Being named as one of 60 scholars selected for the Presidential Leadership Scholars (PLS) program in 2023 remains one of the highlights of my life. My class, made up of leaders from various sectors of American life, was given the opportunity to get to know the best of one another and have conversations that most would find challenging in a safe space. Through these conversations, I learned how to better understand the perspectives of others and become a more effective advocate for the patients we treat, the communities we serve, and our beloved specialty.

My PLS journey began with module 1 in Washington, DC, at the National Archives Museum viewing the Declaration of Independence, Constitution of the United States, and Bill of Rights. I walked away with a better understanding of the nuances of sharing varied experiences. Someone shared that “it never is what it is, but always what we make it.” I incorporated this into what I refer to as my “advocacy toolbox” and learned to better share our legislative priorities with lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

Module 2 took my fellow scholars and I to Little Rock, Arkansas, and the Clinton Presidential Library and Museum. Here we explored how men can be better supporters of women who lead, and how connection allows us to “connect the better known to the lesser known.” This is something that we all should consider when sitting across the table from someone on the opposite side of an issue. The highlight of this module was listening to a fireside chat with President Clinton and hearing him share stories over dinner. Prior to leaving Little Rock, several of my classmates visited Little Rock Central High School, the site of the Little Rock Integration Crisis in 1957. This experience brought our bipartisan group closer, reminding us of our charge to work toward a better United States of America.

Our next stop was Dallas, Texas, and the George W. Bush Presidential Center for module 3. Here I learned the importance of empathy in leadership and was granted the opportunity to thank President Bush for something that changed the lives of many in my community. I thanked him for signing H.R. 3491: The National Museum of African American History and Culture Act. Because of President Bush’s efforts, the museum was developed on the National Mall, in close proximity to the Washington Monument. Another of President Bush’s legacy items discussed, the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), shifted the world in a positive direction. I believe this to be one to the greatest acts of diplomacy in my lifetime. I departed this module with a greater focus on doing things for the sake of the greater good, understanding that we may not always be judged kindly when advocating for what we believe is right.

Module 4 led us to College Station, Texas, and the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library. We explored strategic partnerships. Often in advocacy we resort to using “I” or “you.” I was reminded in College Station that the Constitution begins with “We.” This buried the concept of “me” leadership. I made a pledge at this module to work every day toward becoming the best “we” leader that I could be.

Austin, Texas, was my cohort’s next stop. We spent several hours at the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library exploring the roles of persuasion and influence, valuable tools in advocacy. I also spent time at President Johnson’s ranch, discussing brewing conflicts in various parts of the world with fellow scholars during long walks. These conversations reinforced the idea that most of us want the same thing and that a scarcity mindset can limit one’s ability to relate to others. I thought more about how there are many pockets in America where patients lack access to care and what we could do about it through advocacy.

The PLS program wrapped up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, my birthplace. Module 6 was filled with moments where I interchangeably felt excited, anxious, and empowered. I was excited to hear more about my fellow scholars’ personal leadership projects. Celebrating the end of our journey in my hometown, which has faced several challenges due to rising crime and the scourge of opioid addiction, made me anxious. I felt empowered knowing that I accomplished something few in West Philadelphia could have envisioned during the height of the crack cocaine epidemic. I ventured to my old neighborhood with a few of my classmates who were curious about where I started in life. We visited my childhood home on Walton Avenue, where my sister greeted us, and my old barbershop, which was one of few neutral zones in my neighborhood where I felt safe growing up. I presented my personal leadership project, Urology 2025, with Independence Hall, where both the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were adopted, within eyesight.

One year removed from the PLS program, I can share that our specialty has made great strides to minimize disparities within our field. There is still much work to do but I remain encouraged by each and every one of you. I could not think of a better specialty to be a part of and look forward to working with you all to advance our agenda to provide the best care for our patients and serve our communities. I pledge to continue advocating for and with you.