Easily one of the most intriguing people you’ll ever meet, Dr. Kadijah Ray is a multi hyphenated woman that counts mother, wife, business owner, and pediatric anesthesiologist as just a few of the titles she holds.
Born and raised on the south side of Chicago, Ray self describes as “gritty and tough” like the neighborhood she grew up in. She feels as though her upbringing and surroundings prepared her to go out into the world and win in it. Always one to stand up for what’s right and tell it like it is, Dr. Ray had dedicated her life to serving others and contributing to the greater good.
N’DIGO recently sat down with Dr. Ray to learn more about her various endeavors including the anti-racism group she helped spearhead and her foray into owning a Go Kart racing team.
In your own words, who is Kadijah Ray?
Dr. Kadijah Ray: A Pediatric Anesthesiologist, Kadijah Ray, MD is an authentic south side Chicago girl. Gritty, street smart, book smart and real. Tough through and through. The experiences of growing up where I did helped me navigate my life in such a way that I am prepared to fight to win and to survive. I am the person who will always give it to you straight. Honesty and Loyalty are virtues I live by.
In a former life you modeled professionally. Tell me about the segue into the medical field. Was that always the plan or did you discover that passion later on?
I always knew I wanted to be a doctor. As a small child I had big dreams that seemed impossible at the time. I did some commercial modeling to earn money towards school. I’m way too short for high fashion! (laughs)
One of the many things you juggle is your son’s burgeoning racing career. Please tell us more about this awesome young man.
GraysonAward – Photo by Kadijah Ray.jpeg
Photo by David Rinker.jpeg
My 7 year old, Grayson Walcott, is a competitive go kart driver. The 7X Formula 1 world champion, Lewis Hamilton, is a Black man. When Grayson was 3, he saw Hamilton race on television and was instantly hooked. We researched the sport and he started racing competitively at age 5.
We have not had to navigate any blatant racism at the tracks yet. Given the places that we have to travel, we are always aware of our surroundings. Unfortunately, we are starting to have “the talk” with Grayson. We feel compelled to prepare him. When you are the only or one of the only navigating certain spaces, you have to understand at an early age certain dynamics. It’s unfortunate but we didn’t we make the rules in this country.
How has COVID-19 impacted your work and home life?
Like everyone, COVID 19 has had a negative impact. As a frontline worker, Anesthesiologists are at high risk. There is an extra layer of stress at work to remain safe. I don’t want to get sick and definitely don’t want to bring COVID home to my family. We have had to adjust to distance learning for school. That hasn’t been easy especially since Grayson is in Chinese immersion. We miss being able to see family and friends. We definitely miss being able to travel. At the same time, we have been able to use this as an opportunity for more family time and bonding. That is definitely a positive. I also cooked my first holiday dinner because we couldn’t go to our family’s house!
As someone on the front lines, what are some misconceptions people have about COVID that you wish you could clear up?
Where do I start with this one? One of the biggest misconceptions is that not that many people are hospitalized or dying due to COVID. It’s infuriating to me. The hospital I work at is filled to capacity. We had to convert other areas to accommodate patients with COVID. My colleagues all over the country are having to see death coolers outside their hospitals because the morgues are full. The pandemic is real and to deny it is to disrespect the work I and my colleagues do every day. Another HUGE misconception is that we are getting paid money to falsely diagnose COVID. Many of my colleagues have suffered a tremendous financial burden due to COVID. Many medical specialties have not been able to serve their patients at full capacity due to COVID so they lost their income. Some hospitals have forced pay cuts. Doctors are not pocketing money. It’s quite the opposite.
How do you find the time to maintain a healthy balance with your various projects and your personal life?
Honestly, I’m not sure how healthy the balance currently is. Between having a demanding job that requires long hours and managing Grayson’s racing career, there is always something to be done. Additionally, I am the Co-founder of an anti-racism group called Physician Women SOAR. We do a lot of social justice work, teaching, and fundraising. I’ve raised over 600k on Facebook since we started in 2017. It’s like I have 3 full-time jobs!
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
I think people would be surprised to know that I come from a very humble background. I have had many failures before my successes.
Best advice or words of wisdom?
Stay hungry. Don’t become too complacent. There is always more to do. If not for yourself, for someone else.
What’s a favorite book of yours or the last really good book you’ve read?
I just read Harriet A. Washington’s Medical Apartheid. It documents the abuses of the Black community by the medical establishment. I think every doctor, especially those who aren’t Black, should be required to read it so they can better understand the onus is on us to earn the trust of our patients.
Favorite quote or affirmation?
“Don’t pee on my leg and tell me it’s raining.” I realize this probably isn’t the most PC of quotes but I am just tired of dishonest conversations. I want to know what and who I’m dealing with at all times.
What’s next for Dr. Kadijah Ray and Grayson Dean Racing?
The 2021 racing season is a big one for driver development for Grayson Dean Racing. Grayson is moving into two new driver classes which will prove to be very challenging. While he is training in California with former NASCAR driver, Troy Adams, I am working on our sponsorship program for 2021 and getting ready for the race season.
For more information on Grayson Dean Racing, please visit his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/graysondeanracing/ and for more information on Physician Women SOAR, please visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PWSOARPublic/
