Since 1996, Dr. William Lynn Weaver has held the post of professor and chair of Surgery at MSM. For more than a decade, he has taken a professional leadership role in surgical organizations locally, regionally and nationally. He talks with us about how being - and staying involved - has helped him raise awareness and shape policy.

You have served the surgical profession in numerous volunteer capacities.
I am the past president of a number of major surgical organizations, including the Georgia Surgical Society, the Georgia Chapter of the American College of Surgeons, the Atlanta Surgical Association, and the Southeastern Surgical Congress.

Your leadership spans what time?
During the last 10 years since I came to Georgia. I was the governor of Georgia for the American College of Surgeons. That was historic. I am the first African American to hold that title.

Why do you think that is?
Surgery in itself is fairly restrictive in terms of the involvement of African Americans -and not just in Georgia. Essentially what happens is that when African Americans finish training, they go to work but don't have the opportunity to be involved in mainstream administration.

So many people are content to join rather than lead. What do you think you bring to the table?
A unique perspective and the ability to understand the larger picture. That is eye-opening for many of my peers. That outlook came from my mentor, Dr. Eddie Hoover. He introduced me to mainstream surgery when I went to work for him; my only interaction had been with the National Medical Association, a black organization. He took me to majority meetings and opened my eyes to the fact that if I were going to make a change in the larger community, with students and residents, I should get involved with the decision makers.

Can you point to some specific outcomes of your involvement?
I am very proud of the successes for my residents who've desired to do fellowships. I've been able to pick up the phone and identify fellowships for them, throughout the country and in some parts of the world. That's a direct result of my involvement in these organizations.

What has your leadership done for MSM's reputation?
We are becoming known on a national and international level. Traditionally, since its inception, MSM has been known as a primary care institution. One of my concerns about the Surgery Department is that we are more well-known nationally than locally. We need to sing our own song and let the community know we are doing good work, taking care of people. For example, our residents won first and second place in the American College of Surgeons, Georgia Chapter, for scientific papers. We also won first and third nationally.

What's the end result of such achievement?
It increases our ability to apply for different types of grants in specialty areas, especially areas that affect minority communities. We're trying as a department to focus on violence prevention and mentorship methods.

You mentioned violence prevention efforts.
You have first-hand experience. Violence prevention is a key issue this year. The mother of one of our mentees through the 100 Black Men was killed and one of our entering students was killed just before he left for college. I recently wrote an article for the 100 Black Men newsletter that violence is the ultimate health issue, especially with kids. Ninety-four percent of black victims are killed by other blacks. Where is the outcry?

Tell us about the mentorship initiative.
In March 2006, we assigned a mentor to 15 Douglass High School students who are interested in medicine. They had to write a paper stating what they want to do and why. Based on the written submission and the teacher's recommendations, they then were matched with first-year residents who are closer to the student's age. They come one day a week during school hours and follow the residents though Grady Memorial Hospital for four hours, seeing patients and watching the physicians.

What are your hopes for the program?
Our main hope is that they'll learn what they need to do to be successful medical students. At an early age, a number of kids have dreams of being doctors but they don't know how to get there. We are trying to put in place a program that shows them the steps and lets them see it is attainable.

Who are their role model leaders?
Two residents are in charge of the program. One is a graduate of the Atlanta Public Schools system and was an athlete in college; he thought that would be the be-all/end-all. Another is a hardship resident from Somalialand. His family was persecuted during the war, his father was imprisoned and then they escaped to the U.S. Talk about rough! It shows what you can accomplish if you really want something.

Are there expansion plans for the program?
I would like all our residents to have mentees. I want them to be mentors and advisors throughout their lives. I feel it is very important to give back.

Are you getting buy-in from the residents?
It's not a hard sell at all. They enjoy having young people around.

Are you planning to roll this out to other high schools in metro Atlanta?
We want to see how successful this model is. We'd like to include other MSM departments. You are setting a leadership example for the next generation. We have to be in the mainstream to further whatever agenda the school may have. All facets of MSM must be in partnership to enhance, elevate and to help us continue our very special mission.

You are setting a leadership example for the next generation.
We have to be in the mainstream to further whatever agenda the school may have. All facets of MSM must be in partnership to enhance, elevate and to help us continue our very special mission.