The first physician in her family, Dr. LaVerne Thompson was born in Rochester, NY. She attended Allegheny College in Meadville, PA before attending medical school at Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in Buffalo, NY. She went on to complete her surgical residency at the Case Western Reserve University Hospitals Program in Cleveland, OH. During residency, Dr. Thompson was able to actualize her vision of supporting individuals from all backgrounds in medicine while creating supportive professional environments where all members are valued.
She created a quality review program in the Department of Surgery to teach faculty about differences in health outcomes, the effect of cognitive preconceptions on ourselves and others, and evidence-based strategies to mitigate them. The program continues to review patient outcomes and find strategies to improve the health system. Additionally, she was able to explore her passion for education and resident advocacy through multiple avenues. She has demonstrated her commitment to these endeavors through research, several leadership positions in her local GME office, and appointment as Administrative Chief Resident for her program.