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Black History Month: Hear from Jay Graham, MD, MBA

Feb 3, 2025, 18:27 PM by Anna Shults

Dr. Graham is Surgical Director, Pancreas Transplantation, ASTS Fellowship Program Director, and Associate Professor at Montefiore-Einstein. His clinical focus is on liver, kidney, and pancreas transplantation. 

As we celebrate Black History Month, we had the privilege of hearing from Dr. Graham about his journey, representation in transplantation, and mentors who have influenced him the most.

What inspired you to pursue a career in transplantation?

GrahamI’ve always been drawn to the intersection of science, surgery, and making a profound impact on individuals' lives. Transplantation, for me, is the ultimate expression of medical innovation—it’s a life-saving procedure that brings hope to patients in their most vulnerable moments. The complexity and precision required in this field, combined with the potential to change someone’s life forever, is what initially inspired me to pursue it.

Who has been your greatest influence or mentor?

I’ve been fortunate to have several mentors throughout my journey, but one person who stands out is Dr. Lynt Johnson, who not only taught me the technical skills of surgery but also emphasized the importance of patient care and empathy. They showed me that being a good surgeon is about more than just performing successful operations—it’s about treating the whole person and understanding the human side of medicine.

What does being a transplant surgeon mean to you personally and professionally?

Personally, it’s a profound responsibility and honor to be in a position where I can giveGraham2 someone the chance to live a longer, healthier life. Professionally, it’s both challenging and fulfilling—there's always something to learn, and each case brings its own set of complexities. It’s also a reminder of the importance of teamwork, as transplant surgery requires collaboration among various specialties to ensure the best outcomes for patients.

What key message would you like to convey during Black History Month?

Black History Month is an opportunity to honor the resilience, accomplishments, and contributions of Black individuals, not just in the past, but also in the present and future. My message would be to encourage young Black people to pursue their dreams, especially in fields where they are historically underrepresented. Representation matters, and I hope that more Black professionals in medicine, including transplant surgery, will continue to inspire and pave the way for the next generation.

What does representation in transplant surgery mean to you, and how do you hope to inspire future generations of future Black professionals in this field?

Representation in transplant surgery means showing that Black individuals belong in these spaces and can excel in them. It’s important for young Black students and aspiring professionals to see people who look like them in roles where they can have a significant impact. By being visible and sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to pursue medicine, especially transplant surgery, and to know that their presence in these spaces is valuable and necessary.