HBCU Graduate Dr. Canise Bean's Journey: From Dental ER Insights to Pioneering Cleveland's African-American Dental Practice and Community Health Legacy

HBCU graduate Dr. Canise Bean, whose inspiring story is not just about thriving in the world of health sciences, but also about the profound impact of family ties and formative educational experiences. In the heart of our discussion, Dr. Bean shares the pivotal moments that led her to the doors of Ohio State University College of Dentistry, including a life-altering day in a dental ER and the influential decision to attend an HBCU and participate in the Ocean of Soul Marching Band, guided by her mother's wisdom. Her narrative is a vibrant tapestry that weaves the importance of mentorship, the calling to serve, and the drive to create a legacy that far surpasses her own career milestones. 

Married to a pastor, Dr. Bean enlightens us on how their shared ministry within the AME church serves as a catalyst for positive change. We celebrate the trailblazing establishment of the first African-American private dental group practice in Cleveland, highlighting the significance of diversity in the field. Meanwhile, the Ohio Project comes into focus as a beacon of community dental care.  This initiative reveals the power of hands-on learning and service, as senior dental students venture into communities, providing vital oral health care, and in turn, nurturing a legacy of compassion and health. Dr. Bean's story and the Ohio Project together offer an enriching perspective to students dreaming of careers in health sciences, emphasizing that with curiosity, ambition, and the right guidance, one's impact on community health can be as boundless as it is profound.

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:00

Be a baller. Welcome to Be a Baller podcast where we discuss how to build a lifelong legacy. I'm your host, coach Tim Brown. Today, we're blessed to have on the podcast Dr Keneese Bean, a professor at the Ohio State University College of Dentistry.

Speaker 2: 0:25

Hey there Clark Kellogg here. Building a legacy usually involves meeting the unique needs of others and being part of something bigger than yourself. That's why I love First Merchants Bank. First Merchants believes that helping communities prosper means more than just providing banking services. It means offering accessible financial education, expanded access to home ownership and partnerships with local nonprofits to help raise up neighborhoods and lift families out of financial hardship. For resources and tools available to you, visit wwwfirstmerchantscom. Member FPIC Equal Housing Lenders.

Speaker 1: 1:04

Today on the show, Dr Bean will share her experience in building a legacy in the field of dentistry and her commitment to serving the community and exposing people of color to help sciences field. Dr Bean, welcome to Be a Baller podcast.

Speaker 3: 1:18

Thank you so much, Coach Brown. I'm delighted to be here.

Speaker 1: 1:21

I had a question for you Growing up. How did you develop interest in science? Was there a teacher that got you excited about it? How did that interest grow for you?

Speaker 3: 1:33

You know that's a good question. I'm not real sure what really, you know, gave me that sense that I wanted to be in the health professions. When I was young, I felt like I wanted to be in the health professions. When I was young, I felt like I wanted to be a physician, I wanted to be an OBGYN. I thought it would be the greatest thing ever to deliver babies and, you know, to be a part of bringing new life into the world and, you know, helping mothers and families to be ecstatic about an addition to their families. But, you know, as I got older I would say that was probably third or fourth grade as I got older, I just, you know, kind of liked science. It wasn't something that, you know, I found it, you know, rather amazing. You know, the things that you know could take place in a, you know, in a science class or in a science laboratory. I just thought it was, you know, just kind of cool. But I don't really recall a teacher, you know, or a mentor at that time that really, you know, kind of encouraged me to pursue something in the health professions or something in the science field. But then, when I graduated, when I was in high school and I was looking at, you know, going to college, I felt that, you know, I no longer wanted to be a physician and be an OBGYN.

