Join board-certified oncologic breast surgeon Dr. Jovita Oruwari in conversation with Gazelle Magazine founder and publisher Cillah Hall to celebrate the launch of Oruwari’s new book, ”Black Girls in White Coats.”
The book highlights the challenges, triumphs and invaluable contributions of black female doctors. Black women make up less than 5% of the total physician workforce in America.
The free event takes place on Wednesday, Sept. 6, from 7 to 8 p.m. at St. Louis County Library’s Florissant Valley branch. Doors open at 6 p.m. The event is part of the Arthur Gale Medical Lecture Series at St. Louis County Library.
Oruwari will be joined by other five doctors from the St. Louis region who practice in various disciplines of the medical field: Dr. Ronke Akintola, Dr. Melba Akinwande, Dr. Lannis Hall, Dr. Jade James and Dr. Lesli Scott, all of whom are featured in the book. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, the women provide an illuminating perspective on the challenges and triumphs of a black medical professional, while balancing family and friendships.
Oruwari hopes the book encourages the next generation to dare to be brave and enter STEM-related fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics). She is passionate about health and wellness, educating youth about health fields, and breast cancer health risk reduction.
“I’m involved in making people well and getting them back to their lives and families. What could be more gratifying than that?” Oruwari said. “My advice to girls of color is that you can do whatever you set your mind to do. Do not let anyone tell you that you cannot. Only you can decide that.”
Oruwari has been a practicing physician for 20 years. She joined SSM Health DePaul Hospital in 2020.
Learn more about this event at slcl.org. Books will be available for purchase at the event.
