrooms, research spaces, clinics, and policy rooms.

It matters because lived experience informs how problems are framed and which solutions are prioritized.

DrPHs lead population level change through policy, systems, and community driven approaches.

MDs and DOs deliver care while navigating structural inequities that affect both patients and providers.

PhDs and EdDs generate and translate knowledge that shapes how future leaders are trained.

Dentists, pharmacists, and other doctoral trained professionals expand access and improve outcomes in spaces that are often overlooked.

Each role is different.

Each contribution is essential.

Despite being underrepresented, the impact of Black doctoral professionals continues to exceed the numbers.

Communities benefit when those designing interventions, conducting research, and leading institutions understand the realities on the ground.

For Black students currently in graduate or professional programs, the journey is often marked by long nights, self doubt, and the pressure of being one of few.

Imposter syndrome is common, even among those who are deeply qualified.

You are not imagining that weight.

You are also not alone.

Black History Month is not only about honoring past achievements.

It is about affirming present labor and future possibility.

Progress has been made, but access, retention, mentorship, and leadership pipelines still require intentional investment.

Institutions must move beyond celebrating diversity to actively supporting it through funding, sponsorship, and structural change.

Visibility matters, but sustainability matters more.

So does accountability.

To the Black students considering doctoral training, this is your sign that you belong in these spaces.

To those already on the path, your presence is not an accident.

Black History Month reminds us that history is not static.

It is being written every day in classrooms, labs, clinics, and communities by Black scholars, practitioners, and leaders who continue to push boundaries and expand what is possible.

And we are just getting started.