nicolealiciamd

Lifestyle | Medicine | Motherhood | Motivation
Balancing medicine and motherhood with style
OB GYN Physician
📍ATL
đź’Ś nicolealiciamd@gmail.com

Nicole Sparks, MD
The following rejection letter from medical school The following rejection letter from medical school has circulated the internet a few times.

“I am sorry I must write you that we are not authorized to consider for admission a member of the Negro race.”

This letter wasn’t that long ago and the sentiments and discrimination in this letter still hold true. But instead of it being in plain writing it is hidden and rooted in implicit bias and micro aggressions. 

It is difficult to navigate medicine at baseline. The journey is even more difficult as a Black woman and I truly felt isolated in my experiences until I began to hear the stories of other women in this field. 
I am proud to be a part of the 2% of Black women who are physicians. And I fully recognize that if I were born just a few decades earlier, this would not be my current reality. 

I talk about many things on my page ranging from Medicine to Lifetsyle to fitness and motherhood. One thing I will never stop talking about is uplifting, protecting and listening to Black women.  I want a world where it is common for a patient to walk in and see that their physician is a Black woman. Where we continuously achieve success in a world that was not built to support us. Where it normal to see Black women thrive in places of leadership such as deans, program directors and full tenured professors. 

If you haven’t read about Princess Dennar’s dismissal from her position at Tulane I suggest you do because her story is not isolated. 

I read this letter and I think this must have been written a long time ago. But it wasn’t. The events of the past few months have shown that things have not changed that much and we still have a very long way to go. And so I will continue to encourage Black women that we still need you in this field and in this space. Because 2% is not enough.
This month @thecontainerstore has helped me to spa This month @thecontainerstore has helped me to spark joy in my office space with @mariekondo new line of organization essentials. Her new @konmari.co line uses only sustainable products including bamboo, wood and ceramic. My office is where I go when I want to write, study, or simply read in a quiet space. Having an organized office helps me to create a safe space where I can maximize my creativity and focus on my goals. 

This exclusive line is now available at @thecontainerstore ##thecontainerstore #tidylikemarie #MyKonMari
“You are allowed to be a masterpiece and a work “You are allowed to be a masterpiece and a work in progress simultaneously.”

This is day 7 of me working out consistently. I didn’t want to show a picture until I reached my weight goal. But I realize the most important lesson I am currently learning is being consistent. 
It’s showing up when I don’t feel like it.
It’s showing up when I’m tired, when I’ve had a bad day or even a bad week. 
It’s the same way I have had to show up after bombing my MCAT, after not hitting my goal for step 1 and after 28 hour shifts. 
It’s easy to make excuses. It’s easier to give up. But showing up is the first step. And I promised myself I would start showing up for myself every single day.
“Beautiful girl, you can do hard things” I wil “Beautiful girl, you can do hard things”
I will always remind my daughter that she can do anything she puts her mind to. 
.
📸 @lajoyphotographyllc
My skin is no match for this cold Atlanta weather My skin is no match for this cold Atlanta weather so I am so excited about 100% Pure's new Flower Cleansing Milk. #ad

I am very particular about what I put on my sensitive skin and truly believe that less is more when it comes to a good skin care regimen. The Calendula Flower Cleansing Milk contains aloe juice to soothe and hydrate my skin and chamomile which helps with irritation. It gently removes makeup and dirt from my skin after a long day and helps to keep my skin moisturized. Self care is not selfish and taking care of yourself also includes taking care of your skin!

Head to my stories to find out more about the amazing ingredients. Use code NICOLE15 for 15% off of your order! 
@100percentpure #100percentpure
“I’m sorry to inform you...” “I regret to “I’m sorry to inform you...”
“I regret to inform you...”
“Unfortunately, the committee has decided...”
“Unfortunately, we have a lot of strong applicants this year...”
“Although your resume is impressive...”
These are just a few of the Nos I have received along my journey 
Remember. It takes just one yes. 
You’re not too old
It’s not too late 
I don’t care who told you it couldn’t be done 
Do it anyway 
Do it afraid 
What if I fail? 
What if you don’t?
I don’t care if it’s been done before 
Because nobody can do it quite like you 
Yes, there is still room at the table 
And no, your story is not finished. 
Keep showing up. 

