Interviewee: Dr. Joshua Wilder

Interviewer: Dr. Lisa Meeks

Description:

In this episode, Dr. Wilder discusses his journey as a gay black man living with a disability, specifically prune belly syndrome, which led to a kidney transplant at a young age.

Dr. Wilder's story is one of resilience and determination, shaped by his experiences as a lifelong patient and now a healthcare provider. He candidly shares the challenges he faced, from navigating the healthcare system to overcoming racial biases and discrimination. Despite these obstacles, Dr. Wilder's unwavering spirit and support from his family and mentors propelled him through medical school and residency, where he excelled and graduated at the top of his class.

The conversation delves into Dr. Wilder's personal experiences, including his battle with stomach cancer during medical school and his participation in the reality TV show Survivor. Through it all, Dr. Wilder's positive attitude and unwavering determination shine through, inspired by the memory of his kidney donor, Kristen Regal.

Dr. Wilder's advocacy for individuals with disabilities is evident throughout the episode, as he emphasizes the importance of representation and empowerment. His message is clear: no matter the challenges one faces, with dedication, support, and self-advocacy, anything is possible.

Join us in this BIPOC focused episode as Dr. Wilder addresses inequities for BIPOC individuals in healthcare, his own experience with discrimination, his persistance in becoming a podiatrist and why he lives his life with optimism.

Bio:

Joshua Wilder is a 35 years old Pittsburgh, PA native raised in Cincinnati, OH. He was born with Eagle Barrett syndrome or Prune Belly Syndrome leaving his urinary tract system underdeveloped and dysfunctional. He received a kidney transplant at the University of Pittsburgh Medical center Children's hospital on September 10, 1997 at 9 years old.

He completed my undergraduate studies at Washington and Jefferson college majoring in Business administration and minoring in Pre-medicine and went to medical school in Cleveland, OH at the Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine. During his first year of medical school he was diagnosed with stomach cancer which required a total stomach excision on May 25, 2013. In spite of this, he graduated at the top of his class with honors and completed his surgical residency at West Penn hospital in Pittsburgh, PA followed by a fellowship at Emory St. Joseph hospital in Atlanta, GA focusing on pediatric and adult foot reconstruction. He is currently practicing at Ankle and Foot Centers of America in Atlanta, GA. Joshua lives with his loving husband and 18 year old cat.

TRANSCRIPT

Key Words:

• Dr. Joshua Wilder

• Prune belly syndrome

• Kidney transplant

• BIPOC

• LGBTQI

• Podiatrist

• Chronic condition

• Healthcare system

• Residency

• Medical school

• Minority

• Racism in medicine

• Stomach cancer

• Signet cell carcinoma

• B cell lymphoma

• Survivor

• Reality TV show

• National Kidney Foundation

• Transplant games

• Work-life balance

• Burnout

• Advocacy

• Representation

• Identity

• Empathy

• Trust

Produced by: Lisa Meeks, Gabe Abrams and Jaden Sacks

Audio editor: Jacob Feeman

Digital Media: Katie Sullivan

Resources:

Strategies For Improving Patient Care In The LGBTQ + Community

https://www.hmpgloballearningnetwork.com/site/podiatry/strategies-improving-patient-care-lgbtq-community

Survivor Season 44 Contestant, Joshua Wilder, Opens Up About Kidney Transplant

https://www.kidney.org/newsletter/survivor-season-44-contestant-joshua-wilder-opens-about-kidney-transplant

Joshua J. Wilder, DPM, AACFAS

https://ankleandfootcenters.com/dr-wilder-podiatrist/