This month on Danforth Dialogues, we are honored to welcome Dr. Regina Benjamin, the 18th United States Surgeon General who served during the Obama administration. A trailblazer in public health and health equity, Dr. Benjamin brings decades of experience and national leadership to the conversation.

A native of Alabama, Dr. Benjamin began her medical journey at Morehouse School of Medicine as a member of the second entering class when it was a two-year institution. She went on to earn her medical degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and later received an MBA from Tulane University. Dr. Benjamin opened a solo practice in Bayou La Batre, Alabama, which she later transformed into a nonprofit rural health clinic that has earned national acclaim for its service to underserved communities.

Dr. Benjamin’s contributions to the field extend far beyond her clinical work. She has served on the boards of Morehouse School of Medicine, Florida A&M University, and Tulane University. In 1995, she made history as the first African American woman and the youngest person elected to the American Medical Association’s board of trustees. Her many honors include a MacArthur Genius Fellowship, a papal medal from Pope Benedict XVI, and recognition as one of Reader’s Digest’s 100 most trusted people in America. We are especially proud to have Dr. Benjamin as our 2025 commencement speaker.

Tune in to this inspiring conversation with Dr. Regina Benjamin as she reflects on her remarkable journey, groundbreaking achievements, and enduring connection to Morehouse School of Medicine.

Resources Related To This Episode

• Visit https://www.msm.edu/

Credits

• Produced by ChatWithLeadersMedia.com

• Theme Music Old Fire Music from Pond5.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Danforth Dialogues, Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice sits down with the acclaimed actor and keynote speaker, Courtney B. Vance. Known for his Tony, Emmy, and NAACP Image Awards, Vance shares deeply personal stories and profound insights from his journey in life and career.

Vance reflects on growing up in 1960s Detroit, where he witnessed both the vibrancy of his community and the challenges of systemic change. His journey led him to Harvard, Yale, Broadway and beyond. Through it all, he credits his parents’ influence and his determination to make the most of every opportunity.

In this episode, you’ll hear Mr. Vance open up about navigating personal tragedy, including the loss of his father and godson to suicide, and the transformative power of therapy and faith. He discusses his path to acting, the importance of curiosity and persistence, and the encounters that shaped his career. Vance’s message to young people is clear: embrace the unknown, work hard, and remain open to the opportunities that God presents.

Join us for this inspiring episode as Courtney B. Vance shares his life lessons and a message of hope and perseverance for future leaders.

Resources Related To This Episode

• Visit https://www.msm.edu/

• Learn more and buy The Invisible Ache at https://theinvisibleache.com/

Credits

• Produced by ChatWithLeadersMedia.com

• Theme Music Old Fire Music from Pond5.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us for a special episode of Danforth Dialogues as we reflect on an extraordinary year of transformative leadership under the visionary guidance of Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice. Hosted by Dr. Creshema Murray, Vice President and Chief of Staff at Morehouse School of Medicine, this 2024 Year in Review takes listeners on a journey through some of the most powerful conversations from Season Two.

This episode highlights critical lessons in equity, representation, collaboration, and leadership from remarkable guests such as Carole B. Tomé, CEO of UPS; Xavier Becerra, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services; Joy Ann Reid, political analyst and host of The ReidOut; and many more. From fostering diversity in corporate boardrooms to addressing social determinants of health and meeting communities where they are, these conversations offer profound insights that will inspire leaders in every field. Tune in for a reflective journey that celebrates progress, challenges us to do more, and sets the stage for the future of leadership.

Resources Related To This Episode

• Morehouse School of Medicine: https://www.msm.edu

Credits

• Produced by ChatWithLeadersMedia.com

• Theme Music Old Fire Music from Pond5.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode of Danforth Dialogues, Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice sits down with Dr. David Skorton, President and CEO of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).

Dr. Skorton assumed leadership of the AAMC in 2019, where he introduced a comprehensive strategic planning process aimed at addressing major challenges in healthcare and fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in academic medicine. Prior to this role, Dr. Skorton served as the 13th Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, overseeing 19 museums, 21 libraries, the National Zoo, and various research centers. He also served as president of two major universities: Cornell University and the University of Iowa.

In this episode, Dr. Skorton reflects on his journey from growing up in Milwaukee to becoming a leader in medicine and education. You'll learn how his immigrant parents shaped his education and career path, emphasizing their influence on his resilience and drive for success. You'll also hear about his unique combination of interests in medicine, engineering, and the arts, including his love of jazz and his experience as a saxophone player.