#latenightthoughts #doitafraid #speakingtomyself

📸 @lajoyphotographyllc
Our second date 12 years ago and now. We have spe Our second date 12 years ago and now. 
We have spent over a decade of Valentine’s Days together. We never plan anything big.  That holds true this year as I was on call this weekend. But I’m thankful that I caught your eye 12 years ago at LA Fitness and that God has kept us until now. 
Marriage is hard work, yes. But there are also times where it is seamless. Where we laugh at each other’s jokes no matter how lame they are, where I complain to you about the weight I’ve gained and you instead tell me how great I look or how you kiss my forehead before you leave for work so as not to wake me up. 
Today was simply takeout and playing with the kids. Wouldn’t have it any other way.
Don’t mind the fuzzy picture but I am so excited Don’t mind the fuzzy picture but I am so excited about my @onepeloton finally getting here! I have literally placed working out on a back burner secondary to board studying, work, call, kids and sheer exhaustion. I knew I had to do something when my hba1c came back in the pre-diabetic range. So here’s to consistently working out and healthier lifetsyle changes. #fableticspartner 

Loving my February Fabletics outfit and you can get 2 bottoms for $24, 50% off your order and free shipping with your first VIP order! 

And why didn’t anyone tell me how hard it was to clip in and clip out of this thing?! It took me almost an hour to figure it out. Thanks Erin @erincarcioppolo for teaching me lol. @fabletics #moveinfabletics #myfabletics
Dreamed it. Then real lifed it. . . Thank you so Dreamed it. Then real lifed it. 
.
.
Thank you so much to all of you who have supported and purchased a copy of my children’s book! I am so excited about it finally being released and especially during Black History Month. Link is in my bio!

📸 @lajoyphotographyllc
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Nicole Alicia MD

Medicine. Motherhood. Motivation.

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  • Letter to my younger self

    Medicine · February 15, 2018

    Letter to my younger self

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    nicolealiciamd

    Lifestyle | Medicine | Motherhood | Motivation
    Balancing medicine and motherhood with style
    OB GYN Physician
    📍ATL
    đź’Ś nicolealiciamd@gmail.com

    Nicole Sparks, MD
    The following rejection letter from medical school The following rejection letter from medical school has circulated the internet a few times.

“I am sorry I must write you that we are not authorized to consider for admission a member of the Negro race.”

This letter wasn’t that long ago and the sentiments and discrimination in this letter still hold true. But instead of it being in plain writing it is hidden and rooted in implicit bias and micro aggressions. 

It is difficult to navigate medicine at baseline. The journey is even more difficult as a Black woman and I truly felt isolated in my experiences until I began to hear the stories of other women in this field. 
I am proud to be a part of the 2% of Black women who are physicians. And I fully recognize that if I were born just a few decades earlier, this would not be my current reality. 

I talk about many things on my page ranging from Medicine to Lifetsyle to fitness and motherhood. One thing I will never stop talking about is uplifting, protecting and listening to Black women.  I want a world where it is common for a patient to walk in and see that their physician is a Black woman. Where we continuously achieve success in a world that was not built to support us. Where it normal to see Black women thrive in places of leadership such as deans, program directors and full tenured professors. 

If you haven’t read about Princess Dennar’s dismissal from her position at Tulane I suggest you do because her story is not isolated. 

I read this letter and I think this must have been written a long time ago. But it wasn’t. The events of the past few months have shown that things have not changed that much and we still have a very long way to go. And so I will continue to encourage Black women that we still need you in this field and in this space. Because 2% is not enough.
    This month @thecontainerstore has helped me to spa This month @thecontainerstore has helped me to spark joy in my office space with @mariekondo new line of organization essentials. Her new @konmari.co line uses only sustainable products including bamboo, wood and ceramic. My office is where I go when I want to write, study, or simply read in a quiet space. Having an organized office helps me to create a safe space where I can maximize my creativity and focus on my goals. 

This exclusive line is now available at @thecontainerstore ##thecontainerstore #tidylikemarie #MyKonMari
    “You are allowed to be a masterpiece and a work “You are allowed to be a masterpiece and a work in progress simultaneously.”

