Distinguished physician demonstrates that intellect surpasses prejudice
BY KARYN BRODSKY
What is it like to possess outstanding intelligence and commitment only to face skepticism from peers due to one’s skin color in youth? Dr. Kwabena Blankson can answer that question.
Affectionately known as “Dr. Bobo,” Dr. Blankson is now a respected pediatrician specializing in adolescent medicine in Dallas, but his journey was not without hardships. He is the U.S.-born child of parents who immigrated from Ghana, West Africa. “I hold immense pride in my parents; they are both courageous and intelligent individuals,” he reflects. “They arrived in the late 1970s in America with their capabilities and a suitcase.” His mother, a physician in Ghana, was awarded a scholarship to Columbia University for pediatric training, making the brave journey to New York City alone, followed by his father and older brother a year and a half later. Dr. Blankson entered the world not long after their arrival.
After his mother’s training, the family settled in Minnesota, where she obtained a master’s degree in public health while his father completed his medical residency. Their next move took them to Birmingham, Alabama, where Dr. Blankson spent his formative years and feels most at home. Throughout his upbringing, he witnessed the relentless work ethic of his parents, despite facing discrimination as immigrant doctors.
Dr. Blankson describes his experience growing up in Alabama during the 1980s as “interesting.” Although the climate was more favorable than the harsh winters of Minnesota, the racial dynamics posed challenges. He and his brother were among the few black families in their neighborhood, often facing hostility, such as their house being vandalized each Halloween. Due to inadequate public schools in their area, their parents opted to enroll them in a private school across town, where they were notably among the few black students. “I still recall the moment my brother was accepted into Harvard, and one of my classmates declared that his admission was solely due to affirmative action—which was simply untrue,” he recounts.
Amidst these challenges, their parents instilled the value of faith and education. “In the face of discrimination, they reminded us that we possessed our minds and hearts,” he shares. “They encouraged us to study and prove our intelligence to pave our way to success.”
Dr. Blankson and his brother honored that guidance. “Being children of immigrants presented its own uniqueness, and society didn’t know how to categorize us. We looked different and spoke differently, as our parents had been taught British English in colonial Ghana. Even simple interactions, like ordering food, drew attention,” he notes. “However, your intellect and your sense of identity are irreplaceable. This experience taught me to embrace myself and disregard the distractions.”
When it came time for college, Dr. Blankson’s parents had exhausted their savings sending his older brother, who went on to become a lawyer, to Harvard. He joined the ROTC, earning a scholarship to attend Harvard, where he met his future wife. During his ROTC training, Dr. Blankson engaged in early morning physical training while navigating a demanding academic schedule. Upon graduation, he took on the role of second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, went to medical school at Yale University, and ultimately fulfilled active duty responsibilities. He completed his pediatric residency and adolescent medicine fellowship, then continued his service in the Air Force, where he trained residents and worked at troop medical clinics and substance abuse programs, aiding soldiers and their families over ten years of active duty.
Two years ago, Dr. Blankson began collaborating with Dr. Susan Sugerman at her established Dallas practice. Sugerman’s Girls to Women Health and Wellness program supports older girls transitioning beyond typical pediatric care, whereas Young Men’s Health and Wellness focuses on offering a secure environment for young men to access health services. Having long wished for an ideal partner, Sugerman intuitively recognized that Dr. Blankson was the right choice to develop an equally impactful medical practice for young men. And she was certainly correct—“he possesses a remarkable ability to make young people feel supported while also guiding parents through challenging discussions.” Such rapport with youth has led to Dr. Blankson’s busy schedule, often booked months ahead, as he caters to patients aged 10 to 26.
As a father of three daughters, aged ten, seven, and four, he describes them as a constant reminder to remain grounded, humble, and attentive while keeping his heart open. The values his parents imparted and the lessons learned from overcoming adversity have enriched his role as a father. He recognizes that being a parent enhances his medical practice—he empathizes with the parents who bring their children to him, a perspective that enables him to facilitate open communications about difficult topics. He grasped the essence of his work: “Ultimately, both parents and children desire the same thing—raising them to be kind, capable individuals who know how to safeguard and love themselves.”
Dr. Blankson and his wife reside in Dallas, where she co-manages a positive psychology consulting firm (goodthinkinc.com). He actively contributes to the community through her company and volunteers with the Grant Halliburton Foundation (granthalliburton.org), a non-profit dedicated to mental health education and support for children, teens, and young adults, in addition to engaging in anti-bullying advocacy.
What have his experiences taught him? The significance of raising consciousness to challenge prevailing biases. “Starting from my position as a physician, I strive to dispel any biases people may hold,” he asserts. “I live as an example. The color of one’s skin holds no weight.”
In recognition of his resilience and determination to demonstrate that happiness, success, and intelligence are limitless concepts, Themerrythought magazine is honored to present its prestigious VIP award to Dr. Kwabena “Bobo” Blankson.
