Black History Month Spotlight: Dr. Wes Brantley

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Media Contact: Sara Plummer | Communications Coordinator | 918-561-1282 | sara.plummer@okstate.edu

Wes Brantley, OSU Medicine resident and OSU-COM alumnus

Where are you from?

Arkansas City, Kansas

Why did you want to be a doctor?

Women's health is the most rewarding part of practicing medicine. My calling is to practice medicine; however, my purpose is to help and serve as many of my female patients as possible. Obstetrics and gynecology allows me to have a balance. I get to perform surgeries and to also see patients in the clinic. There's not a greater feeling in the world than delivering a baby. It's such an honor for a patient to allow me to manage their pregnancy, then also be part of the birthing process. I honestly can't think of anything else I would rather do with my life. 

Growing up, did you see many physicians and health care professionals that looked like you?

I did not see very many doctors that looked like me during my childhood. However, the doctors I did meet were very friendly and were excellent role models for me to follow. My mother worked at the local hospital, and I would have such a blast visiting her and being able to learn from the doctors and nurses at such a young age. I felt it was paramount to give back to my community as a beacon of hope to other aspiring minorities trying to follow in my footsteps. Beyond the clinical and communication skills required in health care, representation is of the utmost importance

Did that influence your decision to go into medicine?

The local doctors certainly played a role in my decision to pursue medicine. Growing up in a rural community, I realized the sacrifice the doctors made to serve their patients and their community. I wanted to do my part to serve my community as well. The other influencing factor was losing both my father and oldest brother to cardiovascular disease. I made a vow to myself that once I became a doctor, I would do everything in my power to keep others from experiencing that kind of pain. Building a trusting relationship with patients is something I prioritize every time I step foot inside a patient room in the clinic or the Labor and Delivery floor. Patient education and counseling on early interventions for certain disease processes are very important in achieving positive outcomes. 

Were you encouraged to pursue medicine by teachers, professors, family and friends? If so, what did that mean to you?

Once I made it known I was pursuing medicine as a career, I received lots of encouragement and support from my friends and family. It meant the world to me. Becoming a doctor wasn't just about me. It was for everyone who has invested time into helping me become the man I am today.

Why is diversity important in medicine and health care?

Diversity in medicine is so important. Minority patients should have the option of choosing a provider who looks like them and someone who can better relate to them from a cultural perspective. It's also important to have diversity in medicine so that the next generation of health care providers have role models and examples to follow.