Dr. Duclas M. Charles

Dr. Duclas Charles is a first-generation Haitian-American pharmacist, consultant, and visionary leader at the intersection of healthcare, equity, and innovation. As the Founder of Black Health Connect (BHC) and Paradime Health, Charles has created two transformative platforms that are reshaping the way healthcare professionals, corporations, and communities connect.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Charles discovered his passion for science and community impact as a student at Brooklyn Technical High School. He went on to earn his Doctorate in Pharmacy from Howard University, an HBCU with a legacy of cultivating leaders in healthcare and beyond. His early career spanned across community and hospital pharmacies, as well as leadership roles in fast-scaling pharmacy start-ups. These experiences laid the foundation for his dual mission: advancing health equity and building sustainable pathways for professionals and patients alike.

In 2018, Dr. Charles transitioned into the medical cannabis sector, where his expertise in the endocannabinoid system and phytocannabinoid-derived medications positioned him as a trusted voice in an evolving industry. He managed operations for two of the nation’s largest multi-state dispensary operators, while also shaping national conversations on cannabis regulation, patient care, and integrative medicine. His insights have been featured in publications like the Mayo Clinic’s Medical Marijuana Issue, underscoring his influence in the field.

While his impact on cannabis continues, Charles’ legacy is being built through two influential organizations. Black Health Connect (BHC), which he founded, is now one of the largest interdisciplinary and intergenerational network of Black healthcare professionals in the world. With over 30,000 members across 24 U.S. markets and four countries, BHC has become the go-to hub for community, career advancement, and collaborative impact. Its programming—ranging from quarterly mixers and regional panels to the annual national conference in Washington, D.C.—has facilitated thousands of professional connections, mentorship relationships, job placements, and business partnerships. BHC’s influence extends beyond networking; it is actively bridging gaps in representation and reshaping the narrative around Black healthcare leadership and entrepreneurship.

At the same time, Dr. Charles leads Paradime Health, a boutique marketing and communications agency born from the momentum of BHC. Paradime helps healthcare organizations, corporations, and brands engage diverse communities through culturally rooted strategies, experiential activations, and thought leadership. 

With a career rooted in collaboration, empowerment, and innovation, Dr. Duclas Charles has become a convener of people and ideas. Whether building professional ecosystems through Black Health Connect, helping brands navigate equity through Paradime Health, or shaping national conversations on medical cannabis, his mission is clear: to empower communities, elevate leaders, and ensure a more inclusive future for healthcare.