The Silk Stocking Sisters

Thank you for joining us for another episode of The Silk Stocking Sisters Podcast. In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Craig Yorke, retired neurosurgeon and author of Steep: A Black Neurosurgeon’s Journey, we discuss the experiences, sacrifices, relationships, and unexpected turns that shaped his life and career.

Dr. Yorke reflects on what drew him to neurosurgery and his love for the nervous system. He shares a perspective that has influenced the way he approaches life: steep yourself in the experiences of life, remain open to the unexpected, and don’t be afraid to let life surprise you. From Boston Latin School and Harvard College to Harvard Medical School and UCSF, Dr. Yorke discusses what it was like to move through elite academic and medical institutions as a Black student and physician when representation was limited. He also talks about how the Vietnam War shaped the career paths available to young Black men of his generation.

Dr. Canada shares how she resonated with Dr. Yorke’s story and considers the drive, expectations, and sacrifices that helped him succeed. In Steep: A Black Neurosurgeon’s Journey, Dr. Yorke highlights the generations who came before him, their sacrifices, aspirations, and belief in what education could make possible. He shares stories about his family, including his family’s connection to Malcolm Little, later known as Malcolm X, and the influence his parents had on his ambitions and sense of responsibility. From Boston and Harvard to neurosurgery and eventually building a life in the Midwest, Dr. Yorke describes the unexpected sense of community he discovered after moving to Topeka, Kansas.

Join us for a conversation about education, identity, achievement, belonging, and family influence. Pick up your copy of Steep: A Black Neurosurgeon's Journey to learn more about Dr. Yorke's inspiring story. Visit https://www.craigyorke.com/.