Toikus Westbrook, MD, Meharry Medical College- c/o 1995, Mass Communications/Broadcast Journalism
Name : Toikus Westbrook, MD
HBCU : Meharry Medical College
Graduation Year : 1995
Major : Mass Communications/Broadcast Journalism
Minor : Biology
Email : toikus@me.com
Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
I am a native of Memphis, TN. My parents. Aunts, Uncles, & cousins all attended HBCU’s (TN state U., Langston U., and Howard U.)
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
I wanted a continuation of the black excellence that I was surrounded by at Memphis-Central High school.
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
I am a double Alumni of HBCU’s! Howard University and Meharry Medical College, they have nurtured and pushed me to be the caring healer that I am today.
Howard was a crucible that challenged and motivated me in the best environment on Earth; one of black excellence. Learning under Greats and alongside hungry, determined agents of change was mystical. The mixture of people from all over the world, unbelievably gorgeous, smart women, and unmatched parties made for a utopian 4 years. It all went by much too fast.
Meharry was a similar atmosphere but in the middle of life’s greatest challenge-master Medicine. Again, the nurturing supportive environment promoted a world wide concept of service and leadership. Meharry molds healthcare professionals with purpose, heart, and determination. The single letter back Greek chapter la were both opportunity and distraction. The gorgeous intellectuals beside you during matriculation made Meharry another utopia.
Howard U gave me the ultimate gift-a wife
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
The Howard vs Morehouse game was an overwhelming experience of brains, beauty, and pride wrapped up in black excellence. Virginia Beach and freaknic of the 80’s and 90’s were EPIC.
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
Howard-Drs. RFX Williams, Twitty, Leak, Henry, and and wheeler were my crucible makers.
Meharry-Mrs. Vickie Campbell, Drs. Joseph Hinds, Pamela Williams, Gladsen, Ihejerika, & Anna Cheri-Epps were my molders.
What is your major? and Why did you choose it?
Zoology was my choice because biology did not exist. I knew that I wanted to go to medical school.
What to date has been your proudest moment @ Your HBCU?
Playing in the Howard U. Jazz Ensemble behind Dizzy Gillespie, Nancy Wilson, Wynton Marsalis and, John Fadis were monumental honors.
How are you positively active on campus? (e.g. clubs, SGA, etc.)
Gentlemen of Drew, Howard U Jazz Ensemble-Trombonist, MARC Honors Research,
What adversities (hardships) have you overcome to become the strong person that you are?
As a residency trained Physician practicing Emergency Medicine, my hardships have been self-imposed or required. To God be the glory for the many victories won.
Are you a member of a fraternity?
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity
If you could only speak two sentences to the youth coming after you what would you say?
Dream Big & Believe on Yourself No Matter What!
Comments
Meharry Medical College
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Students: 831
- Athletics: None
- Notable Alumni: Dr. Corey Hébert 1994 Celebrity Physician, radio talk show host, Chief Medical Editor for National Broadcasting Company for the Gulf Coast, first Black Chief Resident of Pediatrics at Tulane University, Chief executive officer of Community Health TV** Dr. Willie Adams, Jr. - Mayor of Albany, Georgia** Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda President of the Republic of Malawi** Dr. Edward S. Cooper President of the American Heart Association** Dr. Reginald Coopwood CEO of the Regional Medical Center at Memphis** James J. Durham 1882 Founder of Morris College** Dr. Robert Walter Johnson Tennis Instructor for Althea Gibson and Arthur Ashe, Physician and Educator** Dr. Cleveland W. Eneas, Sr. Senator, Government of The Bahamas. Author of The History of The Class of 1941 of Meharry Medical College** Dr. Louis Pendleton dentist and civil rights leader in Shreveport, Louisiana** Dr. Charles V. Roman President of the National Medical Association. Author of A History of Meharry Medical College** Dr. Walter R. Tucker, Jr. Former Mayor of Compton, California** Dr. Charles H. Wright Founder of the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History** Dr. Emily F. Pollard, M.D., FACS noted plastic surgeon, "TOP Doctor" in Philadelphia Magazine, appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show** Dr. Emma Rochelle Wheeler 1905 Founder of Walden Hospital and school of nursing, both serving African Americans, in Chattanooga, TN**
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