A Young Boys Search for the Original Black Doctors

Doctors are important and save lives. We all know this and it’s hard to believe that it even needs to be said. At the same time there continues to be a serious shortage of Black Doctors that seems to worsen by the day.  I am glad to share my story of wanting to be a doctor since the age of ten with the world. It will describe the challenges of urban life, power of mentorship, the real challenges in our educational system and so much more. Importantly, it will introduce you to some of the Original Black Doctors. Some will be surprised to know that the first Black person got their medical degree in the year 1837. This is important for a lot of reasons, especially because it shows our youth what is possible. There are a lot of subliminal messages that tell our youth that they can not become doctors but with perseverance, mentors and knowing what has happended in the past it shows them that anything including a doctor is possible.

This book is great for everyone, especially our youth.

Purchase the book today.

Check out the web page for the Original Black Doctors      Click here to purchase book

Original Black Doctor Web Page

Black Men’s Health

 

We can never forget that Black Men suffer some of the worse health challenges of any group of people. Of course this is multifactorial and include:

  • needing to schedule routine check ups and cancer screening
  • controlling stress
  • systemic bias in our healthcare system

Heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, obesity are just a few of the many things that need to be monitored for and treated when needed. Sometimes a simple check will help to prevent a serious problem. This is hard to catch early without simple tests. With close monitoring and a partnership with your doctor you can have a long and healthy life.

Remember to get your check ups and cancer screenings and to schedule your appointment. Your loved ones and family are counting on you.

Your family and loved ones need to help to remind you to stay on top of your health.

Consider purchasing this shirt with included E book to help keep the man in your life healthy.

Purchase your shirt today Men’s Health (click here)

The Original Black Doctor Framed Print

We are proud to present to you the Original Black Doctor Print. This classic print shares with you some of the earliest African American doctors. These men and women were simply brilliant and represent the resilience, tenacity, intellect and commitment to service that we all strive for. Their identity and role in the health of the country and yes world. Some of these men and women were known internationally for their work, yet generations of Americans do not know their story. From the work of Onesimus who may be considered the father of vaccines to the first African American Doctor, James McCune Smith we finally begin to learn more and share with generations their work. Onesimus could be considered the Father of vaccines, and approximately ten years ago was recognized as one of the most significant people in Boston History for saving many from the smallpox virus back in 1730. Check out his shirt as well.   James MCCune Smith had to leave for Glasgow Switzerland to earn his degree in 1837. As you learn his story you will find out he was a brilliant physician and leader. It was 1868 when our first women doctor graduate medical school, Rebecca Crumpler and we like to call her the mother of all Black Doctors. This project and the conversations I have had over the past has been very rewarding and I hope you too get to enjoy this. These doctors and physicians were so much more when you look at their contributions.

These framings include 8×10 up to 11x 14 prints with basic and upgraded framing.  The video and imaging here attempts to share the custom, stylish, refined and robust framing that is hard to find these days. These are accompanied with a brief biography of the doctors to make it easy to share their story with everyone especially our youth.

 

 

These framed prints will look good on any desk or wall. This includes the home office of just about anyone especially our scientists, dentists and anyone who can appreciate the work that these physicians did.

Purchase Options (Click on Link)

The Original Black Doctor Framed Print

Original Black Doctor 300 Years of Excellence

Original Black Doctor 11×14 Framed Print

Original Black Doctor Premium Framed Print

Make sure to check out our T shirts, sweat shirts, flash cards and activity Book.  For your convenience, a youth pack is available also.

OBD Flash Cards

You can also request your order or questions to obdoc1837@gmail.com

The Original Black Doctors

We are pleased to finally share with you the rich untold story of African American Physicians in this country. This was a very important and special project that  has gained a lot of energy over the past months because I believe it will help especially our next generation of leaders, professionals and of course doctors. The history of Black doctors is rich and here we share just a few of the doctors that helped to pave the way for Black Doctors and healthcare in the United States. This untold history, which is important and priceless is something that many of us have never learned and we are happy to share it here. It was a surprise to me to find out about Onesimus, James McCune Smith and the earliest doctors that date back close to three hundred years. These men and women accomplished so much under difficult conditions. They performed some of the first immunizations, cardiac surgeries, health leaders, researchers, scholars while being actively involved in their communities and the world. We offer a variety of items that help to capture this rich history including : a brief biography on the important information of early Black doctors, framed photos and quality clothing such as t shirts and sweat shirts that help share the rich history of these doctors.  These quality items share important history, images and information that can not be found anywhere else and are perfect for groups or individuals.

