Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Shani Belgrave.
Hi Dr. Belgrave, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story is one of persistence. My mother moved to the United States from the Caribbean as a teenager. After completing high school, she then worked to put herself through college and went on to earn her master’s degree. As a girl, I would often accompany her to her evening classes. She has an indomitable spirit and taught me that if I worked hard, I could accomplish anything. She encouraged me to always do my very best and to dream big. With her unwavering support, I took on many advanced placement courses and honors classes in high school. I was fascinated by a course on human anatomy and physiology and dreamt of becoming a doctor. I became co-valedictorian of my high school class and was accepted into a combined undergraduate and medical school program at Brown University. My matriculation at Brown University set me on my path to becoming a physician. I spent many summers working toward this goal. I participated in medical school summer preparation camps at Howard University and Columbia University. I also worked as a hospital volunteer at Washington Hospital Center in D.C.
After medical school, I went on to complete my general surgery residency at the University of Maryland. In addition to five years of clinical training, I completed two years of basic science research on tissue remodeling after injury. After general surgery residency, I completed a minimally invasive and bariatric surgery fellowship. I went into weight loss surgery because I enjoy the long-term impact I can have on patients’ lives. Often, patients with obesity have many ailments ranging from joint pain to hypertension and diabetes. In many instances, patients have resolution of these comorbid conditions after weight loss surgery and feel more empowered to live their best lives. I am very grateful for the opportunity to be a part of that journey. I’m appreciative of the privilege to perform these delicate technical procedures that help transform lives. I joined Peachtree Surgical and Bariatrics in 2021. It has been an honor working with Dr. Titus Duncan, CEO of Peachtree Bariatrics, who is a renowned surgeon and a pioneer in the field of bariatric surgery.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the greatest challenges I faced in my career was how to navigate the journey of becoming a surgeon. I am the only physician in my family, therefore, many things that I learned along the way I had to figure out in real time on my own. Mentorship in all careers is important, and I have been blessed to find mentors over the years who have been able to provide support and guidance. However, it took perseverance and willingness to seek out potential mentors that turned out to be instrumental in my success.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am a board-certified bariatric surgeon at Peachtree Surgical and Bariatrics. I am fellowship-trained in minimally invasive and bariatric surgery. The procedures that I most commonly perform are sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, conversion of sleeve to gastric bypass, and revisional procedures. I specialize in minimally invasive techniques, including laparoscopy and robotic surgery. I also perform endoscopic bariatric procedures. We are known for providing expertise combined with compassion. Our practice was recognized as the Best Bariatric Surgery Practice in 2023 by Best Self Atlanta Magazine. I also have a passion for innovation, lifelong learning, and medical student education.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
I recommend writing down your goals and setting time frames to accomplish them. Don’t think of any obstacle as the end but rather as an opportunity or a stepping stone to the next level.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.drshanibelgrave.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drshanibelgrave/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555527445768
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shani-belgrave-316b97210/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/drshanibelgrave
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrShaniBelgrave
