Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtland Blount.
Hi Courtland, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Memphis, TN, amidst the embrace of a loving family comprised of my two parents and two younger brothers. Growing up, my mother, a teacher, instilled in me the profound value of education from a tender age. However, Memphis proved to be a challenging environment to navigate. It is a city marked by neighborhoods burdened by poverty and plagued by a multitude of health conditions, many of which are poorly treated or undiagnosed.
Having grown up in these neighborhoods, I witnessed firsthand the deep-rooted sense of skepticism toward doctors. This mistrust stems from a long history of medical abuse and experimentation on black individuals. It contrasts starkly with the unwavering trust placed in physicians, despite an incomplete understanding of the gravity of their medical conditions.
My path to becoming a doctor was shrouded in uncertainty initially. While I knew that my ultimate goal was to become a physician, I had only a vague notion of the steps required to achieve it and the mental fortitude it would demand. Unlike some others, I lacked the guidance of family members or mentors who had trodden the path of medicine before me. I embarked on this journey with nothing more than a dream, building my path as I soared through the skies.
Throughout my formative years, I developed a profound fascination with science. This curiosity gradually evolved into a burning desire to comprehend not only the intricate workings of the human body but also the factors that contribute to illness and suffering. Driven by this passion, I sought education in a series of schools, eager to gain a deeper understanding of the origins of the medical conditions that have plagued my community for generations. Regrettably, these conditions continue to cast their dark shadow even today.
As I traverse the arduous and time-consuming path of a decade and a half in pursuit of my medical aspirations, I remain resolute in my mission to combat health illiteracy and inequality. I am determined to bring about positive change in every community I encounter, striving to uplift the health and well-being of all.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey I’ve undertaken has been far from smooth. In truth, my entire twenties have been dedicated to honing my skills and expertise in the field of medicine.
While I have no regrets about the sacrifices I’ve made, I feel compelled to caution those who harbor curiosity about joining this profession. It is essential to recognize that pursuing a career in medicine demands inevitable sacrifices. Countless family and social events have slipped through my fingers as I remained steadfastly focused on my education and medical training. Sleepless nights and early mornings have become the norm. Any physician will attest that the path to becoming a doctor requires an extraordinary level of concentration, for there will be numerous instances where lives will rest in your hands, necessitating a reliance on your training.
Furthermore, it is crucial for me to emphasize the solitude that has accompanied this journey, particularly as I delve deeper into my specialization. The more I specialize, the fewer individuals I encounter who share my background. Black men and women represent a disproportionately small percentage of the overall number of doctors in the United States today, despite black patients making up a significant portion of the healthcare system’s clientele.
I have witnessed black patients unjustly labeled as non-compliant simply because they lack understanding of their diagnosis or lack the financial means to afford medication. This is precisely why representation and advocacy hold such immense importance to me.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Doctor Courtland Blount is a Board Certified Internal Medicine Physician and currently a Cardiology Fellow with plans on being a General Cardiologist here within the next year.
His goal is to provide the general population with a basic understanding of medicine, specifically cardiovascular diseases, in a simple and accessible way. With heart disease being one of the most prominent causes of death here in the US, he aims to empower individuals by simplifying complex medical jargon and fighting against medical illiteracy so that more people can make informed medical decisions.
I am passionately committed to mentoring medical students on their transformative journey towards becoming confident, competent, and compassionate physicians. My mission is to empower them to make informed and strategic decisions that will shape their future medical careers. I strive to foster an environment that encourages curiosity, fosters resilience, and nurtures a lifelong commitment to learning.
Whether you’re a medical student exploring various specialties, or a resident with a budding interest in the dynamic and ever-evolving field of Cardiology, it would be my privilege to share my knowledge and experiences with you. I believe that learning is enhanced through dialogue and exchange, and I would relish the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions at your institution.
I warmly encourage you to reach out and connect with me if you are interested in having me speak at your institution. Together, we can light the way for the next generation of physicians, empowering them with the knowledge, skills, and perspective they need to excel in their chosen paths. I eagerly look forward to the possibility of contributing to your educational journey in medicine.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up.
One of the most cherished memories from my childhood is of my mother, sitting with me on the couch, engrossed in books. Her words ignited a deep love for learning within me and fostered my natural curiosity, laying the groundwork for my unwavering passion for knowledge.
Meanwhile, my father played the role of my basketball coach, imparting invaluable wisdom about embracing defeat with dignity. He instilled in me the understanding that learning from setbacks is as vital as reveling in triumph, leaving an indelible imprint on my life’s journey.
Pricing:
- Speaking Engagements
- IRL & Virtual. Honorarium $2k for any event
Contact Info:
- Website: heartyconversations.com
- Instagram: @doctorcourtland
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtland-blount-md-ms-73782232/
