News & Information - The Mercury - May 2009 Mercury

by Lorin T. Smith
Madigan Mountaineer

LTC Franklin Wood was once told that he could never be a sports medicine doctor helping young adults because that profession wasn't available to "his" people.

Whether it was reverse psychology or outright discrimination, Wood did not let comments like that stop him and he not only became a physician, but is now the chief of the Madigan Army Medical Center adolescent clinic.

And because of his contributions to the hospital and surrounding communities, Wood was named a recipient of the Department of Defense African American History Month Recognition Award.

The award is given annually to a member from each service that exemplifies the ideals of their military core values and provides exceptional service to critical DoD missions.

"I was thoroughly surprised and deeply honored," said Wood.

A giant children's mural painted by Wood now adorns the glass windows by the adolescent clinic's entrance. After his arrival, the clinic's hours of operation were extended into the evening so that teens can attend appointments after school.

"He is a dedicated physician and educator and represents the African American community with dignity and diligence," COL Ronald Place, deputy hospital commander, wrote on the award submission paperwork.

Wood attributed many of teenagers' sociological issues to the media's depiction of minorities only being able to excel through sports and entertainment.

"You see 13-year-old males and females who want to be in the NFL or NBA, but what's your next plan?" Wood said. "We are addressing the media problem, but still have not made a tremendous influence into their lives and the choices that they make."

One way for minority teens to break the bonds of institutionalized discrimination is through public service, and like him, through the military.

Wood said he sees military teens dealing with issues due to deployments by a parent.

One piece of advice he imparts to both teens and doctors-in-training is mentorship; for the future doctors, to be a positive influence as a mentor in a young person's life, and for minority teens, seek out a doctor of color or participate in a job shadowing program at school.

"I had mentors growing up and I really appreciated the advice they gave me, even if it was only a few words," said Wood, who grew up in inner-city Philadelphia.

From the May 2009 Mercury, an Army Medical Department publication.