Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Nina Watson.
Dr. Watson, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
After several years of playing the violin, I made the decision. Enthralled by the deep, rich notes and the tall, commanding presence along the periphery of the orchestra, I was going to play the string bass. Rather than continue as one musician in a large section of violinists, I would create the bass beat. Often as the only person in my section – and even more uniquely, a female bassist. The resolve to pursue interests that most fascinated and intrigued me would lead to other important decisions later in my life. At times, it would mean standing out again.
I am a native of Southern Mississippi, the middle child in a family of five kids. While most of my siblings were quite outgoing and talkative, I was quiet and reserved. However, early on, I realized that excelling academically brought me out of the shadows that my reserved personality had placed me. At an early age, I knew that I wanted to be a physician. I was enthralled by the human body, how each part works together, and what happens when things go wrong. Growing up in a small city in Mississippi, I knew that it would not be easy to accomplish my goal, so I began to plan early, worked hard, and took advantage of any opportunities that I could find.
I graduated valedictorian of my high school class and top of my class in college with a degree in chemical engineering. Next, I had the opportunity to fulfill the dream that I set at the age of five. I was accepted to attend one of the top medical schools in the country, Yale University School of Medicine. I thought that I had reached the summit of my accomplishments. Little did I know, I was only just the beginning.
During my first year of medical school, my fascination with anatomy, and the critical information obtained from images drew me to radiology. At points along my course to become a diagnostic radiologist, it was challenging to remain as enthusiastic. I would look at residency class pictures, browse the websites of private practices, and enter conference rooms containing thousands of physicians, yet sometimes rarely see another face that looked like me. At these times, I was most aware that I stood out and felt that I stood alone.
However, those uncomfortable feelings quickly dissipate when thinking back on numerous rewarding experiences with patients and colleagues. I think fondly of the elderly patient who called me at the end of an arduous day to let me know how much it meant to her to have a black female doctor perform her breast biopsy. It brings to mind the enjoyable opportunities that I had to give presentations in rooms filled with women of color and discuss the importance of screening mammograms, one black woman to another. I consider the calls and emails that I have received from medical students and residents whom I have never met in search of advice and support.
Minority patients face countless barriers in the pursuit of quality care. According to a Journal of the American Medical Association study, these barriers include less access to care, using fewer health care resources, and less satisfaction with the care they receive. Data from the Commonwealth Fund’s Minority Health Survey indicates the importance of racial and cultural factors in the patient-physician relationship.
Now, in this period of reflection, I realize that although at times I may stand out, I don’t stand alone. Just as an orchestra is composed of numerous musicians playing various instruments, each has an individual and unique role in the creation of something great. I treasure the unique opportunities that I have in patient care, education, and mentorship.
We’d love to hear more about your practice.
As a nationally recognized diagnostic radiologist and fitness expert, I am board-certified in diagnostic radiology with expertise in women’s imaging. I am a sought-after speaker, consultant, and medicolegal expert. Through my speaking engagements, social media presence, and work with various media outlets, I provide insights and strategies for improving wellness. I discuss actionable and real-world strategies to help busy professionals take control of their health. Firmly believing that everyone should have access to good health care, I spend time doing volunteer work in the United States, as well as internationally, in Liberia. I am a practicing physician, working in underserved areas throughout the country, and serve on national committees with the American Board of Radiology, American College of Radiology, and Society of Breast Imaging.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
To experience real success, you must be ready to live your truth. Often, we limit ourselves by the constraints that others or society has defined for us. However, to be truly successful, we step outside of those constraints, become true to our inner selves, and we allow the world to see who we honestly are. Being truly successful means being comfortable using our voice to create a life where we use our talents, gifts, and passions to serve others in the fullest sense. Things will not always be easy. There will be ups and downs, hills and mountains, twists, and turns. Hold on during the hard times. Relish in the good times. Stop along the way to smell the flowers. Make sure to appreciate it all. All of the experiences are shaping and refining us. Our attitude in approaching each lesson is what defines us.
Contact Info:
- Address: Dr. Nina, LLC
3535 Peachtree Rd NE
Suite 520- 258
Atlanta, GA 30326 - Website: www.drninawatson.com
- Phone: 770- 686- 7052
- Email: info@drninawatson.com
- Instagram: @DrNinaWatson
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrNinaWatson
- Twitter: @DrNinaWatson
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/DrNinaWatson
Image Credit:
Mallori Watson Photography
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