EP125: One-on-One with Black Trauma Surgeon and Author Dr. Brian H. Williams on Racism, Violence, Healing, and his Run for Congress

In The Margins

Meet Dr. Brian H. Williams, a distinguished trauma surgeon and author of The Bodies Keep Coming: Dispatches from a Black Trauma Surgeon on Racism, Violence, and How We Heal.

In this episode, Diverse host David Pluviose engages in a conversation with the Air Force Academy graduate and Harvard University-trained surgeon on the intersection between public policy and critical issues like structural racism, gun violence, and health equity.

Williams is a professor specializing in trauma and acute care surgery at the University of Chicago Medicine. His impactful work and insights have garnered recognition worldwide. With over two decades of expertise in treating victims of gun violence, Williams has also served as a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Fellow at the National Academy of Medicine.

Explore Williams' remarkable journey, from the trauma bay to his current political campaign, as he passionately discusses solutions to address systemic issues, healthcare disparities, and the ongoing struggle for justice. We also dive deep into the emotional aftermath of the Dallas mass shooting, a pivotal moment that ignited Williams' commitment to broader societal healing.

So, join Pluviose and Williams in this thought-provoking discussion about transformative healing.

*As a bonus to this episode Williams has graciously offered one podcast listener a free signed copy of his book. To be eligible, let us know you have listened and share feedback @DiverseIssues on X (formerly Twitter). We want to hear from you by Dec. 31. Enjoy!

KEY POINTS:

- Williams’ reflection on how the Dallas mass shooting served as his career’s pivotal moment

- The importance of having a personal healing journey

- The impact of witnessing gun violence firsthand as a trauma surgeon

- A glimpse into the writing process for The Bodies Keep Coming: Dispatches from a Black Trauma Surgeon on Racism, Violence, and How We Heal

- Identification of strategies to create a system change, uplift the community, and address healthcare disparities

- Factors that led to Williams’ pursuing a candidacy in the Congress

- How journaling can help in processing one’s emotions

- The importance of empathy and understanding in the face of tragedy

- William’s advocacy for gun safety policies

QUOTABLES:

“I say this frequently. I didn't choose trauma surgery; trauma surgery chose me.” – Dr. Brian Williams

"We have a majority of Americans that want to do something to reduce needless death and suffering due to firearms." – Dr. Brian Williams

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Dr. Brian Williams

Website: https://brianwilliamsmd.com/

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LinkedIn: @bhwilliamsmd

Instagram: @BrianHWilliamsMD

Book: The Bodies Keep Coming: Dispatches from a Black Trauma Surgeon on Racism, Violence, and How We Heal. To purchase, go to https://www.broadleafbooks.com/store/product/9781506483122/The-Bodies-Keep-Coming

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Closed captioning and live show transcription are available in the video for this episode.