“Not all heroes wear capes. Some wear white coats and have vivid imaginations.”
About the Book.
When PJ dreams, he dreams big. His imagination, creativity, and curiosity takes him on a unique adventure with a hummingbird friend that ignites a passion for the medical field. Fly, Doctor, Fly! is a colorful children’s picture book that inspires children to chase the full extent of their dreams. Set in the countryside of Jamaica, this book incorporates a vivid story with illustrative resources to support children who want to become medical doctors. This book is perfect for the imaginative future doctor in your life!
Written by Lyndsay Archer and illustrated by the author and her father, Phillip J. Archer, M.D., this story is an imaginative retelling of one of Dr. Archer’s first introductions to medicine. This story aims to inspire kids to pursue the full extent of their dreams. We believe that representation in medicine and STEM fields matter. Our sincere hope is that this book encourages Black and Brown youth to pursue and envision themselves in every field and professional space that they can dream of.
Why Is This Book Important?
Representation is key. Whether representation comes in the form of seeing a figure on television, seeing someone in the community, or reading about one in a book, when children have access to seeing people or characters that look like them in roles and spaces that they have been historically excluded from, the extent of their dreams is endless. Black physicians only make up 5% of the physician workforce. Hispanic physicians only make up 5.8% of the physician workforce. Yet, Black and Brown communities are disproportionately affected by chronic illnesses, public health crises, and institutions that limit access to quality & equitable care.
Our mission is to contribute to the countless efforts dedicated to empowering our youth to know that the medical field needs them. We aim to raise the 5% by inspiring our future healthcare innovators and advocating for their success.
Physician Workforce
Author’s Note.
“Fly, Doctor, Fly!” all began with a crazy imagination and dream of writing a children’s book to inspire youth to pursue the field of medicine. I initially wrote the book as a college freshman in the spring of 2016. I am proud and truly grateful for the opportunity to finally share this passion project with the world. I hope that it inspires young people everywhere to believe in themselves wholeheartedly. I want our children to know, especially our Black and Brown youth, that the medical field needs them and that there is a village of people, myself included, eager to help them fly. I have dreamed of becoming a doctor ever since I was 5 years old. As an aspiring physician on my own journey to medicine, I envision a future where Black and Brown youth have equal and equitable access to entering STEM fields. It only takes a seed to be planted for the most beautiful plant to grow. Likewise, it only takes one introduction to ignite a life-long passion that will lead a child to their unique purpose. An imagination, a dream, and access to representation can support a child in transforming the worlds around them.
I am truly honored to have had the opportunity to not only write and publish my first book, but to illustrate this book alongside my dad, the real-life PJ. This story is inspired by one of his first introductions to medicine in Jamaica. Despite facing many obstacles on his journey to medicine, his faith in God and the support of loved ones gave him the fuel and motivation he needed to pursue his calling.
Not all heroes wear capes. Some wear white coats and have vivid imaginations. This blurb found on the back cover of Fly, Doctor, Fly! pays homage to all healthcare workers who have committed their lives to the health and well-being of others. On a personal note, it is my own tribute to my dad who has always humbly exhibited both grace and sincere compassion in his mission to serve his community.