Speaker 3: 3:01

I grew up in Lexington, kentucky, and so I participated in a program and they had students from underserved areas in the state of Kentucky and so, you know, they brought us from all corners of the state. Many of the students in the program it was about 15 of us Many of the students were African-American and they were from rural areas and so they wanted us to have more exposure to the health professions. And most of the females in the program they were shadowing nurses. They wanted to be a nurse, and so most of the guys wanted to be physicians. So they were in the hospital and they, you know, they put them in the hospital and they were shadowing doctors and I, you know, like I said, I had abandoned kind of the thought of being a physician.

Speaker 3: 3:57

So I asked if there might be something else I could do other than nursing and medicine. And I was told, well, there's a dental emergency room that we could put you in so you could work in the dental emergency room. And I worked there, and you know, we were on college campus of the University of Kentucky and you know, students would come in it was mostly for students and so students would come in and they would be in pain or have a significant problem and when they left they would be out of pain and they would be smiling and they would be happy and go about their merry way. And I thought, well, you know, this is pretty remarkable that you can put a smile on someone's face in that way. So that was kind of when the bug really bit. And when I went to undergraduate school, that's when I changed my major from pharmacy to pre-dentistry.

Speaker 1: 4:51

Wow, you know, growing up in Lexington area, what inspired you to attend an HBCU school at Texas Southern University. And here's the other tidbit. Now the word is you were a proud member of the Ocean of Soul Marching Band.

Speaker 3: 5:10

I'm not sure where you got that from, but that is so very, very true, I'm telling you. But my mother, you know, certainly she was a, you know, a pivotal person and just in my life, and she herself an educator. And so you know, I had been hearing about education and how education would really open doors for you since I was a little tot. So I, she, attended Kentucky State University. She, it was, it's in Frankfort, kentucky, and she was, you know, a staunch alumni. Just you know, to use her words, she considered herself a diehard thoroughbred and she wore her green and gold you know very proudly.

Speaker 3: 6:03

And right, right. And so, you know, I didn't quite get it when I was, you know, younger. But as I got older and you know I started looking at colleges, you know, I told her I said, well, I think I'd like to go to a school where, you know, I could be in the marching band and I had seen, um, you know, back in the day in my day, um, you know, we looked forward to the ebony magazine coming to the house purchasing it, you know, in the store once a month.

Speaker 3: 6:39

You know it's like oh, the new, uh new issue of ebony is out and.

Speaker 3: 6:46

I remember very distinctly the cover of an Ebony magazine having, you know, pictures of a marching band on the front. And I want to say it was probably Bramblin's marching band, and so I, you know, was in the high school marching band, and so, you know, it caught my eye, and so I, you know, was in the high school marching band, and so, you know, it caught my eye, and so I started looking. I was like, oh well, you know, they really do marching bands a little differently at the HBCUs. I said, oh, this is great. So I did, you know, some more research and I got to understand that it was really, you know, kind of a sports team, if you will you know, and there was some athletics.

Speaker 3: 7:30

Yeah, there was some athleticism that went along with being in the band and many of our HBCUs at that time, you know they did not accept females in the marching band. They felt that the females were to be the majorettes in the front of the band are to be the ones carrying the banners, are twirling the banners. So I was like, okay, well, you know, that certainly leaves out FAMU, that leaves out Grambling.

Speaker 2: 8:00

I said, well, let me look around a little more.

Speaker 3: 8:02

And so I, you know, stumbled upon Texas Southern University and the Ocean of Soul, and so I reached out to them and I met the band director. He was, you know, a force to be reckoned with in his own, all on his own, dr Benjamin Butler. And you know they were just a, you know, a terrific band, about 150, you know members of the band, and so he offered me a scholarship. So I told my mom, I said well, you know, I think I'd really like to go to Texas Southern. She said Texas Southern. She said, well, you know, there are other schools that are a lot closer and all of that.

Speaker 3: 8:42

I said well, mom, you went to the HBCU. I said and this is the one I'd like to go to because I'd like to participate in the band. So she finally gave in and so that's how I got to Texas Southern. It was just the ultimate experience. It was so so, you know, it was so critical, I think, in my growth as a person and my growth as a member of a community and also, of course, in my growth as far as my educational pursuit was concerned. But you know we were. You know Texas Southern is located right in the heart of, you know, what many people would consider, you know, a low income area.

