It’s time to get to know considered one of our co-hosts somewhat higher. On this episode of Off the Charts, we talk with our co-host, Dr. Steven Jackson. He’s the medical director of patient experience and a physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) physician. Today, we talk with him about growing up in Chicago and his personal experience with racism.
He talks with us about growing up within the South Side of Chicago, when he decided to be a physician and his personal experience with racism. Take heed to the episode or read the transcript.
Growing up in Chicago
Dr. Jackson grew up within the inner city of the South Side of Chicago along with his mother. Though it was just the 2 of them, he had several cousins nearby, so he never felt lonely. His mom raised him with the philosophy of “at all times do your best,” and he took that to heart. Even when his best was a C+, what mattered was that he had given it his all.
School days and selecting to turn into a physician
Through elementary school, Dr. Jackson attended the identical neighborhood public school that his cousins did. But once he was within the fifth grade, his mom transferred him to a math and science academy. It was here that his mom learned in regards to the opportunity to send Dr. Jackson to boarding school for prime school.
Along with several opportunities, this gave Dr. Jackson a perspective of the world beyond Chicago. It also offered rigorous academics that set him up for his future in medicine.
There wasn’t a standout moment where Dr. Jackson remembers knowing he desired to be a physician. As an alternative, there have been a series of small moments that led him to his future profession.
This includes coming to work along with his mom at her job as a health unit coordinator at a hospital. He watched her talk with everyone she passed while walking through the hospital and desired to do something where he could also construct connections. He pursued medicine from a young age, hoping to construct community and help people.
Dr. Jackson’s work with diversity, equity and inclusion
His work led him here to HealthPartners where he works in diversity, equity and inclusion alongside his role as a PM&R doctor. He wants to make use of this work to assist people succeed despite discrimination that they face throughout their lives.
Dr. Jackson’s experience with racism began early. His first memory of racism happened when he was just a child. Take heed to the episode to listen to the total story and learn more about Dr. Jackson.