Take Care of Them Like My Own

Faith, Fortitude, and a Surgeon's Fight for Health Justice

De: Ala Stanford

Narrado por: Ala Stanford

The founder of the Black Doctors Consortium shares her “inspiring story of overcoming mind-numbing obstacles” (Will Smith), highlighting the devastating racial injustices in our healthcare system in this empowering call to action.

Dr. Ala Stanford knew she wanted to be a doctor by the time she was eight years old. But role models were few and far between in her working-class North Philly neighborhood. Her teachers were dismissive, and the realities of racism, sexism, and poverty threatened to derail her at every turn. Nevertheless, thanks to her faith, family, and the sheer strength of her will, today she is one of the vanishingly small number of Black women surgeons in America—and an unrelenting force in the fight for health justice.

In Take Care of Them Like My Own, Dr. Stanford shares an unflinching account of her story, explaining how her experiences on both sides of the scalpel have informed her understanding of America’s racial health gap, an insidious and lethal form of inequality that exacts a devastating toll on Black communities across the county, affluent and underserved alike.

When Covid-19 arrived in her hometown of Philadelphia, she knew it would disproportionately affect the Black population. As the city stood idly by, unwilling or unable to protect its most vulnerable citizens, Dr. Stanford took matters into her own hands. She rented a van, made some calls, and began administering tests in church parking lots. Soon, she found herself at the helm of a powerful grassroots campaign that successfully vaccinated tens of thousands of Philadelphians. She and her movement are living proof that by drawing on faith, community, and inner strength, everyday people can affect tremendous change.

“With extraordinary insight, sensitivity, and intelligence” (Dr. Drew Weissman, Nobel Laureate) Take Care of Them Like My Own offers urgent lessons about the power of communities working together to take care of one another and the importance of fighting for a health care system that truly fulfills its promise to all Americans.

Hearing the story in her own words takes it to a whole other level.

Wow. I found myself seeking her social media accounts when I finished this book because I wasn’t quite ready to be finished hearing her story! Dr. Stanford’s own words are so real and vulnerable, yet SO empowering! She really showed us how to “eat the whole elephant.” Her emotions became my emotions, and if that is not just the essence of our humanity I do not know what is. We are compassionate beings. We are CAPABLE. It left me feeling compelled and re-committed to seeking social justice in all its forms. Of course we’ve got a long way to go, and the setbacks are often excruciating, but this book really put my heart back in the game.

Candid and Insightful Narrative

I so appreciate Dr. Ala’s candidness about the impact of healthcare inequity and a deep dive into the social determinants. As a white woman, I worked in healthcare for 41 years (now retired) and was aware of the signs around me. Ala’s life-changing descriptions and experiences in her book filled in some of the missing pieces for me, giving me deeper insight. I’m fortunate to have worked for a wonderful black woman president at our local hospital and look forward to sharing about this wonderful book with her… in case she’s not already read it! I highly recommend this book!

Passion of the writer and hope for the future.

Dr Ala captured the very essence of what the medical field is, isn't and needs to improve upon.
I appreciated her candor and ability to expose those matters in the medical field that have always been there but never displayed.
Thank you Dr Stanford for understanding your calling for such a time as this. God bless you and keep you ❤️

Pulling back the curtain and inspiring at once

Ms. Stanford weaves her personal story and history with our larger history like a masterful storyteller. She sheds light on truths every American should fully understand. This book is heartbreaking and full of inspiring acts at once.

Loved It!

The writing was authentic and insightful. It was wonderful to have Dr. Stanford narrate her story. I could feel all of the emotions that expressed. Thank you for all the work you do!!

Weaving the personal with professional and communal defeats & triumphs

Dr. Stanford speaks clearly, forcefully, lovingly and expertly about the needs of her community of origin and so many like it. I am thankful for her bold action that no doubt saved many lives. Thank you Dr. Stanford & Black Doctors for your service!

Great Audible Book!

I loved this Audible book and finished listening within two days! Since I also was born and raised in North Philly, I could relate to every word Dr. Ala Stanford spoke.
Mothers this is a must read for you and for your daughters and granddaughters!
Thank you Dr. Stanford

Outstanding

Dr. Stanford not only opened up her mind to the inequities of health care in this country, but she opened up her heart to tell us about her childhood and the journey to become a Pediatric Surgeon. These experiences made the book relatable and the reason that it is an Amazon top seller! Thank you to my Sorority Sister, Colleague, and Friend!
-Dr. Alicia Morgan-Cooper