Speaker 3: 9:29

And you know, but you know, we, we, it was just. It was just an overall fabulous experience and I would not trade it for anything.

Speaker 1: 9:42

Speaking of that, could you talk to the audience about? You know, the big buzzword now is HBU schools. Is, you know, really popular now, so to speak? Can you talk about, from your experience, the benefits of attending an HBCU school?

Speaker 3: 9:55

Most definitely. Yes, certainly, one of the benefits is being amongst like-minded people who look like you and have aspirations like you, and then to encounter professors and other staff members that really make up the college or the university community, again looking like you and are truly interested in you as a person, not a number to. You know that increases enrollment or increases, you know, the number of students in a class, that the power that can be instilled in young Black individuals who are interested and are certainly capable of making a difference in the world, so I would say that you know that's really one of the strongest advantages is this feeling of family and a sense of encouragement that you may not get at a predominantly white institution. Um, because everyone, everyone, was considered special and important. And they, uh, you know, and, and, and you realize that, and you know, yes, the bar was set high for you to excel and to do well, but you know you were never told that you couldn't do or that you, you know, are, are, are told. No, you know, and you know if there was something that you care to pursue, that you know that you know they may not be able to offer you right, then they would certainly help you to find a pathway to achieve what your goals were.

Speaker 3: 12:00

And I can't say that you get that type of attention, that type of nurturing, that type of caring in any other environment, and it's just, you know you talk about. You asked me if there was a mentor or someone who encouraged me to. You know, look at science, when I was very young, so, you know, in my grade school years and in high school, and there really wasn't, like I said, a teacher who did that, but there were plenty of professors on the campus of HBCUs that you know were really very renowned in their field, were really very renowned in their field, and so they were able to, you know, serve as mentors and give you, you know, kind of the kick in the behind to say, look here, you know you can do this, you can do this and you will do it, and you will do it well, and that's right, that's exactly right. So, you know, I just have a fondness and a true love and ultimate respect for what HBCUs bring to us as a people.

Speaker 1: 13:19

That's good. You know, I have a son. Our oldest boy he actually TJ attended Kentucky State. Oh, did he? No, I did not know that, and he actually has a master's in accounting from Kentucky State, you know.

Speaker 1: 13:33

So, okay, and he needed that kick in the pants, you know, and he found the mentor there who really just kind of made sure that he lived up to that God-given potential, that opportunity he had, and not squander it, you know, and not come back home, not squander it. You know he was encouraged to, you know, finish what he started and do it. And you mentioned something also about doing it in an excellent way, not just any kind of way, you know, but in an excellent.

Speaker 1: 13:57

But that's, that's a good deal you know, you, you, you have a son who's a, so you have three generations of HBCU and, I'm sure, plenty more, but Dorda was a college graduate.

Speaker 3: 14:15

You kind of spoke about your mom earlier. About what could you speak to the audience about why education is so important to us as a family? Because of you know how we were raised and how we were brought up and what we have observed in society. There are so many areas and things that contribute to your everyday living where you see and you experience inequities. You see and you experience inequities and you know, you really recognize that there are some things that cannot be taken from you, and one is your education and that is a way, a pathway really, that can lead to, you know, certainly, the desires of your heart, but also a means of reaching out and helping others to achieve and to do well. So you know I had mentioned that. You know, with my mother being an educator, you know that was something that she instilled in me in an early age and you know the same, you know, for my husband, and so you know you kind of really follow in the footsteps of your parents in many ways and you know our parents always wanted more for us than you know they were able to have or more than they experienced, and so that was kind of our mindset we wanted our kids to. You know, certainly you know, to grow up and to achieve and to be educated and to, you know, provide for others and you know, and certainly themselves and others, and so that was just kind of, you know, an understanding in the household that you know education is kind of the key in the household that you know, education is kind of the key, education is the way, because that's something that you know cannot be taken from you, you know.

