DARRYL HILL

I am a proud New Jersey native who finished college and medical school at Rutgers. Since the age of 10 years old I wanted to be only one thing in life, a doctor. The funny thing is that despite this desire, there really were no doctor role models or clear advice available to me for years when it came to starting this career path. On the contrary, there were so many distractions and obstacles that at times it was easy to feel like this was not the path for me. Growing up in urban America with all the challenges that a young Black male can face was constantly a distraction and impediment to my desire to be a doctor. In addition, needing to do well in school despite the challenge of not being in elite schools that many future doctors had at their disposal was another challenge. This book helps to share my story of resiliency, perseverance, need for effective mentors that many of us all face in life. During this stage of my life I have grown to appreciate the many treasures and blessings that were present that helped me to eventually become a doctor. Surviving my youth did not happen by chance. It would be until college and medical school when I finally had the conditions and role models needed to make my career goals even more of a reality.

Surprisingly, it would be decades later before I would also learn about the great history of Black doctors in this country that dates back hundreds of years. Together we get to learn about some of the original black doctors of this country. More importantly, the book will serve as a source of inspiration and advice for those to come.