A Conversation on Racial Equity in the Medical Field
Dr. Benjamin Danielson is a clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington, where he received his medical degree in 1992, after completing undergraduate studies at Harvard University. He completed his pediatric residency at Seattle Children’s Hospital.
Dr. Danielson was the Senior Medical Director for the Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic (OBCC) until late 2020. He worked there for over 20 years, combining patient care, clinic leadership and community advocacy.
In early life he was rescued from the foster care system by a single mom who instilled in him and his sisters the value of education and community service.
Dr. Danielson also serves on various boards of health related organizations, philanthropic organizations, and community groups dedicated to health issues. He chairs the Governor’s Interagency Council on Health Disparities, co-chaired the Governor’s Task Force on creating an Office of Equity, chairs the Group Health Foundation Board, is a board member on King County’s Children and Youth Advisory Board, and has been on King County’s Board of Health. Dr Danielson was a member of the Washington State Health Benefit Exchange in the first several years from its inception. He is on a number of organizational boards including: the University of Washington Foundation, Amara Adoption and Foster Care Services, and the Center for Children and Youth Justice. He has provided many addresses in numerous venues including the University of Washington’s Commencement Address in 2018.
The unifying thread in Dr. Danielson’s activities relates to promoting well-being and dignity, especially for communities who have been pushed aside. He has found opportunities within and outside of systems to advocate in partnership with groups and individuals who are dedicated and passionate about creating a better world. He realizes he is the least useful member of the circles he joins and he is inspired – every day – by the children, families, communities and organizations with whom he interacts.
