In celebration of Black History Month, we spoke with Sutter Health Family Practice Physician Pasha Jackson, MD to explore his journey to healthcare, the powerful contributions of Black individuals throughout history, and how he honors their lasting impact on society.
1. Can you talk about your upbringing and how it has shaped your career in medicine?
A: Countless individuals have and continue to inspire my career in medicine. My grandmother, who helped raise me, was a Registered Nurse and brought an awareness of medical culture within my childhood home; medical journals often rested alongside and intermingled with my playthings. For as long as I can remember, the probability (as distinct from possibility) of recovery and healing from prior states of illness has fascinated me. My rough style of play as a child left no shortage of minor injuries.
2. Where does your passion come from?
A: As a doctor, I delight in knowing my patients as individuals aside from what statistics their demographics may confer. My family raised me to be a critical thinker and to accept information, not only because it came from institutions and authority figures, but primarily because it made sense and resonated with me. Questioning status quo and convention would ultimately serve as an act of self-love and self-preservation for my full humanity. One of the greatest strengths of my family and community is our capacity to love. I believe that to give love you must first receive and experience it. My family wrapped me in our special brand of love, my grandmother’s beating heart at the epicenter.
Sutter Health Family Practice Physician Pasha Jackson, MD.
3. What does Black History Month mean to you?
A: Our country has gained much from the contributions of our African forebearers. From our thriving industries and wars won, to our music, cuisine, inventions, literature and scientific discoveries, we owe an appreciation and debt this month and year-round. Black History Month provides an excellent opportunity to remember and reconnect our country’s history and with it a greater sense of our shared humanity.