 

Make sure to check out our upgraded and framed photos of the Original Black Doctors and 300 years of Black Excellence that are perfect for your wall. These come in 8×11 range and 11×14.

Your family, friends, youth groups and future professionals and doctors will be a perfect fit for these products.

 

Purchase Options (Click on Link)

Original Black Doctor 1837 T shirt

Original Black Doctor 1837 Sweat Shirt

OBD 300 Years of Excellence T Shirt

The Original Black Doctor T shirt (Women)

The Father of Black Doctors T Shirt

The mother of Black Doctors T Shirt

The Original Black Doctor T Shirt (Male)

The Classic Original Black Doctor T

When ordering for your groups you will qualify for a complementary biography of the Original Doctor Print  and  Premium Framing (contact us for details). Make your order today. Current colors available are white and gray. Please specify your sizes.

Feel free to send any order requests or questions to obd1837@gmail.com

Thanksgiving and COVID 2022.

Thanksgiving is here and so is COVID. Lets not forget that every holiday season for the past 3 years as we sit down with family, friends and loved ones we have to be concerned about COVID. Think about the people around the table, and take the precautions to prevent a serious problem.  This is especially important now as we battle 3 viruses. The flu, RSV and COVID.

Here are a few ways to try and stay healthy:

  1. take a covid test before entering the home
  2. take a covid test 1-3 days before arrival and isolate prior to meeting
  3. meet virtually
  4. if able to, meet in an outdoor space

 

Just a few options, but remember the following to help stay healthy when it comes to COVID:

  1. stay up to date with the booster
  2. follow all CDC guidelines
  3. if sick get evaluated as soon as possible
  4. check on loved one and help keep them informed
  5. if in doubt get tested.

Stay Healthy

Darryl A. hill M.D. FACP

Watching the PSA and avoiding prostate cancer. What you need to know.

As men get older we need to make sure that we are paying attention to our prostates. I always say to my patients, that sooner or later we come to a point where some difficult questions have to be answered. That’s because prostate cancer increases as we age and is the most common cancer that men will face in our lives. The older you become, especially for black men, the concerns become even more significant.  About 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer during their lifetime. It is the most common cancer for men and second leading cause of cancer deaths. Fortunately, most men who get prostate cancer do not die from it.  This slow growing cancer currently has no definitive way to be prevented but you can lessen your risk with a healthy diet and antioxidants.

One way to diagnose this cancer is with the PSA blood test and the digital rectal exam which can lead to further confirmatory tests including a biopsy.

Other common cause of prostate symptoms include infection and an enlarged prostate.

Three recent patient cases help to illustrate the conversation and thought process when dealing with real life prostate cancer concerns as we all age.

Patient #1 had a strong family history where all the men in his family had prostate cancer diagnosed by the age of 65. As a 66 year old his PSA had been monitored annually and now was found to have a sharp spike rising from 3.9 to 6.4. Given the concerns here he was referred and had a biopsy done that was normal.  He will need to be followed closely for years to come.

 

Patient #2 has had an elevated PSA that dates back for five years and continues to increase very slowly. This 71 year old male does have symptoms of BPH and given a recent slight increase we have decided to check a PSA twice a year. As a 71 year old he is very healthy and we have decided that we will monitor his lab work and if any concerns he will be referred to a urologist.

Patient #3 is an interesting case and illustrates some of the complexities of this condition and its management. He is 78 and has recently been diagnosed with dementia. He has been followed by urology for some time and has been against getting a biopsy. Recent testing shows that his PSA has significantly increased and he most likely has prostate cancer. After detailed conversations with himself, family and his doctors the patient and family have decided that they do not want any further PSA testing and have elected to  be conservative with management of the prostate. This is partly related to  his overall history, wishes and his prognosis.  For all of these situations a personal decision needs to be made based on a lot of information.

 

None of these situations are simple and all come with specific risks and benefits. I can not overstate how important it is to have a clear conversation with the patient and if needed family as well.

Remember that antioxidants help. Consider our metagenics  Multivitamin  and Vitamin D  along with a balance diet.

Check in with your doctor and have that conversation.  Contact the office for a virtual conversation if needed or stop by the office.

