Felecia Williams
"I knew WSU was a great institution that could prepare me for the rigors of becoming a physician; however, looking back on my experiences makes me even more appreciative of WSU’s impact on my life and my career."
When were you at WSU, and what was your major?
I attended WSU from 1978 – 1983 and graduated with a B.S in Biology (with Distinction).
Describe your career in a few sentences.
After completing my undergrad degree at WSU, I attended the University of Michigan for Medical School and completed my residency training at Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center. I returned to Detroit and practiced pediatrics in underserved communities. After 10 years, I left clinical practice to pursue an MBA at Duke University. From 2000 – 2012, I lived in seven different states and served in various roles including Hospital Administrator, Hospital Chief Operating Officer, VP of Medical Affairs & Medical Director for a Children’s Hospital, and Regional Medical Director for Big Pharma.
What are you doing these days?
I am currently a Senior Medical Director at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
What unexpected lesson did you carry from your WSU experience into your life and career?
I knew WSU was a great institution that could prepare me for the rigors of becoming a physician; however, looking back on my experiences makes me even more appreciative of WSU’s impact on my life and my career. The urban campus provided a highly enriching academic and cultural experience. I was a first-generation college student and a commuter student. This wasn’t an ideal situation but the additional responsibilities and challenges helped me to excel academically as well as enhance my executive function skills. My experiences at WSU facilitated my successful transition into adulthood and taught me some valuable lessons……Life is difficult………………failure is not an option………….Don’t Quit!
Favorite travel destination?
Europe is my favorite travel destination France in particular. I’m currently taking French classes at the French Institute of Michigan in Farmington Hills. My dream is to attend the 2024 Olympics in Paris. By then, I should be able to converse comfortably in French!
One thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I was a lifetime member of Weight Watchers! I rejoined recently and began attending meetings again in order to lose the 10 pounds I’ve gained since the pandemic began.
Biggest regret in life?
I can’t think of any big regrets at the moment.
What is the personality trait you most admire?
Perseverance is the personality trait I most admire. Life is a marathon and not a sprint…………….slow and steady wins the race.
What is the personality trait you most deplore?
Mediocrity. I believe ordinary people can do extraordinary things. We should strive for excellence, not mediocrity.
How many years is your longest close friendship?
I have many close friendships but the longest one is over 50 years. A childhood friend and I grew up in the same neighborhood in Detroit and went to elementary and junior high school together. We were also first-generation college graduates and both of us became physicians.
What’s your idea of perfect happiness?
My idea of perfect happiness is living your best life.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My father was born in Georgia in 1928. After serving as an Army paratrooper in the Korean War, he migrated north to Detroit in search of a better life and to escape the Jim Crow laws in the south. My father desperately hoped his children would benefit from the “American Dream”. He encouraged us to pursue higher education and emphasized its importance. Becoming a physician and returning to my community to practice medicine is my greatest achievement thus far. By doing so, I exceeded my father’s expectations and I accomplished a major milestone in my life.