Speaker 3: 16:26

I know you also are a strong woman of faith. Can you talk about your faith journey? Oh sure, yes, I, my family, I come from a family of AMEs, african Methodist Episcopals. The church that wasn't too far from where we lived was our home church and a rather small church located right in the midst of a residential area. And you know, again, it was kind of an extended family. And so, you know again, there, along with developing a true and grounded faith and belief in the Lord, you know there was also another sense of, you know, family and another means of nurturing. And you know there are still young people that I grew up with in my home church that I still have contact with. You know, because you know I still have contact with you know, because you know the church was very, very deliberate in seeing that there were opportunities for youth and you know, so you know, we would have our own you know usher board. We had our own choir, we had our own you know group that you know did Bible study. We, of course, had our Sunday school, and so, you know, that's where, you know, I was able to learn and to grow in the word, and so, again, that becomes a part of you.

Speaker 3: 18:36

I am not necessarily one to display the Lord on me visibly, but I feel that it is just as important to live a life that is pleasing to the Lord, and others will see that and others will understand that, you know. You know just by observation. You know well, you know she's she, she, she believes in God. You know, because of the way that you know she lives her life and the way that she treats others. So it's been tremendous.

Speaker 3: 18:54

I happened to marry a pastor in the AME church and so you know, needless to say, our ministry was very full and you know, we hope that. You know we really were able to, you know, make an impact on many people's lives. They certainly, you know, helped to impact on people's lives. They certainly, you know, helped to impact our lives as well and impact our family. So you know, it's just you know God is just amazing and just you know it's just awesome to you know, just to understand, and to you know, see what he can do and you know, those that you know have not yet you know, just to understand, and to you know, see what he can do and you know, those that you know have not yet, you know, developed a relationship with him. You know it is certainly something that we hope that you know other people have a means and a way of experiencing.

Speaker 1: 19:53

That's great. That's great. You know you've also always been a visionary trailblazer, you know, with a plan. With a plan. You know you began your dental practice in good old, my neck of the woods up in the Cleveland area. You know, and you were a founding member of the Shaker Dental Associates, the first African-American private dental group practice in Cleveland. How'd that come about and what was the vision for that and the goal behind that?

Speaker 3: 20:21

Well, after I graduated from dental school, that's when I met my husband and well, I met him my last year of dental school and so we married after I graduated and at that time he had been appointed to pastor a church in Cleveland.

Speaker 3: 20:42

So I, like I said, you know, I grew up in Kentucky and that's where I graduated from the University of Kentucky and I didn't know anybody in Cleveland. So I felt like dental school had prepared me well. But, you know, additional education would certainly be welcomed and I could embrace that. So I looked for ways of doing that in the Cleveland area, since I knew that you know he was going to be pastoring in Cleveland. So I was able to do a one year general practice residency at Cleveland Metropolitan Hospital. So while I was doing that residency I was able to begin to network and to reach out to other dentists in the community. Reach out to other dentists in the community and Cleveland being the, I find it oftentimes difficult to talk about and really fully explain to people how, you know, great and meaningful Cleveland was in again my life's journey. You know there were people that you know.

Speaker 2: 21:56

You would say oh well, where do you live? You live in Cleveland.

Speaker 3: 21:58

Oh, you know it's cold here.

Speaker 2: 22:00

Oh, you know it's a mistake on the lake and all of this, you know it was all really bad, bad, bad.

Speaker 3: 22:07

You know, and I'm like no, no, absolutely not. You know it's a tremendous cultural city, it's a beautiful city, it's, you know. You know now. You know the young people talk about. You know entrepreneurs like they are somebody new. You know Cleveland had more entrepreneurs, more black entrepreneurs. Had more blacks in politics, had more blacks in education. Had more blackss in politics. Had more Blacks in education. Had more Blacks in the health profession than you could find in any other city in Ohio.