Dr. Skorton delves into lessons learned from clinical medicine that have profoundly informed his leadership style, particularly the importance of humility and listening. He provides insights into the critical role of diversity and inclusion in advancing healthcare outcomes and highlights the AAMC’s mission to prepare a healthcare workforce that reflects the communities it serves.

Join us for this inspiring conversation on the intersection of medicine, leadership, and the humanities.

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In this powerful episode of Danforth Dialogues, Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice, President and CEO of Morehouse School of Medicine, sits down with Carol B. Tomé, CEO of UPS. As the first woman and outsider to lead UPS in its 117-year history, Carol shares her journey from a small-town upbringing in Wyoming to becoming one of the most influential leaders in corporate America. Listeners will gain insight into Carol’s leadership philosophy, her commitment to diversity and inclusion, and the value she places on resilience and collaboration. Tune in to hear how she is shaping the future of UPS while staying grounded in purpose and values.

RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE

• Morehouse School of Medicine: msm.edu
• More about Carol Tomé: https://about.ups.com/us/en/our-company/leadership/carol-b-tome.html

CREDITS

Produced by ChatWithLeadersMedia.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this powerful episode of Danforth Dialogues, Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice, President and CEO of Morehouse School of Medicine, sits down with U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra. As the first Latino to hold this distinguished office, Secretary Becerra shares his inspiring personal journey—from his working-class upbringing to becoming a key leader in the fight for health equity in America. Listeners will learn about his pivotal role in expanding health access for underserved communities, tackling health disparities, and his dedication to equitable health care through policy and leadership. Tune in to hear his thoughts on the values of hard work, advocacy, and servant leadership, as well as the personal experiences that shaped his path to public service.

RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE

• Morehouse School of Medicine: msm.edu
• HHS Office of the Secretary: hhs.gov
• Valerie Montgomery Rice X: @MSMPres
• Xavier Becerra’s X: @SecBecerra

CREDITS

• Produced by ChatWithLeadersMedia.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode of Danforth Dialogues, Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice sits down with Wright Lassiter III, Chief Executive Officer at CommonSpirit Health.

CommonSpirit Health is one of the country’s largest and most diverse healthcare organizations, with an expansive network of over 2,200 care sites across twenty-four states. With more than 30 years of experience, Mr. Lassiter previously served as CEO of Henry Ford Health, where he led the system through the COVID-19 pandemic and two successful mergers. He has also been recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the 100 most influential leaders in healthcare.

In this episode, Mr. Lassiter shares his journey from Tuskegee, Alabama, to becoming a leading voice in healthcare. You’ll learn What influenced Mr. Lassiter’s as he transitioned to the role of a CEO, how he navigated leading a healthcare system through a pandemic, and the personal impact it had on him. He also discusses the More in Common Alliance, a historic partnership between Morehouse School of Medicine and CommonSpirit Health aimed at addressing the underlying causes of health inequities, including the lack of representation among care providers.

Join us for this inspiring conversation on growing as a leader and navigating change to positively impact healthcare.

Resources Related To This Episode

• Visit https://www.msm.edu/
• Visit https://www.commonspirit.org/
• Learn more about the More in Common Alliance https://moreincommonalliance.org/

Credits

• Produced by ChatWithLeadersMedia.com
• Theme Music Old Fire Music from Pond5.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode of Danforth Dialogues, Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice sits down with Dr. Natalie Hernandez-Green, the Executive Director of the Center for Maternal Health Equity and Associate Professor at Morehouse School of Medicine.

Dr. Hernandez-Green has a wealth of experience in community-based participatory research, women’s health equity, and social determinants of health. In 2019, she helped establish the Morehouse School of Medicine Center for Maternal Health Equity and serves on Georgia’s Maternal Mortality Review Committee and the PRAMS Steering Committee.

In this episode, Dr. Hernandez-Green shares her journey into public health and her deep passion for improving maternal health outcomes. Discover the groundbreaking research being conducted at Morehouse School of Medicine’s Center for Maternal Health Equity, learn about the alarming statistics on maternal health, particularly for women of color, and explore actionable steps we can take to drive change in healthcare.

Join us for this insightful conversation to better understand and address maternal health disparities.

Resources Related To This Episode

• Visit https://centerformaternalhealthequity.org/
• Learn more about Morehouse School of Medicine at https://www.msm.edu/

Credits

• Produced by ChatWithLeadersMedia.com
• Theme Music Old Fire Music from Pond5.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.