In this episode of Standing On Business, we sit down with Dr. Brian L. Pettiford, MD, MBA, MMM, Section Head of General Thoracic Surgery at Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center. A distinguished cardiothoracic surgeon and a trailblazer in medicine, Dr. Pettiford was the third Black graduate of the University of Pittsburgh’s general surgery program and the first to complete their cardiothoracic surgery program—breaking barriers in a field where Black representation remains scarce.
Dr. Pettiford shares how personal loss ignited his passion for medicine, the challenges of navigating spaces where he was often the only Black professional in the room, and the discipline it takes to thrive in high-stakes environments. Most importantly, he offers invaluable advice to the next generation, emphasizing the power of mentorship, excellence, and lifting others as you climb.
This episode is a powerful conversation on perseverance, representation, and what it truly means to stand on business in medicine.
🎧 Listen now on YouTube and all streaming platforms!
C O N N E C T W I T H US:
Podcast Instagram: @standonbusiness.pod
Host Instagrams: @withlove_amari & @withbianca.co
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/standing-on-business-podcast/
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