Lack of Black M.D.'s is Subject of Documentary Film & Discussion

Newtown CT

19 July, 2021

3:04 PM

Description

The importance of increasing the number of Black male doctors in the United States will be the subject of a panel discussion on August 4th at the C.H. Booth Library in Newtown in conjunction with a viewing a documentary on the issue between July 28th and 30th. The film discussion is co-sponsored by the library and Kevin's Community Center, a nonprofit that provides medical services for the underinsured and community wellness and screening. Douglas Lord, Director of the C.H. Booth Library, said, "We are so grateful to the American Library Association's Council on Medical Education for the funding for this important documentary. It examines an issue that impacts every community in the United States." Di Bartlett-Masters, Executive Director of Kevin's Community Center, said, "I am excited to partner with the library to promote this important documentary film which examines the systemic barriers preventing Black men from becoming medical doctors and the consequences on society at large." The film is available for viewing between July 28 and July 30, 2021 using this link https://indiescreening.com/screenings/1047. The panel discussion, scheduled for August 4th at 7:00PM, will feature three local physicians whose comments will address the issues presented in the film. The discussion will be available as a 'hybrid' event, meaning that patrons can tune in on a mobile device (these are available for loan at the library) or come to the library to attend. Register for the film discussion https://bit.ly/3er435H. The panel will include Dr. Ramon Batson, Chief of Neurosurgery at Norwalk Hospital, Dr. Stephen John Maddox Jr., Pediatrician at Pediatric Associates of CT, and Dr. Iftikhar Ali, a full spectrum clinical physician at AFC Urgent Care Danbury whose points will include a discussion of the impacts of health equity and the relationship between the availability of Black physicians providing healthcare to Black populations. Dr. Ramon Batson, M.D., born and raised in Aruba, attended Brooklyn Technical High School and Harvard University where he majored in the History of Science and Genetics. Graduating with Honors, Batson then attended medical school at the Upstate Medical Center (Syracuse) where he developed his interest in clinical neurosciences. He joined Neurosurgical Associates of Southwestern CT in 1986 and is President of the Connecticut Neurosurgical Society. Dr. Batson's special interests in neurosurgery include pituitary tumors, disorders of cerebrospinal fluid circulation including hydrocephalus, neuron-trauma and treatment of the spine. Dr. Batson and his wife Iris live in Redding where they enjoy spending time with their two standard poodles, Apollo and Zeus. In response to a question about the struggle of Black physicians, Dr. Batson said, "So many stories to tell, so much sacrificed." Stephen John Maddox Jr. MD is a board certified pediatrician and Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He grew up in New Jersey. He received his bachelor's degree from Yale University and his Medical Degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. He did his residency training at New York University Medical Center/Bellevue Hospital where he also did a fellowship in primary care pediatrics and stayed as a member of the faculty for the year after, when life brought him to Connecticut where he has been practicing primary care pediatrics since 2007. In his spare time, Dr. Maddox enjoys cooking, gardening and being a goofball with his 4 kids. Dr. Iftikhar Ali, M.D. is the Medical Director at AFC Urgent Care in Danbury has many years of experience in both urgent care and family care. He earned his medical degree from Punjab Medical College in Pakistan and later completed his internship in General Surgery at Saint Barnabas Medical Center (NJ) and residency in Nuclear Medicine at Danbury Hospital. Dr Ali is board certified in two specialties and his accomplishments have been recognized in numerous publications and awards. Dr. Ali is a certified USCIS Civil Surgeon, allowing him to perform full immigration physicals. Dr. Ali is happily married with three beautiful daughters and enjoys spending time with his family and watching hockey and soccer. Fluent in Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi, Dr. Ali said, "Diversity and representation is important in the field medicine so we as physicians can serve our community optimally." Bartlett-Masters added, "KCC has served the Newtown and Danbury area for over 18 years with free healthcare and preventive health promotion to underinsured and uninsured individuals. We can tell you that there is a large positive impact for communities when we have health equity provided by a diverse medical team."