This is day 7 of me working out consistently. I didn’t want to show a picture until I reached my weight goal. But I realize the most important lesson I am currently learning is being consistent. 
It’s showing up when I don’t feel like it.
It’s showing up when I’m tired, when I’ve had a bad day or even a bad week. 
It’s the same way I have had to show up after bombing my MCAT, after not hitting my goal for step 1 and after 28 hour shifts. 
It’s easy to make excuses. It’s easier to give up. But showing up is the first step. And I promised myself I would start showing up for myself every single day.
    “Beautiful girl, you can do hard things” I wil “Beautiful girl, you can do hard things”
I will always remind my daughter that she can do anything she puts her mind to. 
.
📸 @lajoyphotographyllc
    My skin is no match for this cold Atlanta weather My skin is no match for this cold Atlanta weather so I am so excited about 100% Pure's new Flower Cleansing Milk. #ad

I am very particular about what I put on my sensitive skin and truly believe that less is more when it comes to a good skin care regimen. The Calendula Flower Cleansing Milk contains aloe juice to soothe and hydrate my skin and chamomile which helps with irritation. It gently removes makeup and dirt from my skin after a long day and helps to keep my skin moisturized. Self care is not selfish and taking care of yourself also includes taking care of your skin!

Head to my stories to find out more about the amazing ingredients. Use code NICOLE15 for 15% off of your order! 
@100percentpure #100percentpure
    “I’m sorry to inform you...” “I regret to “I’m sorry to inform you...”
“I regret to inform you...”
“Unfortunately, the committee has decided...”
“Unfortunately, we have a lot of strong applicants this year...”
“Although your resume is impressive...”
These are just a few of the Nos I have received along my journey 
Remember. It takes just one yes. 
You’re not too old
It’s not too late 
I don’t care who told you it couldn’t be done 
Do it anyway 
Do it afraid 
What if I fail? 
What if you don’t?
I don’t care if it’s been done before 
Because nobody can do it quite like you 
Yes, there is still room at the table 
And no, your story is not finished. 
Keep showing up. 

#latenightthoughts #doitafraid #speakingtomyself

📸 @lajoyphotographyllc
    Our second date 12 years ago and now. We have spe Our second date 12 years ago and now. 
We have spent over a decade of Valentine’s Days together. We never plan anything big.  That holds true this year as I was on call this weekend. But I’m thankful that I caught your eye 12 years ago at LA Fitness and that God has kept us until now. 
Marriage is hard work, yes. But there are also times where it is seamless. Where we laugh at each other’s jokes no matter how lame they are, where I complain to you about the weight I’ve gained and you instead tell me how great I look or how you kiss my forehead before you leave for work so as not to wake me up. 
Today was simply takeout and playing with the kids. Wouldn’t have it any other way.
    Don’t mind the fuzzy picture but I am so excited Don’t mind the fuzzy picture but I am so excited about my @onepeloton finally getting here! I have literally placed working out on a back burner secondary to board studying, work, call, kids and sheer exhaustion. I knew I had to do something when my hba1c came back in the pre-diabetic range. So here’s to consistently working out and healthier lifetsyle changes. #fableticspartner 

Loving my February Fabletics outfit and you can get 2 bottoms for $24, 50% off your order and free shipping with your first VIP order! 

And why didn’t anyone tell me how hard it was to clip in and clip out of this thing?! It took me almost an hour to figure it out. Thanks Erin @erincarcioppolo for teaching me lol. @fabletics #moveinfabletics #myfabletics
    Dreamed it. Then real lifed it. . . Thank you so Dreamed it. Then real lifed it. 
.
.
Thank you so much to all of you who have supported and purchased a copy of my children’s book! I am so excited about it finally being released and especially during Black History Month. Link is in my bio!

📸 @lajoyphotographyllc
    Valentine's Day may look a little different this y Valentine's Day may look a little different this year, but that won't stop us from creating the ultimate date night with the help of Kroger. #ad 

This year will be ten years of marriage for us and we promised to create many special moments throughout 2021, no matter how simple. 

From their Home Chef meal kits, to beautiful flowers, Kroger has helped us to create a restaurant experience right from the comfort of our home. 

