A US man identified as Russell J. Ledet has shared how working as a hospital security guard became the first step towards a career in medicine, a journey that has since taken him from the security desk to becoming a physician and PhD holder.
Ledet, who worked at Baton Rouge General Medical Centre in Louisiana, said he never considered becoming a doctor until he was exposed to the medical profession while working at the hospital.
“I didn’t think about being a doctor until I saw it up close and personal,” he said.
While working security, he spent his free time during shifts studying medical school note cards, gradually working towards his goal of entering the profession.
After completing his medical training and earning a PhD, Ledet went on to establish The 15 White Coats, an organisation that supports Black and other underrepresented students pursuing careers in medicine through mentorship, scholarships and career guidance.
His story was widely shared on social media on July 9, 2026, highlighting both his career journey and the work his organisation continues to do.