COVID Update April 2022

As we get excited about the warm weather lets not forget about COVID. Numbers are rising and we cant for get this. We are seeing an increase of cases and our share of people avoiding their booster shot (bad idea). We even had to put someone on the new oral monoclonal antibody. Live your life safely and manage your risk but you must remember two things. There is a recommendation for a second booster for those older than 50 and if you are high risk for other reasons. Secondly, there is now a oral monoclonal antibody that should be taken within 5 days of your symptoms if you are high risk for complications. This will be important as we start socializing, traveling and hanging with friends and family.

Henrietta Lacks continues to make our lives better.

 

As we move forward with the new year it seemed appropriate that we take a moment to remember the story of Henrietta Lacks. What she experienced and later provided to medical research continues to give so much to the world.  This report by NPR is  a refreshing look at her story and now how her family is looking for some closure. There are so many things to discuss here but I hope you enjoy this interview and continue to follow this story. Enjoy and share.

Audio link click here

Preventing and Reversing Prediabetes and Diabetes is Possible

There are 130 million prediabetics and diabetics in this country. Many of whom don’t even know  they have the condition. Is there a reason why 1 in 3 people have this condition. We believe there is and are excited to offer a way to Prevent, Better manage and when possible even REVERSE this terrible disease process.  I have been sharing the incredible stories of how we have seen and helped many identify, prevent and reverse diabetes. This is something we can all benefit from as we try to avoid this diagnosis and it’s terrible complications.

We all know someone with prediabetes or diabetes and want to help avoid suffering from this disease which in many cases is preventable.

You simply cant avoid this problem without understanding it and making changes in your every day life. This online course and 30 day diet analyzer are imperative to helping you stay healthy.

Register and Prevent or Reverse Prediabetes/Diabetes

COVID Update

The holiday season is here as COVID continues to be a challenge for us all. Continue to do everything possible to protect yourself and loved ones. This includes getting your vaccine, booster shot and following all recommendations from the experts.

 

Monoclonal Antibody treatment, a patient’s experience

 

 

Monoclonal Antibody is saving lives. We are happy and proud  to have been one of the Doctor’s offices in the state of Maryland that were able to share this life saving medicine with those that need it. It is important to first know that the medicine is available, then it is important to gain access to it as soon as possible. We want to thank our patient that has agreed to share her story here so that others can learn about her experience receiving monoclonal antibiotics here in Maryland.

Monoclonal Antibody Video

What you need to know about Monoclonal Antibody

Monoclonal Antibody treatment currently is the most effective treatment for COVID 19. These have been available for treatment for almost a year now.  They can reduce the risk of  hospitalization or death from COVID by 70 percent. Despite this, not too many people know just what it is.  These man made antibodies are directed against the spike protein of the virus and prevent the virus from infecting cells in your body. To be effective this treatment needs to be given as early as possible after testing positive and having mild to moderate symptoms. They are also effective if you are exposed to COVID 19. This can be especially important if you are not vaccinated.   If you become more sick, require high amounts of oxygen or have had symptoms for more than ten days the medicine becomes less effective. You can also qualify for the treatment if you are obese, have heart disease, hypertension, diabetes or other chronic medical  conditions. This is an IV medicine that usually is given over one hour. The medicine is usually well tolerated.

The goal of this treatment is to help you get well quicker and to avoid worsening symptoms and complications of COVID including death.

Remember

  1. Monoclonal Antibody treatment helps.
  2. Make sure to share your symptoms immediately with your doctor. The sooner the better.
  3. This treatment is safe.
  4. The treatment is free.
  5. Monoclonal Antibody treatment saves lives.

 

Don’t forget that the vaccine, a mask and other interventions including common sense are still important.

Darryl A. Hill, M.D.

COVID Survival Essentials for you and your family.

Whether we like it or not the pandemic continues. We all no someone  that has been affected by this terrible virus that is not going away. The past 2 years I have learned a lot on the front lines in my private medical office, participating in meetings and talking to hundreds of patients. It is clear that without proper information the risk of something bad happening is increased. There are simple strategies that we all need to start now to help us survive this. In addition, we cant be afraid to share this with family, friends, loved ones and the general community because most don’t know a few simple strategies that are critical to survival.

  1. Get the vaccine and follow the recommendations
  2. Make sure you have access to the health care system.
  3. Take advantage of Telemedicine and know how to use it.
  4. Know what Monoclonal antibodies are. This treatment can save your life.
  5. Pulsoximeter. This device can easily save your life. You want to include one in your first aid kit TODAY!!          

