By Cesar Padilla, MD
What does Black History Month mean to you?
It means the celebration of people who helped make America and American history, as well as our way of showing love and family.
What has been your role in CSA? What has that meant to you?
As junior faculty, during my first CSA meeting in LA I met Dr. Jack Moore, who was instrumental in my path to leadership. Later, in Florida (where I practiced anesthesiology), I participated in the Florida State Society of Anesthesiology where I was involved in promoting diversity and inclusion.
In 2017 I moved back to California and I renewed my membership in the CSA. I had good role models in California and Florida for leadership, and I also met with Dr. Pearl who was instrumental in providing support.
CSA has given me the opportunity to be seen as a leader and as a Black woman.
I served in the House of Delegates and as Vice Speaker, as well as participated in a leadership capacity as part of the formative team for the UC Irvine and CSA leadership course.
CSA has allowed me to be a better leader and communicator. In my time with the CSA I was the chair of the Bylaws Committee (as Vice Speaker) and wrote bylaws to transform the CSA’s women’s task force into a formal committee.
What does it mean to be a black female anesthesiologist?
It means a great deal! Every week I get an email from a medical student or resident about being a black female anesthesiologist. I am here to help get the next generation through the pipeline of anesthesia. I am an example of what can be accomplished if you try your best and stay focused.
Dr. Pearl made my time at CSA feel special and I felt seen. I learned to stay connected to my state organizations. I am also a leader in the National Medical Association and I am part of the planning committee for annual meeting.
What does diversity mean to you?
Diversity means we pursue our paths in an environment that welcomes differences and uplifts those differences as power. I am bilingual and I speak Spanish, and I also speak a little Vietnamese and Cambodian. Diversity means that we show equitable care to our patients at every opportunity.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I would like to thank Dr. Ehie and Dr. Padilla for selecting me for this celebration of diversity in the CSA. Special thanks to my family for their support. Immense gratitude to all my previous Chairs and Chiefs, especially Dr. Richard Applegate and Dr. Ronald Pearl for the leadership opportunities in the CSA.
