Dr. Ala Stanford, a practicing physician for 24 years, is board certified by the American Board of Surgery in both pediatric and adult general surgery and a healthcare advocate. She is the Founder & CEO of The Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium, BDCC. The consortium was formed in response to the disproportionate number of African Americans being diagnosed and dying from coronavirus in Philadelphia, PA, and the lack of swift intervention to mitigate disease spread. The mission of the consortium is to educate, provide advocacy, and barrier-free coronavirus testing and vaccinations to decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with the disease. Her research in basic science, clinical research, and public health have been published in peer-reviewed medical journals. Dr. Stanford also serves as a medical correspondent for local and national news outlets. She serves on the CDC Philadelphia Department of Public Health COVID19 Vaccine Advisory Committee. Dr. Stanford has appeared on numerous media outlets and has received awards, citations, and acknowledgments for her vision from Fortune Magazine, CNN Heroes, the U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, Assistant Secretary of Health, Dr. Rachel Levine, Dr. Anthony Fauci to name but a few. She truly is a pioneer and trailblazer, committed to bridging the gap between minorities and quality public health services.