Dr. Keith Black (Finding Aid)

Dr. Keith Black

1957 -

Favorite Color: Black

Favorite Food: Lobster

Favorite Time of Year: Summer

Favorite Vacation Spot: Caribbean

Interview Length: 168 minutes

Interview Date(s): April 21, 2004

Interview Location(s): Los Angeles, California

Abstract

World-renowned neurosurgeon Keith Black talks about his family's background and the influence both of his parents had on him. As he discusses his childhood it becomes clear that Dr. Black has been interested in and practicing medicine and science from nearly as far back as he can remember. He recalls his early educational experiences and talks about how he dealt with having his father as his principal and mother as a teacher. Neurosurgeon Dr. Keith Black talks about his brother and father's involvement in race issues, which ultimately led to the family's departure from Auburn, Alabama. Once in Ohio, Black was able to become fully involved in biological science and research as he became a presence at Case Western Reserve University while still in high school. Before long, Black was able to conduct his own research and ended up publishing his first medical paper at the age of seventeen. Keith Black explains how he decided upon attending the University of Michigan's Interflex medical program. Neurosurgeon Keith Black explains the University of Michigan's Interflex six-year program. Black goes on to discuss his areas of interest within the field of medicine. He talks about his relationship with his mentor Otelio Randall and how he decided upon his medical specialization, neuroscience. Dr. Keith Black narrates photos in which he appears with Bill Cosby, Sidney Poitier, Quincy Jones, Oprah Winfrey and his daughter Teal. Neurosurgeon Keith Black details his interests in the study of consciousness. He talks about various research he's done, in particular his findings on strokes and how brain damage can be minimized. Getting away from medicine, Black shares some of his hobbies and passions. Dr. Keith Black lists his internship options and discusses his reasoning for staying at the University of Michigan. Neurosurgeon Keith Black describes his residency at University of Michigan and then discusses his position at the UCLA Medical Center. Black details his involvement in brain tumor research and discusses how cancer fights the body and ways it can be slowed or potentially stopped. Keith Black explains his passion for focusing his abilities towards brain tumor research. Keith Black discusses a brain tumor treatment technique that he's pioneered. He then talks about what he'd like to accomplish in his professional and personal life in the years to come. Black explains how spirituality plays a part in his scientific beliefs. He then considers his legacy. Dr. Keith Black narrates photos of himself with family members and celebrities.

66 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)