The Hidden Cost Of Breaking Barriers
Some conversations are difficult, but they are also necessary. Moments of tragedy often lead us to reflect on our own experiences, the people we care about, and the realities that still exist in our communities today.
For many professionals from underrepresented backgrounds, success can also bring unexpected challenges. As opportunities increase, it is not uncommon to find yourself in spaces where few people share your experiences or understand the weight that comes with being one of the first or one of only a few.
Finding support, building community, and creating opportunities for those who come after us becomes just as important as achieving success itself.
In this episode of Time Out with the Sports Doctor, Dr. Derrick Burgess reflects on the tragic death of Nolan Xavier Wells and the conversations it sparked about identity, representation, and belonging. Drawing from his own experiences as one of the few Black orthopedic surgeons in Mississippi, he shares the importance of mentorship, protecting your mental health, staying connected to your community, and using your platform to open doors for others. This is an honest conversation about leadership, resilience, and the responsibility of lifting others as you climb.
“We have to continue to make intentional decisions to expose our children, so they can have a true identity.”
Topics Covered:
00:00:00 – Honoring Nolan Xavier Wells
00:02:00 – When success brings isolation
00:03:10 – Growing up and finding identity
00:04:07 – The impact of the HBCU experience
00:05:39 – Representation in medicine matters
00:09:45 – Reflections from the Essence Festival
00:11:18 – Raising children with a strong sense of identity
00:12:38 – The reality of being one of a few
00:13:33 – Finding mentorship and community
00:14:29 – Don't make yourself an island
00:15:03 – Use your platform to lift others
00:16:02 – Share your story, not just your success
00:17:06 – Using your gifts for good
Key Takeaways:
“With success, many times comes isolation.”
“The higher you climb, the more isolated it becomes.”
“It wasn't just a question, it was, ‘How do I survive?’”
“Don't make yourself an island.”
“Continue to lift as you climb.”
“Don't just share the success, share the failures as well.”
“Make sure that you are protecting your mental health.”
“You are chosen for a reason. You're given your talents and abilities for a reason. Make sure you're using them for good.”
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.
