Meet Ryland Gore, MD MPH: Breast Surgical Oncologist & Community Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ryland Gore, MD MPH and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ryland, how does your business help the community?
I love what I do as a breast cancer surgeon, because I am in the unique position to really change the trajectory of a patient’s life. I am able to guide people on what is a very scary journey and get them to healing. As a black woman who happens to be a surgeon, it is humbling when I get to educate the community or a patient tells me that they feel better because someone that looks like them is caring for them. Beyond that, providing excellent, compassionate care and listening to folks is universal. Everyone can relate to that.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a breast surgical oncologist, which means I am a surgeon that takes care of breast cancer patients. The path to becoming a surgeon requires a lot of schooling–I did 4 years of college, 2 years of graduate school, 4 years of medical school, 5 years of general surgery residency, and a year of fellowship training. It is often tedious, lonely, and more valleys than there are mountaintops. But living your dream is the ultimate reward. I always tell patients when I am removing a tumor that it is “Cancer Eviction Day.” To be able to impact someone’s life in such a humbling way is its own reward. Patients and their families are entrusting you with their bodies and their health, so every day, I’m grateful. I start my day and every single surgery with a prayer. My journey hasn’t been easy. The training hasn’t been easy and you deal with so many situations that can derail you if you aren’t strong. Add on top of that being a black female in a space that is traditionally all white men. Black women only make up 2% of physicians. Those numbers dwindle as we start talking about surgical specialties. No one should endure some of the things I have had to endure, so I spend my free time mentoring and advising young physicians and physicians-in-training. Along the way, I’ve learned several things. You are not responsible for what others feel or think about you. Your word is your bond. You don’t have to think too hard when you are always doing the right thing. And excellence speaks for itself. Knowing and believing these things have made my life so much easier. Regarding my personal and professional brand, I’m just continuing to do the work, kicking cancer’s butt, educating folks. Excellence and consistency is my brand.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Self care: Walks on the Belt Line Brunches: Murphy’s, Haven Best Cheap Food: Eats (off of E. Ponce) Drinks: Apres Diem, James Room Hang Out: The High Museum, Civil Rights Museum, Aquarium, Ponce City Market, Little Five Points Day Trip: Chateau Elan Dinners: KR Steakbar, Little Alley Steak Anytime I can do something that includes a patio and people-watching, it’s a good time. Pre-COVID, I would also catch a basketball game at State Farm Arena The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shoutout to my parents, the late Timothy Gore, and Sonja Gore for showing me that anything is possible and always being in my corner. Morehouse School of Medicine for training me and continuing to push out amazing doctors of color. Dr. Bonnie Simpson-Mason, my mentor and sounding board. And shoutout to myself for believing in myself!!!!!

Website: www.rylandgoremd.com

Instagram: @rylandgoremd

Linkedin: Ryland Gore

Twitter: @rylandgoremd

Facebook: @rylandgoremd

Image Credits
Ryland J. Gore, MD MPH Professional Shots: @crystalonbrand/Love Byrd Photography