Black History Month 2022 Employee Profiles
Carl Sanon, Assistant Manager, Outpatient Operations, Ralph Lauren Center
When Carl was a junior at Binghamton University, he was given the opportunity to work at MSK as a summer support intern. Initially, he saw it as an opportunity to earn extra money, but the internship showed him that his passion for helping others could be used in less conventional ways. Who would have imagined that this experience would sow the seeds of his career at MSK?
Carl’s childhood
Carl’s family is an integral part of his life. As an only child and youngest child, he was always made to feel special. A Brooklyn native and first-generation American, Carl was raised to believe that he could accomplish anything. Carl’s parents emigrated from Haiti to Canada and then to New York in search of better opportunities.
Carlos with his family.
Carl credits his mother for helping him become the person he is today. She made sure that her children’s education was a top priority, working various jobs to pay for her private school.
“My mother showed a level of tenacity that I admire more and more, and that encourages me,” says Carl. “She brings Me back to my purpose. Her sacrifices for us cannot be in vain.”
Carl had two father figures growing up. He went to an all-boys high school where he was privileged to receive the support and guidance of two great mentors: his jazz band leader and his ensemble teacher. In addition to teaching him how to play the trumpet, they taught him the importance of creating a routine that encourages success.
As a child, Carl’s dream was to become a doctor. After studying biology in college, he realized that medicine was not for him and changed his major to psychology.
Carl’s MSK Race
Carl’s career at MSK has been an upward trajectory of new opportunities.
Three months after graduation, Carl started as a Care Coordinator in the Thoracic Oncology service at the Rockefeller Outpatient Pavilion (53dr Street).
“I always knew I wanted to go deeper into healthcare, so when the opportunity presented itself, I was excited to be a part of MSK,” says Carl.
He then became a Care Coordinator 2 and eventually a Team Leader in Rehabilitation Services.
Carl worked his way up to assistant manager of outpatient operations at the Ralph Lauren Center in early 2020. He had to deal with navigating COVID-19 while acclimating to a new position.
“While the impact of the surge in COVID-19 cases was overwhelming, especially early on, I think the pandemic has allowed us to pause, recalibrate and refocus on the more important things in life,” he says.
Working at the Ralph Lauren Center in Harlem has given her the opportunity to help the community in ways she never imagined.
“My role is to ensure that the patient has as smooth and positive an experience as possible, and I feel like this is my calling,” explains Carl.
Carl encourages and supports the goals and careers of his staff. While he recognizes the importance of the care coordinator role, he knows there are opportunities to develop and grow at MSK; his story is a testament to that. Carl is also one of the co-directors of Ambulatory Care’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion group, whose goals are to help create a sense of belonging, facilitate mentoring and learning opportunities, and provide the best care for a diverse patient population.
Dedication to Service
Carl and his Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity brothers at a Thanksgiving food drive.
During his freshman year of college, Carl decided to join Kappa Alpha Psi, a fraternity founded in 1911 on the principles of service and achievement.
“The history of the fraternity, the motto and the brothers on campus have always resonated well with me,” says Carl. “Our motto is achievement in all fields of human activity, and I think it is an example of a man who strives to be the best version of himself, a man that I try to be every day. I recognized that the brothers on campus exhibited these same characteristics and traits, whether it be through the way they carried themselves, campus involvement and community outreach, or generally prioritizing the well-being of those in need. They were like-minded and I always knew I wanted a brotherhood, so the decision was easy,” he reflects.
Carl used this platform to dive right into various community service projects, ranging from food drives to toy drives to youth mentoring. He always felt more determined in the service of others.
Mental Health and Wellness
For Carl, “Health and Wellness” means challenging yourself to be the best version of yourself, spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically. It means prioritizing self-care.
“I reach out to my fraternity brothers for advice, counsel, accountability and a shoulder to lean on,” he says. “Many men have difficulty expressing their emotional intelligence and don’t talk about the things that bother them. This can create a toxic masculinity.”
Carl continues, “I surround myself with like-minded men so that I can be the best version of myself for my family, staff and patients. It is important that men have safe spaces to share their feelings.”
The importance of Black History Month
“Black History Month is important because it is a time to pay tribute to the great Black women and men who paved the way for African Americans today,” says Carl. “Every February, the country has the opportunity to learn about the contributions of unsung black heroes and celebrate those who laid the groundwork for a better tomorrow.” Adds Carl: “Black history is American history and it is woven into the fabric of this country. While it can’t be summed up in a month, it is a great reminder of the greatness and accomplishments of the many people who have made it possible for me to be here.
To learn more about the services available at the Ralph Lauren Center, click here.
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