DR. ASANTE DICKSON’S
Rise to Chief of Radiology
&
Co-Founder of Ascension Medical Educators
Dr. Asante Dickson stands as a pioneering figure in the world of healthcare, having risen to the prestigious position of Chief of Radiology through a combination of talent, determination, and an unyielding commitment to excellence.
More than just a skilled physician, Dr. Dickson is also a motivational speaker and a passionate advocate for empowering underserved communities, particularly youth and people of colo
Formative Years on Long Island
His childhood in Freeport, Long Island, played a pivotal role in shaping his identity and career aspirations. Growing up in a unique area that blended the tranquility of suburbia with the vibrant, diverse culture of nearby New York City, he was exposed to both worlds, giving him a distinctive perspective. “Long Island was a great place to grow up, especially Freeport. It had that mix of suburban life but also an urban cultural vibe. That mix is definitely a part of why I am who I am today.”
Dr. Dickson’s parents were educators who instilled in him values of hard work, intellectual curiosity, and confidence. His mother earned her Ph.D. in urban education from the City University of New York and served as an English teacher and later as an assistant superintendent. His father was a media specialist with a variety of talents—librarian, videographer, mechanic, handyman—and also coached his soccer team.
Their remarkable work ethic and unwavering belief in his abilities helped him grow into a self-assured young man. “I was taught by my parents that if you’re waiting for somebody else to tell you how smart and good you are, you will be waiting forever. That’s why there’s no bigger fan of Asante Dickson than Asante Dickson.”
Rising Through the Ranks
Dr. Dickson dreamed of attending an Ivy League school, which led him to Cornell University for his undergraduate studies in biology. He then pursued a medical degree at Georgetown University School of Medicine, completing his M.D. after an internship in internal medicine at Georgetown. He further honed his skills during his first year of radiology residency at Howard University Hospital, followed by completing his training at Stony Brook University.
“We’re all looking for somebody we can see ourselves in.”
Driven by a passion for mastering challenging medical fields, he chose a fellowship in neuroradiology at Stanford University, recognized as one of the top programs in the country. “Neuro is the hardest fellowship to get, so I’m going to do whatever they say is the hardest.”
After his fellowship, he returned to Stony Brook University-Winthrop as an attending physician before relocating to the Washington, D.C. area. There, he joined Adventist HealthCare as Chair of Radiology, where he successfully transformed the radiology department into a high-performing unit, significantly improving both inpatient and outpatient services.
In 2023, Dr. Dickson achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Black Chief of Radiology for Holy Cross Health in Southern Maryland.
Mentorship & Community Impact
Dr. Dickson explained that representation in healthcare is essential, and having more diversity in rooms where important decisions are made can make all the difference in the world. “There’s no system in the United States that isn’t run by people who can be influenced by biases, and healthcare is no exception.”
In 2019, he co-founded Ascension Medical Educators, LLC (Ascenmed), a professional services firm comprising medical educators and physicians dedicated to providing expert academic advising and mentorship for those seeking careers in medicine.
He explained that entering the medical field, especially for those who aim to rise in the organizational hierarchy, requires extreme personal sacrifice, time commitment, stress, exhaustion, and more.
“I was always vowing that when I get out, I would not leave people to sustain and deal with this trauma by themselves.” Particularly for people of color, this stress can be heightened because few in their families or communities can relate to those experiences and offer guidance on how to navigate that world.
“We’re all looking for somebody we can see ourselves in.” Ultimately, he decided to be that person for young professionals entering the medical field.
He emphasized that representation in healthcare can often mean the difference between life and death, and having more diversity in decision-making rooms can significantly impact outcomes.
Dr. Asante Dickson’s journey exemplifies that true success is not solely defined by personal milestones but by the lasting influence one has on the lives of others and the broader community. He will continue to inspire and empower the next generation of healthcare professionals.
“There’s no system in the United States that isn’t run by people who can be influenced by biases, and healthcare is no exception.”
