Take Care of Them Like My Own: Faith, Fortitude, and a Surgeon's Fight for Health Justice

by Ala Stanford

The founder of the Black Doctors Covid Consortium highlights the devastating racial injustices in our healthcare system in this inspirational memoir and 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 country, 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 bought 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. Part memoir, part manifesto for health equality and justice, 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 healthcare system that truly fulfills its promise to all Americans.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Medicine, Health, Science

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 6, 2024

Reviews

[Cheyenne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for this advanced readers copy. This was a fascinating memoir of the author's journey from childhood to becoming a doctor in Philadelphia during the beginning of the Covid pandemic. She talks of the lack of role models in her life and the obstacles she overcame as well as her faith and belief in herself. Dr Ala Stanford knew the barriers black patients had to healthcare, so Covid hit her hometown of Philadelphia, she took her knowledge and skills to care for those in her city who would be hit the hardest and with the least resources. Dr Stanford was able to rally people around her, set up resources, and reach those that might otherwise never have gotten vaccinations for Covid. This book is a testament to the power that one person can make a difference and healthcare can happen with very little.

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Ala Stanford’s memoir is beautiful! I couldn’t put it down. Perhaps, it’s a Philly girl thing! One Philly girl to another!

I knew of Dr. Stanford from her work around my city, yet I had no idea of her hard work in becoming a pediatric surgeon and all the bureaucratic nonsense she experienced during the pandemic.

The stories of her starting the Covid testing sight was televised on local news stations. As well as national morning shows. My family and friends forwarded the information of her testing and vaccination sites. It made me proud that a black woman physician was providing vital services in a global crises. However, what intrigued me was the back story! The congresspersons and city officials that refused to support her. The health department, the mayor, etc. Then they had the nerve to bypass her, a medical doctor, and award a grant to this young white 20-something year -old Drexel University Student, who wasn’t a doctor! And he misappropriated the funds. I recall that story on the news! It was appalling!
Dr. Stanford highlights the racial and economic disparities in the city of Philadelphia. For that reason she built a clinic and is seeking to open more to address the health equities in economically challenged neighborhoods.

Dr. Stanford is a living example of how to not complain about the problem, but to make a change!

FIVE STARS!!⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Alyssa Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr Stanford does an AMAZING job at balancing life anecdotes of growing up in inner-city Philly with current statistics/anecdotes about health inequities across America. She not only highlights the areas in most need of change but also investigates the deeper reasons behind these issues and where change needs to (and can) start. Most of all, she shows how any person can make change happen, without money, connections or any resources. What she has been able to accomplish with nothing but raw passion for equity is so inspiring, this woman is genuinely incredible.

[kev · Rating 5 out of 5]

FANTASTIC. dr. ala stanford is a phenomenal force of nature that serves as an inspiration, leader, and role model for everyone. her personal and professional journey speak to the strength of the human spirit and the determination needed to enact change. having the honor to meet her and hear her speak in-person has been one of the highlights of my academic journey so far. “acknowledge-believe-identify-act-share:” we can ALL be change-makers to bring forth health equity and address the social determinants of health. a surgeon, an advocate, an icon, and a person— THANK YOU for this learning opportunity dr. stanford.

[Chakeya Givner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put it down! I have so many great things to say about this book. I definitely think it’s a must read for everyone, Dr. Stanford, with her vast range of knowledge and experience, uniquely explains the racial hardship in her lifetime that aren’t so blatant as our parents, grandparents and great grandparents, but they still REMAIN PREVALENT in 2024. Well done Dr. Stanford and thank you for not only being a shining example for Black Girls especially in Philly but around the world.

[Yuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for all who believe in inclusion, equity and diversity. She was keynote speaker at Society of Asian Academic Surgeons and I had to leave meeting early. Then she was a participate at the Society of Black Academic Surgeon. She shared her story and commended the research work of a resident. Very powerful thoughts and all of us are fortunate to have Dr Stanford as a colleague, mentor, sponsor, friend. Please read her book.

[Lindsay Birckhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an important read written by a surgeon/mother/doctor who is breaking boundaries.

[Thesunnnnnnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading about the trials Dr. Stanford overcame as a surgical resident despite the huge additional burden of discrimination she faced as a black woman in medicine was awe inspiring. She truly is a force of nature and someone with an iron will.

