Today we’d like to introduce you to Charla Burns, MD.
Hi Charla, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
From a young age, I knew I wanted to make a meaningful impact in life. By high school, I had set my sights on becoming a doctor. My passion for math and science initially sparked my interest in medicine, but witnessing the health disparities affecting people of color and those in underserved communities truly fueled my drive. Although I come from a talented and hard working family, I was the first to earn a medical degree. More recently, my journey has expanded into education, mentorship, and public health, where I continue working to create equitable systems. I have also held several local political offices, as civic engagement and community empowerment remain central to my mission.
Two years ago, I expanded my professional journey into the financial services industry. I currently serve as a life insurance broker with an agency that services clients across the nation. Historically, Black and Brown communities have been underserved when it comes to strategies for protecting their legacy and building generational wealth. I take great pride in returning to these communities to educate and empower individuals who share my background and experiences.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road definitely hasn’t been smooth. Like many first-generation professionals, I faced challenges that went beyond academics — from financial barriers to navigating systems that weren’t always designed for people who look like me. Balancing rigorous coursework, clinical training, and personal responsibilities often tested my resilience. There were moments of doubt and fatigue, but each obstacle strengthened my determination and deepened my empathy. Those struggles ultimately shaped me into a more compassionate physician and advocate, committed to creating opportunities and access for others facing similar barriers.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My work centers around improving healthcare access and outcomes for underserved communities. I specialize in public health, health equity advocacy, and medical care that prioritizes the most vulnerable populations. I’m particularly focused on addressing health disparities, which often stem from systemic barriers like race, income, and geographic location.
What I’m most known for is creating innovative solutions that combine medicine with a deep understanding of the social factors that impact health. Whether it’s through policy advocacy, community health programs, or civic engagement, my approach is always holistic, seeking to empower individuals and drive systemic change.
I’m especially proud of my work in educating and mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals, many of whom are people of color or hail from disadvantaged backgrounds. By guiding them into leadership roles, I’m helping to create a more inclusive healthcare landscape.
What truly sets me apart is the intersectionality of my work. I don’t just focus on medical treatment — I recognize that health is influenced by economic, social, and cultural factors, and address those in my work. I’ve also been actively involved in political advocacy, running for office to make sure that healthcare policies reflect the needs of diverse communities.
Ultimately, I’m driven by a deep desire to leave the world a better place — one where healthcare is a right, not a privilege, and where every person, no matter their background, has access to the care they need to thrive.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The quality I believe is most important to my success is resilience. Throughout my career in medicine, teaching, and mentorship, I’ve encountered challenges that required perseverance, flexibility, and a positive mindset. Resilience allows me to remain focused and solution-oriented when faced with obstacles, adapt to change, and continue moving forward with determination. It’s what enables me to grow from setbacks, maintain high standards of excellence, and model perseverance for my students, mentees, and colleagues.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://myintegrity.com/?purl=Charla-Burns
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.charla.burns
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlaburnsmd/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@the_wealth_md
