WHEREAS, Dr. Delena Wardlaw and Dr. Elana McDonald are twin sisters born and raised in North Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, Wardlaw and McDonald graduated from Central High School and each went on to pursue a career in medicine, inspired by the loss of their grandmother to breast cancer and a desire to help underserved communities; and
WHEREAS, Wardlaw received her M.D. from Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine and completed her residency training at the Montgomery Family Medicine Residency Program in Norristown, Pennsylvania where she served as chief resident; and
WHEREAS, McDonald received her M.D. from Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine and completed her pediatric residency at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children; and
WHEREAS, Today, Wardlaw is a family medicine doctor with Temple Physicians while McDonald is a pediatrician and owner of three Philadelphia-based outpatient medical practices; and
WHEREAS, Cognizant of their unique position and ability to make an impact, Wardlaw and McDonald are active in disadvantaged communities in an effort to combat historical hesitancy towards physicians and healthcare providers; and
WHEREAS, Wardlaw and McDonald created the “Twin Sister Docs” LLC to maximize their reach and effectiveness as doctors, messengers, activists, and mentors; and
WHEREAS, The Twin Sister Docs offer specialized talks for bridging healthcare disparities and building trust in underserved communities, as well as breaking down barriers and uncovering keys for success in medical school and beyond; and
WHEREAS, Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Wardlaw and McDonald have been volunteering at testing sites and addressing vaccine hesitancy among patients and underserved Philadelphians; and
WHEREAS, Wardlaw and McDonald published a report, “The COVID-19 Treatment, Debunking Myths and Maximizing Participation,” to outline strategies for overcoming vaccine hesitancy in Black communities and urge federal, state and local governments to partner with community-based civic and social organizations to build trust; and
WHEREAS, Every Tuesday, Wardlaw and McDonald appear on Solomon Jones’ radio show, “Wake Up With WURD,” to keep local communities apprised with COVID-19 updates and recommendations; and
WHEREAS, Their unique story and success has garnered attention from national media outlets, including an appearance on Good Morning America and feature story in People Magazine; and
WHEREAS, The guiding philosophy of the Twin Sister Docs is to be trusted messengers who inspire action and create transformational quality of life improvements for those most in need; and
WHEREAS, The Twin Sister Docs make Philadelphia proud; their ongoing commitment to their patients and neighbors is an inspiring display of leadership and heart; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes and honors Dr. Delana Wardlaw and Dr. Elana McDonald - the “Twin Sister Docs” - for their outstanding contributions to the City of Philadelphia and crucial leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy be presented to Dr. Delana Wardlaw and Dr. Elana McDonald, further evidencing the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body.
End