Speaker 3: 22:43

And so when I moved there, it wasn't difficult for me to connect with other Black dentists and that was just truly a highlight for me in transitioning from graduating you know being young in my career and in my profession and you know really connecting with mid-career and late-career other dentists. It was just absolutely amazing. And dentistry offers so many opportunities. The traditional thought when you think of a dentist is an office space with a shingle out front or a sign out front with your name on it and you know you come in and you know you have, you know your teeth checked and your dental work done, that that needs to be done.

Speaker 3: 23:48

But there are so many other things that can be done with a dental degree. Certainly, teaching is one, research is one, and then you could also, you know, specialize. And so at that time we had seven specialties in dentistry and in Cleveland there was a black in every specialty, a black dentist in every specialty. So you know we had pediatric dentists, we had black orthodontists, we had black periodontists, we had black endodontists. It was just, you know, like a dental haven for me.

Speaker 3: 24:24

I was like oh, this is just the best thing ever. And so, you know, that really opened up my eyes to what we, as you know people, could do and what we could, you know we could really contribute to the overall health of our community. You know, and at that time, of course, we recognized that, you know, dental health had a direct connection to overall health, and so that was a message that we, as Black dentists, were really seeking to communicate to all those you know around us and, you know, to really take away some of the stigma associated with dentists and with you know. You know, because we were always considered, you know, it's so interesting, I would venture to say that once a week, you know, someone would come in and say you know, you're really a very nice person and I like you, but I hate Dennis, and so we wanted to. We really, you know, work to dispel that. It's like we are not someone that you need to hate or fear, and I really believe that being in Cleveland really kind of helped to really kind of move that message forward. You know, kind of move that message forward. You know, in, you know, particularly the Black community.

Speaker 3: 26:00

So you were asking me how I got to Shaker Dental Associates. So after I finished my residency, or during my residency, like I said, I met so many Black dentists and there was one dentist by the name of Carl Norman and he had graduated from Case Western there in Cleveland, from their dental school, and so he was looking to open up his own practice. But his vision was to have other dentists in the practice to really kind of, you know, offer some, you know variety, because you know, you know you know how people are. Some people, you know, don't want to see a female dentist, and then there are others that do, and then we as dentists, you know you know there were some procedures that you know we really, you know, kind of felt were, you know, our fortes and other procedures that weren't, and so by having a group practice then, you know, and having the various individual dentists there it was actually four of us then, you know it just kind of made for a better means of delivery of care. So you know they looked to me, to, you know, to see the younger patients and to see the kids. There was another guy in the practice who really liked to, you know, to make dentures, and so you know he would be the one that you know, we would oftentimes send our patients to have their dentures made.

Speaker 3: 27:32

But you know, we were all in the same office, under the same roof, and so we, you know, share the same staff.

Speaker 3: 27:39

So it was just a very kind of great and welcoming atmosphere for, you know, our patients and you know it also helped us as dentists to grow and to learn from one another under the same roof.

Speaker 3: 28:02

So, you know, we had kind of a little study club of our own, you know, and so we would, you know, bring maybe difficult cases that we had encountered, our difficult patients that we'd seen, you know what their needs were, and so we would discuss them and we would discuss, you know, you know, different perspectives and different ways of managing patients care. And then, if you know, you know, someone wanted to take a vacation, then you know certainly they could and they could feel comfortable in being away. That you know they didn't have to shut their office down. And if, by chance, someone had an emergency in their practice, then you know they could see someone else that was in our office. So that was just a tremendous experience. And you know, you know others began to, you know, see the value in that. And so then, of course, other group practices began to spring up that was comprised of black dentists.

Speaker 3: 29:05

But yes, we were the first, and you know it was a great, great experience and a great way to to really offer care to the community that we served great way to really offer care to the community that we serve.

