We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dr. Shani Belgrave a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Dr. Belgrave thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.
I knew I wanted to become a doctor since high school. I was fascinated by a course I took, “Human Anatomy and Physiology.” After taking that class I knew I would pursue a career in medicine. As a teenager, I spent some time as a candy striper on the labor and delivery ward and thought I would become an obstetrician. It was not until my first clinical rotation in medical school that I contemplated becoming a surgeon. I loved being in the operating and being able to put my hands on a patient’s ailments and see immediate results. After completing my first rotation I had a passion for surgery and was excited to embark on the journey of becoming a surgeon. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing patients for consultation and providing post-operative care.
Shani, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am a bariatric and minimally invasive surgeon in Atlanta, GA. Most of my work is focused on treating morbid obesity. Obesity, which is the medical term for excess body fat, causes an array of problems including diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, hyperlipidemia, heart disease, and increased risk of certain cancers. Obesity is a chronic condition, and surgery is the most effective and durable treatment option. I perform a variety of procedures including sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, revisional surgery, and endoscopic procedures. I enjoy taking care of people, and promise to provide quality with compassion. I became a surgeon because I like performing an intervention for a patient and seeing tangible results. I perform weight loss operations because these procedures offer people improved health and a new lease on life. I also enjoy teaching, and serve as a preceptor and mentor for medical students. I am passionate about speaking on health and wellness, particularly as it relates to obesity. I’m the host of The Coalition Talk Show, a health and wellness program that is available on YouTube and Spotify. The goal of the The Coalition Talk Show is to transform lives by sharing health related information, and encouraging viewers to feel empowered when it comes to their health.
Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?
It takes years of training and dedication to become a surgeon. To be successful, I think it is important to love what you do and enjoy caring for others. A commitment to lifelong learning is essential. My goal each day is to be even better than I was the day before.
If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?
If I could go back, I would choose the same profession and specialty. I am grateful for the opportunity to perform delicate procedures that transform lives. So many patients are thriving after weight loss surgery. It brings me joy when patients are off insulin, no longer have sleep apnea, have increased energy, and report that the surgery has given them a new beginning.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.drshanibelgrave.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drshanibelgrave/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555527445768&paipv=0&eav=Afb6O1abTVorERB1Sgji84p1fi-NogiGNc1TSn0Rrsqz3dkEoBCJhxtjOn02ZF3p8jo&_rdr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/shani-belgrave-316b97210_surgeon-surgery-activity-7008972449161650176-8jbc?trk=public_profile_like_view
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/drshanibelgrave
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrShaniBelgrave
Image Credits
Shani Belgrave M.D.