Xzabia A. Caliste, MD, believes that one of the most impactful qualities a person can possess is a deep understanding of oneself and an awareness of how one’s background shapes their influence in the world. Her identity as a Caribbean-American woman reflects a blend of her family’s history. It provides her with a unique perspective on the world around her, a perspective that contributes to her positive outlook on life.
“Having been raised in the Bronx gives me a bit of added toughness, which has been beneficial in my career,” said Caliste.
Born into a family that merges two distinct Caribbean heritages—her mother from Barbados and her father from Trinidad—Caliste emphasizes the unique qualities of each culture. Her maternal grandparents immigrated from Barbados, lived in England for a few years and then moved to the United States. On her father’s side, he and his sister emigrated from Trinidad.
“I often think about their perspective in leaving everything familiar behind to create a better life for themselves and pave the way for future generations, including me,” Caliste reflected.
From a young age, Caliste always knew she wanted to be a doctor, though she never imagined she would become a surgeon. While completing her rotations in medical school, she realized that surgery resonated more with her interests than general medicine, as she recognized the distinct pathways of surgery and medicine.
Today, Caliste is a board-certified vascular surgeon serving the Albany region and is an Assistant Professor at Albany Medical College. She joined the vascular service in 2016 after completing her residency at the University of Rochester Medical Center in upstate New York. Caliste is a Georgetown University School of Medicine and Williams College graduate and completed a research fellowship with the Department of Surgery at Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C.
In 2013, she received the American Venous Forum's BSN-Jobst Research Fellowship Award for Outstanding Research. She is the former Section Chief of Vascular Surgery at the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center. Dr. Caliste recently completed the SVS Leadership Development Program and subsequently went on to be a Mastery Grant Recipient of the LDP. She is currently the Director of Quality in the Division of Vascular Surgery and has been recently appointed as the representative of the Department of Surgery on the Faculty Senate at Albany Medical College. Dr. Caliste currently serves as a member on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee of the SVS.
Caliste embodies her culture daily rather than taking specific actions to honor it.
“It's not as if I take action every single day; my heritage and being a Black woman in America are ingrained parts of who I am and how I choose to live,” said Caliste.
Her background has shaped her interactions with the world, making her more sensitive to others. She compares this feeling to a constant frequency, like a background presence always there.
"It's always ever-present; it's not something I can separate myself from, nor would I want to or choose to," said Caliste.
Her perspective on Black History Month mirrors her broader sentiments regarding cultural recognition. While she acknowledges the importance of honoring Black contributions within a single month, she believes that such acknowledgment should extend throughout the year. Family discussions during this time serve as an opportunity to engage with and learn about Black history in an accessible and interactive manner.
“My family and I have a group chat and we share black cultural topics specifically during Black History month. It’s a cute and fun way to engage because it’s easily accessible; you can click on a link, read up on something and learn more,” said Caliste.
Caliste highlighted the importance of having conversations with individuals whose experiences differ from our own. Encouraging SVS members to connect with their peers, she emphasized that understanding someone's pain without judgment fosters connection and humanity.
“As humans, if we can take a moment to suspend judgment and have an honest conversation with someone, we can truly begin to feel their pain and empathize with their experience,” said Caliste.
Caliste further explained how perceptions shape our reality, particularly in recognizing and pursuing opportunities. "If you grow up believing that opportunities are available, it can open doors," she said. Conversely, the belief that opportunities are unattainable can hinder one's potential. She illustrated this dichotomy with the experience of an African American medical student who, despite being qualified, felt discouraged from pursuing a path in vascular surgery due to a lack of representation.
Caliste urges her fellow members of the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) to support the SVS Foundation and initiatives like the Voices of Vascular campaign. For her, this campaign highlights the stories of diverse individuals in the field and allows her to connect with colleagues globally in a fun and engaging way.
“It’s an enjoyable way to get to know our colleagues and learn more about their backgrounds. This campaign promotes a light-hearted approach to advancing our commitment to this cause, offering an innovative and inclusive way to engage with the community,” Caliste emphasized.
When you donate to the SVS Foundation, you support Voices of Vascular's important work in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Learn more and make your gift today.