In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Natasha Bray, the Campus Dean at OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation in Tahlequah, OK. Dr. Bray shares her journey from medical student to dean, her passion for health equity, and her leadership in medical education. She discusses her early life in Oklahoma and how her father’s medical practice influenced her commitment to healthcare and community service. Her educational path took her from Montessori school to the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics, and later to the University of Tulsa and Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Dr. Bray talks about the challenges she faced in her career, including transitioning from surgery to internal medicine and overcoming gender biases. She emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives in medical education and shares strategies for creating inclusive learning environments. Dr. Bray highlights her initiatives in health equity research and community health, underscoring the need for systemic changes to support these efforts.

Mentorship and professional development are central to Dr. Bray’s approach. She offers insights on building effective mentoring relationships and encourages young professionals to embrace challenges and opportunities. Dr. Bray also addresses the future of medical education, particularly in the wake of COVID-19, and the importance of adapting to different learning styles. Throughout the episode, listeners are reminded of the value of embracing the messiness of mentorship and personal growth - you don’t want to miss it!

Many thanks to Dr. Mark Doescher for recommending this guest.

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