A 1949 alumnus of Wayne State University, James Collins, M.D., has continuously played an integral role in the profession of Pediatrics and social justice. After receiving his medical degree in 1953 from the University of Michigan, Dr. Collins completed an internship at St. Lawrence Hospital in Lansing and a residency in Pediatrics at Children's Hospital of Michigan. He was the second African-American resident to join this program, following Arthur Thompson, M.D. Upon completion of his residency, Dr. Collins was originally denied privileges at the Detroit Medical Center because of his race, but he fought and gained the privileges he deserved. Since opening a successful practice with Dr. Thompson in 1957, Dr. Collins has remained an active member of Children's Hospital of Michigan and the Wayne State University School of Medicine. Dr. Collins, who retired in 2017, was a vital member of the Wayne State Department of Pediatrics faculty. He previously served as director of Medical Student Education, assistant dean for Admissions and in many other School of Medicine roles. Through his inspirational endeavors to enhance social justice within the field of medicine, Dr. Collins has received numerous awards, such as the State of Michigan Special Tribute and Recognition Award for Exemplary Leadership in the Field of Medicine, Teacher of the Year Award, the Faculty Award from the Wayne State University Black Medical Association and many others. For his outstanding dedication to the field of Pediatrics, Dr. James Collins is now recognized as a 2018 winner of the Wayne State University School of Medicine Trailblazer Award.