Jamaican-American Cardiologist Dr Bryan Smith is one of 15 people selected as a White House Fellow for 2023-2024.
The White House Fellows program is one of America’s most prestigious programs for leadership and public service. Selected individuals — applicants regarded as exceptional community leaders — typically spend a year working as a full-time, paid Fellow to senior White House Staff, Cabinet Secretaries, and other top-ranking government officials.
In announcing this year’s list of appointees, the White House said: “This year’s Fellows advanced through a highly competitive selection process, and they are a remarkably gifted, passionate, and accomplished group. These Fellows bring experience from across the country and from a broad cross-section of professions, including from the private sector, local government, academia, non-profits, medicine, and the armed forces.”
Dr Smith, who is of Jamaican descent, follows in the footsteps of Dr Garth Walker, who was named a White House Fellow in 2021-2022, and former secretary of state, the late General Colin Powell.
In a social media post, Smith said he was honored to be named a White House Fellow.
“I am thrilled to be named a 2023-2024 White House Fellow. So grateful to be among so many courageous, thoughtful, and compassionate leaders, and I am honored to be included with this inspiring group,” he posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Credits to his Jamaican heritage
Smith, who was born in the United States to Jamaican parents, has credited his Jamaican upbringing for his success.
“I credit my Jamaica heritage for being the person I am,” he said in an interview with the Jamaica Gleaner.
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Bryan Smith is a heart failure cardiologist at the University of Chicago and a health equity expert whose work focuses on health disparities in cardiovascular disease.
He serves on the Chicago board of the American Heart Association, where he is co-chair of its Health Equity Advisory Committee, and as a spokesperson, he provides trusted medical information through television, radio, and print media.
He founded the University of Chicago Heart and Vascular Center Mentorship Program for minority high school students interested in medicine, and he is an Associate Program Director for the Internal Medicine Residency focused on DEI efforts.
Smith said although he was not born in Jamaica, he visits the country every chance he gets. His last trip to Jamaica was earlier this year with his wife.