Get the vaccine and follow the recommendations

The vaccine continues to be the best tool to help protect you against the COVID virus. If you have not gotten it, strongly consider getting it as soon as possible. Some want it but have been so busy they have not scheduled the time to get it. Get the vaccine immediately before it is too late.

Make sure you have access to the health care system.

To benefit and take advantage of our health care system you will need access. This is best accomplished by your own doctor. Make sure you have a regular doctor. If you come down with anything that resembles COVID make sure they know. They will help you decide if you have a simple or more serious medial issue and monitor you also.

Take advantage of Telemedicine and know how to use it.

This has made it easy to get care, gain access while also helping to prevent you from being exposed or spreading COVID. Take the time now to reconnect or to meet your new doctor. The more you know each other the better the outcomes. Your connection with the doctor can be by computer or phone. This is new and priceless.

Know what Monoclonal antibodies are. This treatment can save your life.

This treatment is one of the best treatments for COVID. Know that it is available and also realize that it must be used within 10 days after you have tested for COVID. It is intended to help you avoid complications and death from COVID.

Pulsoximeter. This device can easily save your life. You want to include one in your first aid kit TODAY.

This device will help to measure oxygen in your blood and is very important if you get COVID. This is because for those with COVID who start to get sick, it is common for your oxygen levels to drop without you knowing. This device can help pick it up early and give you a chance to get the help you needed.  Last year you could not find these devices. We all need to have one early before we need it.

Stay healthy and make good decisions everyday to avoid this terrible deadly virus.

New Recommendation to check even younger adults for diabetes!!

While you were busy with something called life, something very important just happened.  This week but a major announcement about diabetes and prediabetes was released that will affect the entire country. An organization that is responsible for helping to keep the country healthy made a recommendation that we start checking just about everyone for diabetes at an even younger age. That age is 35 and reflects how common diabetes and prediabetes are. I am glad to say that we have been doing this for some time and sadly, this is a BIG problem. One in three people have prediabetes and about 14 percent of adults have diabetes. Much of this is preventable. COVID has made these numbers worse. It is up to each of us to make a difference. I know personally how much we all fear diabetes but without knowledge and change this will only get worse. Twenty years of caring for people in private practice has shown me that no matter how healthy you are this can affect everyone. From the healthy and active professional to the sedentary person this is real. I am also glad to say that this can be reversed and is preventable.

My recommendations to you:

  1. Get tested. The hemoglobin A1C test is the best test to find out your status.
  2. Get smarter about this and lifestyle which includes exercise and diet (forever).
  3. Get a good doctor and team.

Our Med school 4 people product is also a good help for you. This will provide you with the information you need. These short videos and tools will help to avoid need for medicine, complications and give you the info needed to stay in control of your health. Check it out here Med School 4 People

COVID testing and COVID Vaccine Saturday August 28 White Oak

Saturday August 28 we will be partnering with Montgomery County  to provide health information, COVID testing and COVID vaccines. If you have not had your vaccine this will be a perfect time to come out. There will also be free food, ice cream and a chance to meet health care providers in the community including yours truly. We will see you there 10-2pm at 11203 Lockwood Drive, Silver Spring. Spread the word and bring a friend. Rin or shine.

The COVID Pandemic Continues

 

At this point we have all been affected by COVID. It seems like this pandemic of COVID 19 has been going on forever. We were all so anxious to get back to our lives and did our best to enjoy a summer where we could take our masks off. Sadly, our short lived return to some normalcy is long gone.  On the front lines in my office we have seen just about all the usual ups and downs of office medicine despite also dealing with COVID. We have helped educate and convince many that the vaccine was the right thing to do. I have also been reminded just how important my role is to help keep people healthy. I believe many people have also realized the need to have a doctor and access to quality, efficient and timely health care. COVID has demonstrated this. We have seen how telemedicine, Monoclonal antibody and relationships have been able to save lives for all patients. Old, young, black, white irrespective of one’s baseline health. No one knows where we go from here, but I will always believe that science will be the road back to normalcy. Get your vaccine and make good decisions.

One other piece of advice I share with everyone is this. Do not make the mistake of treating cold symptoms like you did before COVID 19. Doing so can be a serious mistake since it could easily be COVID.

If you don’t have a doctor get one and take advantage of telemedicine and the doctor patient relationship. I have seen how this has saved lives over the past year. Telemedicine is here to help and here to stay just like the virus.

