Dr. Clive Callender is founder and director of Howard University Hospital’s transplant center and former chairman of the facility’s Department of Surgery.
How long have you been a doctor?
Since 1963, graduated from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tenn. When I was 7, I wanted to become a medical missionary, and after I had been in medical school I decided that I wanted to become a surgeon as a medical missionary. So I did my surgery training and then had an opportunity to serve in Africa in 1970 and ‘71. I decided after I lost 40 pounds I would come back to the United States and do my work here. Then I decided to become a transplant surgeon.
Why did you lose 40 pounds?
I never understood that because I was never found to have any pathogens or diseases. But I came back about 127 pounds.
As a black doctor, did you get a fair shake?
I never really expected to get a fair shake from anyone. I grew up in a life fullof adversity and learning how to turn obstacles into stepping stones. I had a lot of faith in God and believed God would carry through me the adversity, whatever it was.
What stood in your way?
Being black. For example, when I started, the only guy that was active was Dr. Samuel Kountz, the nation’s first black transplant surgeon. When I went to meetings national and international, we were the black faces, and in a city of white, the black faces only get credibility if the white supports his position. I learned to deal with institutional racism and become pretty good at figuring out how to get through it.
What does the apology issued recently by the American Medical Association for a history of racial inequality mean?
The apology is a giant step forward. I’m a very religious person, and God requires us to repent. So you have to apologize, but then you have to turn away from the racism and take action. – Michael Neibauer