At the same time, it was deeply troubling and upsetting to read about the insidious things that people did to attempt to sabotage her career. Especially the superior who added a blatantly untrue paragraph claiming she had been on academic probation when she was applying to attending positions and got off basically scot free for his lies. It really made my blood boil—the power structure in academia can be so toxic and entrenched with prejudice and discrimination.

No young doctor should have had to go through what Dr. Stanford did and this book is a testimonial to all the work that she herself has done towards assuring that, as well as a call to action for all of us.

[Jessica Campisi · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Ala Stanford is an incredible woman who has overcome so much and cares so much about public health and health outcomes and health disparities and her community! Truly so inspiring

[Suzanne Mack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! What a story! There were many parallels for me.

I was a recipient of the vaccines at Deliverance for which I am very, very thankful because I suffered from Covid in 2020, when there was nothing available to the general public.

[Peggii · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really inspiring memoir demonstrating incredible strength and highlighting the racial injustices in the US health care system

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Powerful read

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

During the peak pandemic panic days, I remember seeing a Black surgeon on TV talking about her work in to help keep her Philadelphia community informed, educated and safe from Covid. She was smart and charming and seemingly indefatigable — and also, she was the previous owner of my home.

FOR. REAL. 😱

Let me be clear, though: I don't feel compelled to read a book by someone just because we've slept in the same bedroom, cooked on the same stove, peed in the same toilet — although this is actually the first time I've been in this sitchenario, as my youngest would call it, so maybe I WOULD feel compelled if this happened again. I'll let you know.

No, I also picked this up because Dr. Stanford is a legit baller. From a young age, she knew what she wanted in life — to be a doctor — and despite a lack of resources, connections or anything else that would give a gal a leg up, she made it happen. She went onto become one of the only Black female pediatric surgeons in the country, and then when the pandemic hit, she created the Black Doctors Covid-19 Consortium.

Impressive? Yes. A bit resume/PR bio-y? Also yes, and I'd have a hard time believing that wasn't intentional. Had our country not elected an imbecilic clown as president (twice), I imagine this is the sort of positioning book that gets you a look for surgeon general.

That does mean it's not really my favorite kind of memoir — I'm typically more drawn to a micro experience explored with a more literary eye, which sounds so utterly pretentious that don't worry I'm already punching myself in my own face — but Dr. Stanford's story is an important one. I'd recommend listening to the audiobook: she's super expressive when she's reading, and you can hear her joys and hear her sorrows as she's recounting her story, more so than any other narrator I've ever heard. Next-leveled the empathy!




Note: This is not the first "hey, small world" scenario we've come across when it comes to our neighborhood appearing in media, mind you. A few years ago, we were in our living room watching a true-crime documentary about a man who may or may not have pushed his wife to death down a staircase — aptly titled The Staircase when one of the characters (an investigator? Can't remember) starts driving down a street THAT IS OUR STREET to a house THAT IS THE HOUSE ACROSS THE STREET FROM US. Went and knocked on the door and chatted with the guy who lives there still, at the time of this writing. Wild experience, lemme tell you.

[Becky of Becky's Bookshelves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take Care of Them Like My Own: Faith, Fortitude, and a Surgeon's Fight for Health Justice is a memoir by Ala Stanford, a pediatric surgeon and a founder of the Black Doctors Consortium. Dr. Stanford's story of becoming a pediatric surgeon is a very inspiring, eye opening, and truly interesting. I enjoyed her writing style and the concrete points she makes to work together to improve health equity in America. My dream would be to sit down and have a cup of tea with Ala Stanford. She is an inspiring women.

I greatly enjoy volunteering at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. I am currently on a team looking at health equity with infections in ports and unplanned extubations. I have loved my time giving the parent perspective on the team as we work for better healthcare for all children. I recommend Take Care of Them Like My Own by Ala Stanford M. D.

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.

[Ashlie Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to SimonBooks for this free copy in exchange for an honest review!

I am FLOORED after reading Dr. Ala Stanford’s words. Of course I know about health disparities and inequities; I just never realized exactly how calculated they really are. And forged from history, things like redlining. Dr. Stanford, it isn’t your job to educate, but thank you for putting your experiences into writing. I will forever be changed by your book. 5/5 ⭐️

As a healthcare worker, I always do my best to sit and chat when I can see that’s what a patient wants. I try to give the same amount of love and compassion to everyone, but I’m also guilty of wanting to spend as little time as possible in a smelly room or if a patient is being rude. Sometimes those people are the patients who need a bit more care and patience. They need to learn to trust a system that has historically failed them and people like them.