Darryl Hill, M.D. FACP

COVID 19 Vaccine County Information

 

The Pandemic Continues

We are a year into the pandemic and yes it continues. Who would have imagined that we would still be here at this point. All of us know someone that has been affected or even worse killed by this deadly virus. Across the country and world, millions continue to be threatened by this virus that is now a part of us. Some of us are more at risk than others, but make no mistake that we are all threatened by this virus. Never before in our lives has everyone’s life been day to day. As a doctor, I have been dealing with the virus every day. I have seen death and have had a chance to prevent death as well. My job is to help educate you on how to keep yourself and loves ones safe. I have seen the power of how telemedicine can help and continue all to take advantage of it.

This novel virus now has mutations and mutants, that we are learning more and more about. Take this seriously. As a result, we may be more likely to be able to get the infection more than once and it is more contagious and dangerous.

Be cautious with cold symptoms

Please do not treat cold symptoms like we all did Pre COVID. It is possible this can be something else.  Strongly consider being in communication with your doctor at least by telemedicine to closely monitor symptoms.

What can I do to Avoid the VIRUS?

Its simple wash your hands, keep your distance from others and wear a mask. Avoid all social gatherings including small family get togethers from those outside your household. If you have to get together, do it outside and wear your masks.

By now most know where I stand on the vaccine, get the vaccine unless you have a real reason not to that is based on facts. If you have questions talk to your doctor and hear the facts not gossip or misinformation. Feel free to check in with me an dyes I have gotten the shot. Check out the video here and other information from qualified professionals. This is about life and death.  So far all the available vaccines are relatively save and offer benefits when it comes to preventing severe COVID symptoms that may require hospitalization or even worse. Again, strongly consider getting the vaccine and encouraging loved ones to do the same.

Remember that each time a holiday comes up, this has been followed by a spike in cases. Do your best to avoid social gatherings including with your family.

Importantly, make sure to preregister with your county so that you can even have the opportunity to get the vaccine. Preregister even if you are not allowed to get the vaccine yet. Below is the link for your respective county.

Prince Georges County Resident click here for PG County Health information

Howard County Resident  Howard County COVID information

Anne Arundel County Resident   Anne Arundel County Resident

Montgomery County Resident   Montgomery County Resident

Things to do

Wipe down surfaces in your home

wash hands upon entry to your home

have a plan with your family or housemates to avoid the virus

Take advantage of Telemedicine

Make sure you have a doctor

limit your travels outside the home

Consider purchasing a Pulsoximeter to help monitor your oxygen levels

 

COVID-19 Vaccine and the Black Community Expert Panel Webinar

The pandemic continues and now there is a vaccine available. This expert panel which includes the scientist who helped to develop the vaccine help to answer the questions that you have. This informative webinar is a videotape of the live event that has had over 40,000 views on social media and is helping people like yourself understand better how the vaccine can help save lives. Thanks to the Montgomery County Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity for sponsoring this very important national event. Also thanks to all of the experts. I encourage you to view the entire event and to share this event so that others may also benefit from it. Check out our earlier post that looks at the COVID pandemic and provides important  information for you your family and loved ones.

COVID Vaccine and the Black Community Video link

Reversing type 2 diabetes

Sometimes as a doctor it is easy to become overwhelmed with a new excitement when something good happens. Diabetes and prediabetes affects over a third of the United States population and continues to grow at a record pace. The excitement I would like to share is a recent patient who was found to be a new diabetic and had all the classic symptoms to go with it. This usually includes: urine frequency, drinking a lot of water and fatigue. He even had a hemoglobin A1C of close to 13 which indicates this has been going on for a long time. In many cases, insulin is needed to get things under control. Doctors including myself have to almost always use insulin to get things under control. When approached with this idea, the answer was a firm no, “no insulin”. One thing I did not add is that the person could not walk, so the option of increased exercise was not an option.  The good news that he was right. After two months his numbers had returned to normal and for the past six months he continues to do well with no medicine.

The moral of the story here is that  all things are possible as long as we put our minds to it. Our medschool4people has also helped to improve health one person at a time. Many of the diseases that affect us are preventable.  This also brings to mine a patient that at a very early age had already had a heart attack, stroke, diabetes and peripheral vascular disease. This ran through the family and was related to a lot of reasons that could have been prevented.  THis story repeats itself every day around the entire country. It is important for us to be educated and to be able to identify, understand and have the right checks and balances. Check out Med School 4 People and start changing your health. Diabetes, heart disease, reflux, high blood pressure and so much more will start to improve for you.