The more accurate title for this blog post would be why I quit being a Dr.

On Twitter, I removed the title from the name heading my profile. I’d been trying it out for a few months just because. I’d been told more than a few times to use it to establish “credibility.”

I’ve never really felt comfortable with it outside of specific settings. If you’re my patient, my student, or my colleague in a professional setting then it seemed to fit the environment. Outside of that, I NEVER introduce myself in person as such. The way I see it, if it isn’t on your birth certificate, it’s not your first name.

However, being a double minority, I was also told that it was important to use the title because I could never tell whom I was influencing.  A little black girl or younger black woman may envision what would be possible for her if she were aware of my own path.  See, female oral and maxillofacial surgeons are a serious minority.  Add black to that and the number severely diminishes. I doubt there are more than a hundred in the country.

The dilemma is that I’m very clear that what I do has little to do with who I am. Sure, you may be able to guess a few things about my character, but my profession doesn’t tell you anything about my heart.

On social media, I talk about personal development and spirituality and all things related. Like my personal relationships, it’s where I’m most myself. Just Emelia.

If people want to know a little bit more about my background, they can get that on my website, or any bio associated with my social media profiles and the articles that I write.

Being a doctor is an integral part of my story and how it unfolds, but it’s not the central thing. I’m an observer. I’m a writer. I’m concerned about people’s health, but I’m far more concerned with their spirits.

That’s what I want my conversations to lead with.