Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Ashiqua Jackson.
Hi Dr. Ashiqua, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am a doctor-prepared nurse practitioner who started AVIATI Healthcare in 2021. The clinic began with a focus on clinical research and has expanded to include weight loss, Department of Transportation physicals, sports physicals, and, coming soon, IV therapy and DNA testing. The lack of diversity and awareness of clinical trials in the underserved community was a guiding force. Dr. Jackson ran into a friend and colleague with a clinical research site in Whitehaven focusing on pediatrics and decided to ask about the journey to owning a research site. Additionally, Dr. Jackson had a problem with the startling numbers of minorities participating in clinical trials, especially with the COVID-19 vaccine trials, where many people were required to take the vaccines or risk termination from healthcare jobs. There was a strong need and obligation to educate minorities and underserved communities on clinical studies and why it matters. After praying and seeking GOD, AVIATI Healthcare was started in the Hickory Hill community. Being a first-time business owner, this is a faith journey.
Let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
This journey can be described as peaks and valleys. When starting the business, there are many moving parts, such as taxes, vendors, contracts, hiring, training, etc. I understand the role of a provider but was not taught how to become an entrepreneur. Once I started the business and shared the vision, many of these moving parts came together, meaning I could not have even started this business without my community. I cannot name the number of people helping to get AVIATI Healthcare began, and I thank each one.
Let’s switch gears and talk about your work. What should we know?
AVIATI Healthcare specializes in clinical trials, weight management, Department of Transportation physicals, sports physicals, IV therapy, and DNA & drug testing. Our mission is to bridge the gap between clinical research and the community. We are proud to be able to provide exceptional care where everyone feels “touched.” While we provide excellent services, we want to educate everyone we encounter at every encounter.
How do you think about luck?
I do not believe luck has a role, but faith and a strong belief in God have played the most crucial role in my life and business. The clinic started with praying and fasting about my next steps; I walked by faith, placed a clinic on my vision board in January 2021, and began AVIATI Healthcare in April 2021. God put many people in my life to make beginning this business much easier. Once I started sharing the vision with others, things began to move in the right direction.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.aviatihealth.com
- Instagram: aviatihealth
- Facebook: aviatihealthcare
