Dr. Hannibal Person (he/him), is a gastroenterologist and hepatologist in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and assistant professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine (UWSOM). Hannibal has a long history of focusing on health equity program development. He has contributed his skill set to the Department of Pediatrics' research initiative as a co-investigator and co-facilitator for the Bias Reduction in Medicine tailored for pediatrics (BRIMP+).
How did you begin your journey in medicine? What made you pursue this academic path?
I grew up with a passion for biological science and was fortunate to participate in a summer enrichment program through Temple University School of Medicine for underrepresented in medicine youth interested in careers in science and medicine. I had an early interest in basic science research, but as I got more exposure to clinical medicine, I realized the application of science I found the most interesting was in human health. I benefitted from many different clinical and research mentors in my journey to arrive at my current academic role.
What are some of your future goals for your career?
My two goals are:
- To meaningfully advance quality of care and treatment options for children and adolescents with functional abdominal pain
- To close the racial-ethnic health gap, particularly as it relates to children and adolescents with chronic gastrointestinal disease.
I hope to continue to contribute to important programming and research in both of these spaces, with a goal of taking on further leadership roles both in health equity leadership and international work in functional abdominal pain.
What do you enjoy the most about the work you do?
I most enjoy the long-term relationships I am able to make with patients and families as part of their diagnosis and treatment journey. It is incredibly meaningful to see a patient who is struggling with chronic gastrointestinal symptoms that are limiting their participation in life regain control of their body and begin to function again.
What would you say to aspiring young Black physicians and scientists?
There are many unique challenges faced by Black physicians and scientists that go beyond the arduous journey of completing your education and training. In the face of these unique challenges, having community is crucial. Despite the many competing demands, remember to always return to community.
What do you like to do for fun? What do you enjoy doing during your free time?
I enjoy being outside with my dog, traveling, and attending theater performances.