Opening Doors for the Next Generation

The road to where we want to be rarely looks the way we imagined it would. Setbacks, unexpected detours, and moments of uncertainty can make us question our direction, but they can also shape our character and prepare us for opportunities we may not yet see. Sometimes, the obstacles we face become the very experiences that help us grow and guide others forward.

Growth is not only about reaching a goal. It is also about remembering the people who helped us get there and recognizing the responsibility that comes with having opportunities others are still waiting for. When someone opens a door for us, we can use what we have learned to open doors for others.

In this episode of Time Out with the Sports Doctor, Dr. Derrick Burgess reflects on returning to Washington, DC, reconnecting with Howard University, mentoring aspiring orthopaedic surgeons, and advocating for patients and physicians on Capitol Hill. He discusses setbacks, mentorship, healthcare disparities, diversity in orthopaedic surgery, and the growing role of AI in medicine.

“Thank you God for the journey, thank you for keeping me, thank you for helping me overcome all the obstacles to get to where I am now.”— Dr. Derrick Burgess

Topics Covered:
00:00:00 – Introduction
00:01:46 – The journey to Howard University
00:02:59 – The impact of mentorship
00:04:15 – Diversity in orthopaedics
00:06:50 – Advertisement: Struggling with your finances as a young physician? Doc2Doc Lending is here for you. Founded by doctors, we offer loans tailored to your unique career path—crediting your certifications and specialty training. Visit https://www.doc2doclending.com/ today.
00:08:39 – Building faith through obstacles
00:09:35 – Advocacy on Capitol Hill
00:10:51 – Healthcare policy and patient care
00:13:13 – What advocacy means
00:14:08 – Closing remarks

Key Takeaways:

“God knew what we needed in our lives to help shape our careers and place us under the mentorship of those two giants in orthopaedics.”

“I go home a better person, being able to see the other side of what the lawmakers are encountering and the things, the obstacles that they face as well.”

“Advocacy, sometimes you’re supporting, pleading for or speaking on behalf of others who do not have the ability to make that presentation for themselves.”

“Hopefully it’ll be able to help somebody else, motivate someone else to continue to push forward in whatever your dream or capacity, in whatever endeavour you’re trying to achieve.”

Connect with Dr. Derrick Burgess:

Website: https://www.drderrickthesportsdr.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drderrickthesportsdr/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimeOut.SportsDr

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-burgess-72047b246/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.derrickburgess243

Email: thesportsdoctr@gmail.com

Other Links: https://www.hbcuendzone.org/about

Scrubs to Skylines: https://www.instagram.com/scrubstoskylines/

This episode of TimeOut with the SportsDr. is produced by Podcast VAs Philippines - the team that helps podcasters effectively launch and manage their podcasts, so we don't have to. Record, share, and repeat! Podcast VAs PH gives me back my time, so I can focus on the core functions of my business. Need expert help with your podcast? Go to www.podcastvasph.com.