PRESS RELEASE
A Riveting Memoir of Perseverance, Racism, and Triumph in the Medical Profession From the operating room to the battleground of systemic bias, trauma surgeon Dr. Dale A. Dangleben unveils the raw, unfiltered reality of being a Black physician in America in his latest book, Immigrant to Surgeon: Essays of a Black Physician.
More than just a memoir, this powerful collection of essays is a testament to resilience, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in a system that often seeks to exclude. Born and raised in Dominica, Dr. Dangleben immigrated to the United States to pursue his dreams. But his journey was far from easy. From grueling years in medical school and residency to navigating the harsh realities of racism in medicine, Immigrant to Surgeon sheds light on the untold battles that Black physicians face daily—battles that extend far beyond the operating table.
Through deeply personal essays, Dr. Dangleben takes readers behind the scenes of the medical field, revealing the barriers, biases, and injustices that remain deeply embedded within the profession. He shares firsthand experiences of discrimination, the pressure of being the “token” Black doctor in predominantly white spaces, and the psychological toll of proving one’s worth over and over again. In a time when conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion in medicine are gaining momentum, Dr. Dangleben’s book serves as both a wake-up call and an inspiration. It speaks not only to aspiring physicians and medical professionals but to anyone who has ever had to fight for their place in a world that was not built for them.
“I wrote this book because too many stories like mine go untold. Black doctors are often expected to be grateful just for being allowed into the room, but we rarely get to tell the truth about what happens once we’re inside,” says Dr. Dangleben. “This book is for every aspiring doctor who has been told they don’t belong, for every Black professional who has had to work ten times harder, and for everyone who believes in breaking barriers.”