I'm teaming up with @krogerco to spread the love and give you and a friend each a $100 Kroger gift card to create your ultimate nights in! 

In order to enter, both you and the person you nominate must be 18+, and live in Georgia. 
 
TO ENTER: Comment below tagging a friend who deserves a date night, tell me why they deserve it, and use hashtags #KrogerATL #Sweepstakes

OFFICIAL RULES: https://bit.ly/2YtR2zC 
 
Head to my stories to see more of our date night with Kroger and see how Kroger can help you save on your perfect at-home Valentine’s Day! 

What do you have planned for Valentine's Day this year? 

#FreshforEveryone #KrogerPartner

📸 @lajoyphotographyllc
    Today is the first EVER National Black Women Physi Today is the first EVER National Black Women Physicians Day so get ready for us to sprinkle some Black Girl Magic all over your feed today! 

Black women make up 2% of practicing physicians. 

I am here to encourage every little Black girl who has ever dreamed of becoming a physician. 

This is a dream I have had since I was a little girl and I did not have many people who looked like me to look up to. 

Navigating a medical career is not easy for anyone but it is especially difficult as a Black woman. 

Unsolicited comments about hairstyles (my braids and protective styles and how often I changed my hair was often a topic of unnecessary conversation). 

Micro aggressions, passive aggressive comments, and thoughts that you didn’t earn your way into the same space as others and you were simply “let in” because you were a minority.

It is difficult to navigate a space where you see very few people who look like you. 

On February 3, 2021 three Black women physicians @ciripmd @drkanisha and @sonyasloanmd started a petition to make National Black Women Physicians Day an official holiday. 

On February 5, 2021 Congresswoman @repjacksonlee officially recognized February 8 as National Black Physicians Women’s Day. 

This day is to honor Rebecca Lee Crumpler who was the first Black female physician in the U.S. 

To all of the Black girls and women who are on this path know that we still need you. Know that your future patients need you. Know that it is possible. Know that you deserve to be in this space. 

We are waiting for you.

📸 @lajoyphotographyllc
    I am incredibly excited to share the release of my I am incredibly excited to share the release of my new children’s book; The A-Z Children’s Guide to Race and Activism. 

In previous posts, I’ve stated how children aren’t born with hate; hate is taught. 

Studies show that children a few months old can begin to react to people differently based on race, and infants show a preference for people who look like them. 

I created a book to help facilitate discussions between children and their parents about race, culture, bias, equity and discrimination. 

As parents, it is our responsibility to teach our children and model how to treat everyone with dignity, kindness and respect.

We bear the onus of exposing our children to the diverse and beautiful world in which we live so that they celebrate and embrace differences.

Our bookshelves and social circles should be diversified because representation matters! 

The topic of race is not an easy one to initiate. 

Unfortunately, as a Black mother I don’t have a choice when it comes to these kind of discussions. I truly believe that if we teach our children to be kind and accepting when they’re young, they will in turn become adults who are kind and accepting. 

Please tag anyone who you think may love this book and I will be sending three of you signed copies! Just comment below and tag a friend. Thank you in advance for all of your support! 

Link to the book is in my bio and stories. It is available on Amazon now!
    Sometimes I feel like I’m not doing it right. I Sometimes I feel like I’m not doing it right. 
I missed most of my kid’s doctors appointments while in training. I spent many 24 hour shifts away from home. I missed lots of milestones. 
But no matter how many times I try to play the mom guilt card, my babies let me know that I’m doing just fine. 

And Savannah is smiling y’all. It’s a miracle.
.
.
🙄📸 @lajoyphotographyllc
    “Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May “Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them. “

Before women were permitted to attend medical school, “men expressed concerns that exposure to gore might pose a risk to delicate female health”

Between 1930-1970, approximately 14,000 women graduated from medical school.

Between 1970-1980, approximately 10,000 women graduated from medical school.

Now, just over half of medical students are women.

We have yet to achieve gender equality, but are making more strides than ever before.

Here’s to all the women who have breastfed in between surgery cases.

Here’s to all the women who have smashed societal norms and started your family during your medical career.

Here’s to all the women who have been ignored during rounds while your male medical student was assumed to be the physician.