[Britta Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take Care of Them Like My Own is the blend of Dr. Ala Stanford’s memoir and nonfiction facts about racial disparities in healthcare. Dr. Stanford takes the reader to the operating table and waiting room, as she conducts challenging surgeries on infants then discusses the prognosis with their parents, some of whom may be unable to adequately provide what the child needs. She tells her story of growing up in poverty but never giving up on her dream of becoming a doctor. Through all the roadblocks - both systemic and personal - she perseveres to become the first Black woman to be a pediatric surgeon in the U.S. Then, along comes the Covid-19 pandemic & Dr. Stanford pivots her passion and knowledge to expand community health outreach where it is most needed. The book concludes with tangible action items for doctors, patients, family members, and community members.

[Karna Bosman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part memoir, part call to action that shines a light on why fair health care matters for everyone. A timely reminder that health care should meet people where they are. Both personal and powerful, this book makes health care inequities impossible to ignore. Dr. Stanford calls for doctors who truly know their patients, care that reaches into communities, and recognition that housing, food, and jobs are all part of health. Her book weaves memoir with history and a vision for the future, making it both personal and instructive. It feels especially urgent in a time when funding for research is shrinking and acknowledging racial disparities is becoming politically incorrect. This is an essential and timely read.

[Jennifer Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story of the transformation of a woman who just keeps evolving. I love this book. She doesn't stop. At many points, by any account, she "made it". But, that is not what matters. She is changing norms, changing lives, and creating a legacy for others to follow. I was surprised that the writing seemed unedited. I suppose that is intentional. I recommend this for everyone who wants to make a difference in their own lives and the lives of others

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part autobiography and part examination of why health inequity matters to everyone, especially in times like the Covid pandemic. Stanford tells about her childhood in a poor, rundown section of Philadelphia, her struggle to attend college and then med school (at Pitt and Penn State, where I was sad to learn she encountered subtle and outright racism). After qualifying to be a pediatric surgeon, she became aware of the systemic racism and injustice in the health care system, and organized neighborhood clinics to test and vaccinate for Covid and provide other supports. Her explanations of redlining, historic racism and inequity are clear and eye-opening, and her call for change is undeniable.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm going to be honest - I didn't like the way Dr. Stanford bought into the American bootstraps narrative and combined that plus Christianity to suggest that anyone could overcome things the way she has. Don't get me wrong, she has gone through some very, very bad things in her life and done great work to help protect the Black community in Philadelphia from the covid pandemic. I just didn't vibe with the overall narrative. 2.5* rounded up

[Rosemary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I heard her interviewed by Terry Gross on Fresh Air and went right out and bought the book. She's very compelling to hear. Her story is a hard read for a white woman. I bogged down a few times because I'm not a public health wonk, but the state of public medicine in Philadelphia during the pandemic, at least, is very disheartening. Everybody should read this. It's an eye-opener.

[Almarietha Mathews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to read the book after seeing Dr. Stanford on good morning America. To think that a highly successful pediatric surgeon would pause her practice to help her community during Covid when no one else would is astonishing. She details the struggles of growing up poor, the challenges of medical school and being a resident only to be come a highly successful surgeon.

[Ada · Rating 4 out of 5]

This should be apart of curriculum for medical school and medical ethics/public health/sociology classes premed students take. Very insightful and inspiring for aspiring health care providers. I do wish we could hear more about the personal struggles and relationships Dr. Stanford developed throughout her life that led to her later success, but still a great read

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most important, inspiring books I’ve ever read.

[Jaclyn Goodfellow-Olmsted · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to Dr. Stanford give a keynote address at this year's ACGME conference. She is an incredible force for good in the world.

[Vicki Wetzel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Audiobook - 2 1/2 🌟 listened up to chapter 22 and then got bored.

[Rafael Suleiman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good memoir of a life spent in Medicine.

[Mirandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really inspiring and reflective book that gave us a very fruitful discussion in our book club! Highly recommend.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is truly inspirational and hopefully motivating to readers. I applaud Stanford for her incredible hard work and devotion to using her gifts and resources to help others.
While about two-thirds of the book is memoir, the last third or so is a call to action. She talks at the end of the book about the social determinants of health, which I’ve read about a number of other places. It’s vital for everyone to know about how these truly impact communities so those in most need can get appropriate care. Stanford lists ways that individuals can contribute to community health and how we all can make things better. We can do something to make our communities healthier.

Read my full review, including a rating for content, at RatedReads.com: https://ratedreads.com/take-care-them...

*I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.