In a world where representation matters, Dr. Antonio Webb stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Growing up in Shreveport, Louisiana, Webb faced numerous challenges, including gang violence and drug abuse within his family. Despite these obstacles, he broke the cycle, graduating high school with honors and serving in the military for eight years. His journey from the streets of Louisiana to becoming a celebrated spinal surgeon is nothing short of remarkable.
Webb’s experiences have given him a unique perspective on the gaps in access and exposure to careers in medicine for high-needs students. Determined to make a difference, he has partnered with various organizations to host health careers fairs and mentor students interested in the medical field. His efforts are not only inspiring but also crucial in addressing the underrepresentation of Black physicians in the country.
From Louisiana to San Antonio: A Journey of Resilience
Dr. Webb’s journey began in Shreveport, Louisiana, where he witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of gang violence and drug abuse. Wanting to break free from this cycle, he joined the military after graduating high school with honors. Following his military service, he pursued a career in medicine, completing medical school, residency, and a fellowship. His dedication and hard work paid off when he became one of the founding partners at the South Texas Surgical and Speciality Group in San Antonio.
In 2014, Webb authored “Overcoming the Odds,” a book documenting his journey from the streets of Louisiana to his path in becoming a celebrated surgeon. His story serves as a testament to the power of resilience and determination. “I don’t take anything for granted,” he wrote. “I know I am incredibly blessed.” Webb’s experiences have shaped his commitment to giving back and inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals.
The Health Careers Fair: A Day of Exploration and Inspiration
On June 6, Dr. Webb partnered with Spurs Sports and Entertainment and the Webb Family Foundation to host a health careers fair at the Spurs Impact Center. The event brought together medical professionals from across San Antonio to inspire and educate students interested in the medical field. The Impact Center, the NBA basketball team’s old training grounds, is currently under renovation to become a community hub focused on workforce development, science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
Patricia Mejia, chief impact and inclusion officer for Spurs Sports and Entertainment, emphasized the importance of using basketball as an entry point to engage students in STEM fields. “We’ve been over the past couple of years trying to combine STEM and basketball, using basketball as an entry point, but not the end result,” Mejia said. The Impact Center aims to leave a lasting impression on students and community members by providing them with unique opportunities to learn and grow.
Hands-On Workshops and Mentorship
The health careers fair offered students a diverse taste of what healthcare careers look like, featuring orthopedic residents, optometrists, cardiologists, medicine technology sales reps, sports medicine physicians, and more. In a board room with a direct view of the old Spurs practice court, orthopedic residents from UT Health San Antonio guided students through suturing a fake rubber skin. Bria Chritien, a full-time mom of two and a non-traditional student, took to suturing quickly, demonstrating her dedication to pursuing a career in pediatric oncology.
Next door, Dr. Angela Garza, a licensed therapeutic optometrist, demonstrated how to use a direct ophthalmoscope, a handheld medical device used to examine the inside structure of eyes. Garza, a first-generation college graduate, founded EYES of Cresta Bella in 2026. Her passion for eye care and her journey as a first-generation college graduate inspired students to consider careers in optometry. Selasie Gifa-Johnson, a biochemistry senior at the University of Texas San Antonio, expressed his interest in spine surgery after shadowing Webb. “Watching Dr. Webb — it’s really cool because you can see the people in their pain,” Gifa-Johnson recalled. “To see him be able to go in and do a surgery and then, like, alleviate a person’s pain to a massive degree.”
The Impact of Representation
Dr. Wayne Lee, an orthopedic surgeon who often works with athletes, noted the importance of representation in the medical field. “But getting students into ortho is a specialized ask… It’s important to get them interested in health care first,” Lee said. Webb’s efforts to inspire and mentor students are crucial in addressing the underrepresentation of Black physicians in the country. By providing students with hands-on experiences and mentorship, Webb is opening doors and creating opportunities for the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Webb plans to continue hosting these events and expanding them to more locations and students. “That’s a good age where you can come in at a pivotal point for them,” Webb said. “I didn’t know about becoming a physician or anything about medicine until I was high school… I think you can see it, you can believe it, and you can actually achieve it.” His commitment to inspiring and mentoring students is not only changing lives but also shaping the future of healthcare.