Speaker 1: 29:17

Sounds like you kind of continued that when you relocated to Columbus and was at the Ohio State University. There's a couple of signature programs you're involved in. Can you talk to us about the vision behind those the Ohio Project and I really like this dental home coach.

Speaker 3: 29:35

Sure, sure. Yes, the Ohio Project was a or is it's an acronym for Oral Health Improvement Through Outreach, and so that was really what we were hoping to do. We were hoping to improve the oral health of those living in Ohio by going to the areas where they were, and so what we would do is we, as part of our dental students' education in their senior year, they were required to to go to various community sites and provide care to underserved populations. So they would possibly be assigned to a community health center in, let's say, toledo, or they may go to the VA hospital in Chillicothe, they could perhaps go to a private practice in Mansfield, ohio, and then, of course, we had several locations here in the Columbus area that our students might be assigned to. So they would be assigned for usually two consecutive weeks and then, you know, they would come back, of course, to the college and provide care to their patients at the college, come back, of course, to the college and provide care to their patients at the college, and then, at another time, they would be assigned to another location for another two weeks. So this gave them an opportunity to certainly see some diversity that they were not encountering in patients at the College of Dentistry. It gave them an opportunity to really serve a population that was, you know, low in their economic status and oftentimes in their health literacy area, and so it gave them an opportunity to not only provide direct care to these patients but also to educate them, perhaps in a way that they had not been educated previously, as it relates to dental health and overall systemic health.

Speaker 3: 31:45

So it was an opportunity for our students to, you know, get out of the building to reach out to others in communities that were oftentimes, you know, we have communities in Ohio that have, I should say, counties that have no dentist or may have one dentist, and so you can imagine the stress that that puts on a community not being able to, you know, readily be able to see a dentist. So, you know, we had, of course, you know, told our students that, you know there were areas in the state that you know had really a deficiency when it came to, you know, the dental profession. You know the dental profession, but, you know, for them to experience it really gave them a better understanding as to how they themselves could really make a difference. And, yeah, and so many of our students have graduated and have gone on to work in settings similar to what they experienced in the Ohio Project.

Speaker 3: 32:59

So you know, one example is right here. There are a couple of examples really right here in the Columbus area, but one that really stands out is Dr Alicia Thomas. She, you know, participated in the Ohio Project. She then worked as a pediatric dental fellow at the College of Dentistry and then she went on to join the staff at the Columbus Health Department in their dental clinic there, and now she is actually the dental director. So you know she's the one that's in charge now.

Speaker 3: 33:37

And so it is really very gratifying to see that this is a pathway that she has chosen and that you know she has found fulfillment in that.

Speaker 3: 33:58

Now you know she's able to impart that to other dental students from the College of Dentistry as they rotate through, you know the Columbus Health Department, so you know we find that kind of amazing and I know you are going to get to the mention of a legacy, and so I think that you know I really I'm really very humbled by that and I am thrilled that you know our dental students at the College of Dentistry, even though I'm no longer there, are still participating in the Ohio Project and still in the Ohio Project and still, you know, experiencing a wonderful learning opportunity, and that you know they recognize that there is definitely a place for treating those that have difficulty accessing dental care, because we just can't seem to solve that problem.

Speaker 3: 34:54

You know we have certainly made inroads into providing care to more people, but you know there's still more people to be served and even those students that graduate and they have their own private practices, they oftentimes are still able to find ways to give back to the community so they may host a day of service on their own where they offer free dental care to you know those in the community, or they may volunteer, you know, at a health fair or some you know outreach activity and you know provide maybe screenings, and then they're able to indicate that you know that you know this is someplace where you can go and you can get additional care. So I think that is really kind of you know, something that speaks to the value and the importance of the program and you know it does. It does make me smile, it does bring me great joy.

Speaker 1: 36:07

Yeah, you mentioned that. We about legacy and we know this is a legacy podcast. We think about that word. What does that word legacy mean to you?

