I’m humbled to be considered one of the trailblazing (black) staff members here at Woman’s Hospital. I am honored and inspired to sit on the shoulders of the men and women who have unapologetically overcome racial inequality and adversity, so that those who followed, like me, would be afforded such an opportunity as this one.
As an African American physician, I am able to reach a patient population that is often unable to find providers that they can identify with. We know that within history, the black community has its reason to be distrusting of the medical community, but as Dr. Breaux, I have the opportunity to bridge and work towards healing a broken relationship. I have always loved the sciences and being of service to others, but medicine allows me to provide care and medical access within my community and abroad. What we must remember – black people, and providers alike, are not monolithic. Our upbringing, experiences, and values are vast, similar to our shades of skin – thus my reasons may be strikingly different from another. I am just blessed to be in a position to keep pushing the envelope forward.
My great grandfather married my great grandmother and freed her from Oak Alley plantation; and my mother and grandmother had to use separate entrances to public spaces, like the movies. But I find beauty in the fact that their sacrifices have contributed to and allowed me to be the proud black physician that I am today.Original Article
