For Black History Month, UNMC celebrates the achievements and contributions of Blacks and African Americans and encourages the community to reflect on our nation’s history. A series of activities are planned throughout February. UNMC also will highlight the perspectives of Black health professionals at the medical center.
Today, UNMC Today recognizes Precious Davis, EdD, specialty care center, Nebraska Medicine.
What has your journey been like as a Black health professional?
This year marks my 23rd year in the health care field, in which I started off as a nursing assistant and worked my way up each ranking and degree in nursing, all the way up to my doctorate degree. All of this after dropping out of high school and obtaining a GED, vowing to never go to college. Now I am a “career student,” and I love learning.
On my journey, I wish I saw more representation of African Americans, especially in leadership roles, but the ones I did encounter gave me motivation to keep moving up and to go all the way. I pay homage to all of them and tell them often when we come full circle in the field. I now offer mentorship and have along my journey to those following the same and similar paths to be a beam of light and representation of what I wish I saw along the way. It gives me joy and honor to give back to the next generation in this way.
How does Black history influence your life as a health professional or physician?
Speaking of paying homage, I have taken on the journey of genealogy and discovering my own family tree. I have traced my ancestors back to working the cotton fields of Alabama, Mississippi and Arkansas from the late 1700s, whose occupations ranged from sharecroppers, railroad workers, farmers, nannies to factory workers with little to no education, but I am the first to obtain a doctoral degree in 2022. That is more than 300 years and multiple generations later, which speaks volumes on so many levels. One day, my children hopefully will continue to add to the family tree and be inspired by their family legacy and history, an extension of Black history, and continue to contribute to their own Black history within their generation. This is the impact and influence that Black history has had on my educational endeavors and health career, seeing what my ancestors encountered as I make my own mark in history.
Precious, your story is truly inspiring. Congratulations.
Thanks so much everything!
You are a true inspiration to all youth especially African American youth keep shining bright
Thank you Mr. Prince.
This is a true testament of how we can motivate people and influence each other’s destiny adding to the success of minority communities! When one person wins, we all win because the sum of our parts is greater than the whole. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Precious when she was a nurse on the Lied tower. She has shared her personal journey with me and encouraged me! Thank you for recognizing this amazing and inspiring professional woman of color this month.
Love you, thanks so much.
I am glad you’re here. I am always happy to see a face that looks like mine in the hallways. Congratulations on your accomplishments, and thank you for being present for our next generation. Happy Black History Month!
Thanks Kimberly, likewise. Happy BHM to you as well.
So glad that you are a part of my circle! I’m continuously inspired by you! And enamored with the learning of your family tree! Let’s continue to instill pride into our personal and collective histories that so many would prefer that we not know. Keep up the good work!
Thank you Dr. Strong for setting the tone and continuing to lead us.
Dr. Davis is an inspiration and full of light. She is truly passionate about her work and purpose.
Thank you Dr. Shade, you’re the best!
So very proud of you cousin.You are truly an inspiration our family.
Thank you cousin!
Wow! Absolutely amazing. Truly inspiring!
Thank you Brandon. Appreciate you.
Congratulations Precious!! I enjoyed you as a student, and look forward to hearing about your future as Dr. Davis! Lets have coffee sometime!
Thank you Dr. Jensen. I’d love to catch up sometime. You know I will be participating in the NAMI walk again this year as well.
Way to go, Suoicerp! I love you, sis. Your beauty and smarts. Such an inspiration! Boss!
Thanks aenaT, love you sis. Thank you for your support always.
So inspiring Precious. Keep reaching for the stars!
Thank you Lynnette! Pray all is well. Miss seeing you around.
Precious!! I could not be more proud of you. You’ve came such a long way and I’m so happy to witness your growth!!
Thank you, Dr. Schmidt! From training me on the floor to now. Proud of your growth as well and that cute little boy of yours.
Congratulations and thank you for being a friend. Always supportive and authentic! Blessing Dr. P 🙌
Thank you Nicki, love you sis.
I love this!!! You truly are an inspiration! It had been a privilege of knowing and working with you!
Thank you, Stephanie, and likewise!
God is so GOOD!
Precious, I recognized that beautiful bright smile before reading your name. I could not be more proud to see that a young woman that grew up in our church young groups has made such an AWESOME impression on her community and her family. You are truly an inspiration. Keep letting you light shine. God bless you
Awe, thanks so much!! Nothing has changed from those youth groups just different platforms and more opportunities. Appreciate you.