Meet Bj Brown | Content Creator & Future Doctor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bj Brown and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bj, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Truthfully, balancing work and life has been quite a challenging journey for me, and my perspective on balance has changed a lot as I’ve gotten older. Starting out, I had a clear vision of pursuing a medical career, which most people know comes with demanding requirements and high expectations in and out of the classroom. There was no space in my life to explore other passions, and I feared that any deviation from my studies would jeopardize my chances of getting into medical school. However, I still had this creative itch – a passion for photography, modeling, content editing, and personal blogging.

At first, I thought balance meant rigidly splitting my time between studying, leading pre-med organizations, and somehow managing to hit the gym daily, maintain a healthy diet, create content, and carve out time for socializing with family and friends. If that sounds impossible to you, it’s because it was. Yet society, and especially the medical field, often portrays balance in this way, as if we should be perfectly dividing our time and equally be pouring into all these areas of our lives. So, young and naive Bj tried to maintain that balance, and chasing that perfectionism made me feel overwhelmed, stretched thin, and like I was constantly failing. To be honest, I struggled to meet those unrealistic expectations, which took a tremendous toll on my mental health. I think it’s because I often chose to set aside my passion as a Content Creator to focus on advancing my medical career.

The turning point for me was understanding that balance isn’t a fixed formula but more like a dance that is always changing. Some seasons require a deeper focus on academics, such as “Climbing MCAT Mountain” right now. Then other seasons grant me the freedom to immerse myself in creating content. Learning to be flexible and prioritize with purpose has been a game-changer. I find that focusing on one or a few select things allows my excellence to shine through instead of trying to do everything at once and getting mediocre results. Approaching balance this way not only contributed to my professional achievements, such as earning awards at the National Institute of Health but also opened doors for creative opportunities, like becoming one of the ten Black Content Creators selected annually for Paula’s Choice Skincare’s On the Rise Program.

By giving myself permission to pursue my creative passions alongside medicine, I’ve found a deeper well of joy and fulfillment. While I aspire to eventually merge my interests in medicine and media within my future career, I’ve realized that striving for a “perfect balance” is simply unrealistic and unsustainable at this stage. Along this journey, I’ve also learned to prioritize my mental health, understanding that self-care isn’t a luxury I earn but an absolute necessity. This revelation has led me to reflect on my core values, set clear boundaries, and prioritize with intention, all of which have been instrumental in helping me discover a more sustainable and fulfilling balance in life.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My social media channel began as a platform to share my premed journey and stress the importance of mental well-being. Not seeing relatable narratives inspired me to share my own struggles and success stories, particularly for underrepresented Black students. For example, I’m currently studying for the MCAT and have created a series called “Climbing MCAT Mountain,” bringing people along with me through the highs and lows of studying for this exam. What sets my content apart is its honesty—I don’t just showcase achievements but also share the hurdles I’ve conquered, the time it’s taken, and the emotions I’ve experienced. I believe my authenticity and transparency help me deeply connect with my community.

In my academic journey, I’ve been privileged to have mentors who not only believed in me but also encouraged me to pursue my goals I thought were unattainable. Thanks to their guidance, I earned the distinction of being among the twenty individuals chosen to join the NIH Academy Enrichment Program (NAEP) and engage in three years of clinical research at the National Institute of Mental Health. What fills me with immense pride is my ability to reciprocate this opportunity by assisting multiple minority individuals in securing a place in the NIH IRTA program.

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned along the way is to show myself grace. It’s so easy to compare ourselves to others, especially in fields like medicine and on social media, where people often highlight their seemingly perfect journeys with ideal stats and linear paths. But I’ve found immense value in embracing my journey’s ups, downs, and unexpected twists. These challenges have helped me discover new passions, build a supportive community, and cultivate skills I never knew I had.

If there’s one message I want the world to know about me and my journey, it’s this: I believe in the power of resilience and the importance of listening to that inner voice that tells you to keep pushing forward. We are all multifaceted individuals capable of achieving ALL of our dreams, even if they take us down unconventional paths. So, remember, if I can do it, you can too. Persevere, keep dreaming, and never forget that God has a plan for all of us.

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.
One must-visit restaurant on our list is South City Kitchen in Buckhead, renowned for its mouthwatering southern fried chicken dish. Not only is the food absolutely delicious, but it also strikes the perfect balance between being bougie and budget-friendly. After that, I’d propose relaxing at LOA Rooftop’s pool. It’s one of those places where, as you unwind, you’re transported from the heart of Atlanta to the feeling of being on an international vacation. To cap off the perfect day, I’d suggest heading over to Drawbar in the evening. Not only do they serve exceptional cocktails, but the view of the city’s skyline at night from there is absolutely breathtaking. It’s the ideal way to wrap up a memorable day in Atlanta.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, I have to thank God. My faith has been a constant source of strength, guidance, and comfort. Through my faith, I’ve found purpose, resilience, and the ability to navigate this premed journey. Next, I owe an immense debt of gratitude to my Mom. She has been my unwavering rock, my confidante, and my biggest cheerleader. Her sacrifices, love, and endless support have been the driving force behind many of my achievements. She taught me the values of hard work, kindness, and perseverance, and I carry her hustle and wisdom with me in everything I do. Last but certainly not least, I got to shout out my incredible family and friends. They have been the pillars of my support system, celebrating my successes and lifting me up during my lowest moments. Their unwavering belief in me, like always calling me “Dr. Brown,” has fueled my confidence, and their support has made every step of my journey more meaningful. My success and where I am in life are a product of the love, mentorship, and encouragement I received from God and my community.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iambjbrown/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/berron-brown/