The Bold and Gritty Life

Now more than ever, David feels a sense of urgency to raise awareness around issues of Black mental health and racial equity and to promote the resiliency of Black men.

David A. Paul, MD, MS

David A. Paul, MD, MS is a senior neurosurgery resident and neuro-critical care fellow at The University of Rochester Medical Center, Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY. He is the founder of Bold and Gritty, LLC, and is a husband, father, son, and avid coffee enthusiast. When a close friend told him that he was the “Grittiest” man he knew – he was inspired to channel that energy into launching a brand focused on highlighting successful Black Men. Bold and Gritty is an entrepreneurial pursuit with social implications – ‘What would it look like if we built a culture around Black male success and cultivated a brand around that image?’ ⁠

Now more than ever, David feels a sense of urgency to raise awareness around issues of Black mental health and racial equity and to promote the resiliency of Black men. For David, Bold and Gritty is about more than just raising the bar of what is possible and inspiring the next generation, it is about building community – a community that embraces the Boldness and Grittiness of Black men.

He is actively engaged in several initiatives to increase the number of compassionate and culturally competent physicians from underrepresented backgrounds who are dedicated to serving in their communities. In 2011 he chaired the 4th Annual SNMA Pre-medical conference, which attracted over 200 educators, clinicians and underrepresented students from area high schools, colleges, and medical schools – exposing the students to careers in medicine. Using the conference as a model, David also co-founded the Minority Male Leadership Association in response to the 9% four-year high school graduation rate of minority males in Rochester, NY. David’s academic interest is in neuroscience. More specifically, he studies how the brain heals itself after injury from traumatic brain injuries and brain tumors. He has published in several prestigious journals including Science and the NEJM.

Bold and Gritty, LLC is an extension of David’s commitment to promoting Black Excellence at work and at home. He embodies the definition of Bold and Gritty, and is excited to share amazing stories with the world.

David, La’ren and Julian Paul.

We highlight successful Black Men ages 18-40, who embody what it means to be Bold and Gritty. If you or someone you know embodies these core values and would like to use our platform to shine a light on #Blackmale excellence and encourage future Bold and Gritty men, please DM us a picture and (1) your current occupation or educational status, (2) how you are making an impact in your community, and (3) what advice you would give for the next generation of Black men