Speaker 3: 36:16

When you think about that word. What does that word legacy mean to you? Oh, very simply, you know something that is left behind, that is meaningful and that you know is. You know something that reaches, you know others, and you know that is not singularly focused, but you know something that is, you know, kind of widespread and continues on and on and on and on.

Speaker 1: 36:46

Right, yeah, this is a well, you have really enlightened me in this during this interview. It's been a great one. Can you uh let me kind of wrap up Can you give an encouraging word to students interested in health professions, you know, just those who might be on the, who might have some interests, what, what, what encouraging word would you give to them?

Speaker 3: 37:07

I would tell them to you know, to certainly dream big, to know that you know, if that is something that you, you know, have an interest in, or even think that you have an interest in, that you can do some research and identify someone who can help you along the way. You know, the thing is, in doing your research, you need to, you know, be inquisitive and to ask. There are, you know, just, there's a wealth of information out there and there are certainly individuals out there that would be delighted to, you know, to help you along the journey. So, you know, I'm certainly one of those people. I'm going to be here. But, you know, if you're interested in dentistry, what if you don't have a dentist? What if you don't have someone that you go to regularly or twice a year to, you know, have your teeth checked? It's okay. You know, I'm sure you've passed the dental office or that you are able to, you know, go online and, you know, find a dentist that is nearby. And you know, if you, you know, go to their office or their you know where they're working, they will talk to you. They will gladly, you know, direct help to direct your path.

Speaker 3: 38:45

And you know, if you're interested in physical therapy. You know well where are physical therapists. Oftentimes you will find them in a hospital or associated with a hospital. So again, you know, let your fingers do some of the work, walk and call a you know physical therapist department at a hospital or a local community health center and ask them. You know. So you know I would encourage them to be inquisitive, to ask questions, and you know there is someone out there that will help you and help to lead you to you know, the right individuals and the right places to help you get a better understanding, because oftentimes that's what it takes. You know it's like well, I don't really know what a medical technologist does. I really don't know what an occupational therapist does. Okay, well, let's find out, you know, and then let's see if we can't meet somebody who actually does that for a living. Just ask and you will be surprised. You know. You may or may not be surprised, but you know, invariably people will respond. They will be glad that you did.

Speaker 1: 40:03

Thank you for that encouraging, encouraging word to some young person that's listening to this broadcast today. This brings us to the end of this episode. I want to thank our special guest, dr Bean, first off for her faithfulness to the calling that God had on her life and being, and most importantly being, an advocate. You know we talk about people need mentors, but most importantly, the advocate somebody who's in the room. In the room, you know, fighting for that person to give them an opportunity, and I know of several individuals who you have blessed you know being an advocate for. You know giving them that opportunity and also being a role model. You know being that, being that one you just mentioned. You know who can, who's done it can help you point someone in the right direction.

Speaker 1: 40:46

So I want to thank you, dr Bean, for sharing your wisdom of life lessons and well learned experiences, but also want to thank you for for your mom and for your family. You know, for all those who and those along the way, texas Southern, all those who encourage you along the way and your willingness to take what someone gave you and to pass it on to somebody else, and so I thank you for that. Dr Bean, thank you for being committed to encouraging and inspiring the next generation. This brings us to the end of this episode. I thank all of you for joining us for this enlightening and informative discussion on building a legacy in health professions. Hope this episode was beneficial to you and, as always, thanks for listening to Be A Baller podcast. Thank you, dr Bing, and bless you for all you've done.

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If you enjoy our show, please share this podcast with your family and friends. Be A Baller podcast is available on all major podcast stations. Be sure to come back next week as we continue to discuss on how to build a lifelong legacy. Until then, don't forget to be a baller. This podcast was created by Coach Tim Brown. It was edited by Taran Howell and produced and recorded by the video production class of Worthington Christian High School.