"You get what you model"

We recently caught up with Dr. Sean Pierre, a Urologist on the QCH Team who agreed to share his thoughts on what Black History Month means to him.

What would you like people to think about when it comes to recognizing Black History Month?

Dr. Sean Pierre: “I was raised with the ethic ‘You get what you model.’ My parents were adamant in their belief that ‘you have to stand behind what you believe in, and it has to show in what you do.’ While there may be many things that we talk about — what we want to do, and what we want to change, but we don’t always model it. You don’t have to be in the news or famous to do those things and impact people. It might be nice and more obvious, but it’s more important to demonstrate good behaviour and practices — if people will see that you value it, they will model it.

Can you share an example of what you model to improve opportunities for the next generation of Black physicians?

Dr. Sean Pierre: “I really believe that the process of getting historically under-represented groups opportunities begins with those of us in those opportunities giving back. I partake in several assessment and selection processes for medical professionals. We need to make our medical teams diverse, and I want to do my part. When I graduated from the University of Western medical school in 2001, I was the only Black Physician of 100 graduates. Now, thanks to those who have made it giving back, there is a Black Medical Association of Toronto with almost 100 medical students. Those who came before me helped me become me; the least I can do is pay it forward. You make sacrifices for what you believe in. You model it.”

What do you think we need to do as a community and as an organization to make things better for people who are underrepresented?

Dr. Sean Pierre: “Suggest positions to your colleagues who you think would be suited for them. Support their success. When you can support other people — do it! Look around you and see if there is anyone that could use a little support. Make suggestions to your leadership about how to better support your colleagues. Speak up when you think someone is not getting a chance because of their background, their circumstances, or their history. These ‘little’ things add up and count. Most think that it won’t make a difference, but you would be surprised how much they do to those without the same opportunities.”

Do you have any final thoughts to share?

Dr. Sean Pierre: “Sometimes all you have to do is BE THERE. See it, believe it. There is no need to feel defensive if you have more opportunities than someone else. Being conscious that others haven’t had those opportunities, and may need a bit more support is crucial to improving diversity organically. Black History Month is not just a celebration of what is already there, but what COULD be there. I work hard at it because I really believe in it — all the focus groups, committees, and meetings are certainly not making me rich. But here’s hoping those who see it, model it themselves, and some other person until another under-represented group gets a chance to do it as well until we get to the point where it is unusual NOT to see diversity in our workplaces, and in general. Ask: ‘what am I doing that really shows that I believe in what I am saying. Am I modeling it so that others do it too?’ If you are — thank you. The more who see it, the more will do it, and the better we will get.”