Russell J. Ledet, PhD

Russell J. Ledet, MD/PhD is from Lake Charles, Louisiana. He obtained his medical degree from Tulane University School of Medicine in addition to serving in the US Navy for nearly a decade and obtaining his PhD in Molecular Oncology at New York University. He will graduate from the IU Triple Board Program in 2027. 

Why Triple Board at IU?

Choosing IU Triple Board was simple. It was about the people and their authenticity to things that mattered to me. It was their attentiveness to issues that truly are part of why I am in medicine like social determinants of health, mental health in minoritized communities, high quality healthcare to a wide range of patients from a socioeconomic and cultural standpoint. Lastly, it was about me finding an environment where I didn't have to relinquish my cultural identity to fit in. There was and is a place for me here and that's why I chose IU Triple Board Residency program to train. 

Career Interests:

Dr. Ledet was enlisted in the U.S. Navy, both on active and reserve duty. His first assignment was as a U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guardsman in Washington, D.C. He subsequently completed Navy cryptology training and was assigned to the USS John L. Hall (FFG-32), based in Mayport, Florida. Dr. Ledet has been awarded multiple Navy Achievement Medals for his leadership, and work ethic. After 5 years of active-duty service, Dr. Ledet transitioned to the USN Reserves, while also attending Southern University, where he completed his bachelor’s degrees in Chemistry and Biology. He then went on to obtain his Ph.D. in Molecular Oncology from NYU. His scientific work focused on prostate cancer biology and therapeutic development utilizing proteomics and bioinformatics. This work was funded by the NIH, as well as the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and published in Nature.

Upon completing his PhD, he began his medical training at Tulane School of Medicine. During his medical school journey, Dr. Ledet co-founded The 15 White Coats, a world-renowned organization that helps to propel underrepresented minority students to medicine by providing inspiration and economic support. Dr. Ledet’s personal journey as well as his activism and philanthropy has been recognized by the national media, including People Magazine, the Steve Harvey Show, NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt, The Kelly Clarkson Show, CNN, MSNBC, and Good Morning America.

Outside of work:

I’m a husband of 17 years to Mallory Alise, and the father of two young girls.