Here’s to all the women who have been labeled as aggressive while daring to speak up for yourself.

Here’s to all women whose parents wanted them to marry a doctor... and they became one instead.

You may catch me in 6 inch heels or Danskos.

We are not delicate. 

We are not timid.

We are trailblazers. 

We are primary care physicians, radiologists, orthopedics surgeons and neurologists. 

We are OB GYNs, emergency medicine physicians, dermatologists and psychiatrists. 

We are urologists, anesthesiologists and endocrinologists. 

Yes, I can have a family in medicine. 

Yes, you can catch me in a bikini or my scrubs.

No, I am not too young to be your doctor.

No, I am not housekeeping. 

No, I am not shadowing the physician,

I am the physician.

Happy National Women Physician’s Day!
    This month. Every month. And I will scream this This month. Every month. 

And I will scream this from the rooftops until we change the statistics where Black female doctors only make up 2% of physicians. 

Black Women. We need you. Period.

Happy Black History Month. 

#justgettingstarted

📸 @lajoyphotographyllc
    Dear Savannah, I prayed for you. You, baby girl a Dear Savannah,

I prayed for you. You, baby girl are my answered prayers. 

I cannot believe you are two. Happy Birthday sweet Savannah! Time please slow down.
    #Ad According to the Association of American Medic #Ad According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, in 2019, women comprised the majority of enrolled U.S. medical students for the first time ever. And although women are making significant strides in medicine, there is still gender bias, stereotypes and gaps in opportunities available to women. 

Studies have shown that women are paid less than men even at the highest levels of academic medicine. 

When I first let my attendings in medical school know I wanted to be an OB-GYN, I was told I would be too busy to have a family. I was told there would be too many call shifts and I would have to wait to have children. I was told it would be almost impossible to balance both. 

How much better could I have navigated my career path if there was total support for women having families in medicine instead of discouragement. 

I am so excited to be partnering with @MarsGlobal on their #HereToBeHeard initiative where Mars is committed to supporting women in the workplace and in the community to ensure their voices are heard. Women are resilient and powerful and deserve every opportunity to reach our full potential. What do you think needs to change so more women can reach their full potential? Comment below and go to the link in my bio (beheard.mars.com) to add your voice to Mars’ global study to shape a better future for women.
    Our office is slowly coming together thanks to @th Our office is slowly coming together thanks to @thecontainerstore.
I have been spending a lot of time in my office lately to study and now with our new bookshelf this space is almost complete. 
I love this quality shelving and I was surprised at how easy it was to put together!
Run don’t walk to the Container Store because All ELFA is 30% off this month! 
Head to the blog to find out more. #sponsored
    Rebecca Lee Crumpler paved the way for women like Rebecca Lee Crumpler paved the way for women like me when she became the first African American physician. 
And now my daughter will know that anything is possible, even becoming the Vice President of the United States. 
I am looking forward to hope, change and unity. Today is a new day. 
It cannot be underestimated how important it is for our children to see people that look like them in positions of power. 
We did it!
Here’s to bad ass women who are educated and absolutely unapologetic.
    Dear Black girl in medicine, We need you We need Dear Black girl in medicine,

We need you

We need you to change the statistic 

We need you to change the narrative 

2% is not enough 

We need you to apply 

We need you to study 

We need you to persevere 

We need you to finish 

We need more of YOU in medicine 

I don’t care what your advisor said. I don’t care if you failed an exam. I don’t care who told you, you couldn’t do it. I don’t care who told you to chase another dream.

We need you for women like Kira Johnson who died after a routine C section. 

We need you for Dr. Chaneice Wallace, a pediatric chief resident who died after childbirth. 

We need you for Dr. Susan Moore who should not have been discharged from the hospital
prematurely and later died

We need you because patients are more likely to trust doctors who look like them and there is already mistrust between the Black community  and healthcare

We need you so you can pave the way for others 

We need you so our Black mothers will
stop dying at alarming rates 

We need YOU

When you are tired of studying and when you are overwhelmed and when you want to give up I want you to think of every patient whose life you will make a difference in. 

Use that as your fuel and keep going. 

“Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in healthcare is the most shocking and inhumane.”
- Martin Luther King. Jr
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