In honor of Black History Month in February, we shine a spotlight on Dr. Douglas Mack, whose inspiring journey from South Los Angeles to Chief of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation for Kaiser Permanente San Bernardino County exemplifies perseverance, dedication and a commitment to nurturing the next generation of medical professionals.
Born and raised in South Los Angeles, Dr. Mack's path to medicine was not straightforward. Despite being told by his high school advisor that he wasn't "college material,” he was determined to pursue higher education. Inspired by his older brother, the only other person he knew who went to college, Dr. Mack graduated from Cal State Long Beach. They were the first in their family to graduate from college.
His interest in medicine was sparked during his undergraduate years, where he met a few other Black pre-med students. This experience planted the seed that he, too, could become a doctor. He went on to graduate from UC Irvine Medical School and completed his residency at Loma Linda University Medical School.
This year marks Dr. Mack's 25th anniversary at Kaiser Permanente, dedicating his career to helping patients with injuries and chronic pain feel better.
Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Mack shares, "The one thing I love about Kaiser Permanente is that we are very focused on prevention and your wellness. I really like that aspect of how we go about health care and that was really one of the things that drew me to Kaiser Permanente and why I have been here 25 years."
Dr. Mack's decision to pursue medicine was influenced by several personal experiences. Being a big Lakers fan and growing up close to The Forum where the team was based at the time, he watched with intrigue how doctors helped athletes in pain. This early exposure to sports medicine sparked his interest to help others. Additionally, witnessing the inadequate care loved ones received, particularly his mother, who was dismissed when she needed urgent medical attention, reinforced his desire to become a compassionate physician.
Dr. Mack believes that medicine is part science and part art. "For me, the science is critical of course, but there’s also the art of medicine, that is, truly connecting with people and really seeing and hearing them, demonstrating care and compassion," he says.
This philosophy extends beyond his practice to his role as a mentor.
As the lead champion of the Kaiser Permanente Hippocrates Circle Program, Dr. Mack is committed to increasing diversity in healthcare by inspiring young people to consider careers in medicine. Hippocrates Circle aims to increase diversity among the next generation of physicians by creating a pathway program to expose middle school students to physician careers. Students enrolled in the program have opportunities to interact with practicing physicians at Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical Center who may reflect their own personal experiences and diverse backgrounds. Through collaboration with local schools, medical schools and doctors from Kaiser Permanente, Hippocrates Circle strives to empower youth to pursue their dreams of becoming doctors and serving their communities.
"My hope is that if a young person hears my story, they may hear something in it and be inspired. Perhaps it helps push them when they're sitting in the classroom and wondering what they should do next. Maybe they hear something in my story and drown out the noise or doubt they may have and go for it," Dr. Mack shares.
Dr. Mack's story is one of resilience, compassion and dedication. As we honor Black History this month and year-around, his journey serves as an inspiration to many and the importance of mentorship in shaping future generations. Dr. Mack's commitment to his patients and his community is a powerful reminder of the difference one person can make.
To learn about Kaiser Permanente’s Hippocrates Circle Program, visit hippocratescircle.kaiserpermanente.org.