In 1940, black men made up 2.7% of physicians; in 2018, that number dropped to 2.6%, even though black men make up 12% of the U.S. population. organization black man wearing a white coat was founded in 2013 to address this disparity, with the goal of increasing the number of Black men in the medical field through exposure, inspiration, and mentorship.
of Renaissance Medical University (RSOM) Stony Brook University; In collaboration with Stony Brook's Black Men in White Coats chapter, On November 14th, the 2nd White Coat Black Youth Summit was held. The event aims to inspire students to envision themselves in various medical fields and provide them with a supportive community and resources to help them succeed.
Sponsored by RSOM. Simons STEM Scholars Programand Relationship between universities and the medical communityThe summit was free to attend and brought together more than 600 third- through 12th-graders from Long Island and New York City for a day full of hands-on experiences, instruction, and motivational insights. 100 or more Faculty, staff, and students volunteered their time to make the event a success.
The workshop introduced participants to fields such as medicine, nursing, social work, psychiatry and dentistry. Students were able to engage in hands-on learning. A robotic surgery machine where students can lift small plastic objects with a robotic hand to simulate a surgical procedure, and students can use the machine to help each other locate and observe carotid arteries, veins, and muscles. This is an ultrasonic machine that can..
High school students participated in sessions on financial aid, admissions, admissions, and education. RSOM, Faculty of Dentistry, Graduate School of Health Professions, nursing school, Faculty of Social Welfare, Simons STEM Scholars program and “A Day in the Life” panel of healthcare professionals.
Adrian Canary, a second-year medical student and president of Stony Brook's Black Men in White Coats chapter, emphasized the importance of the event to increasing diversity in healthcare. “This summit means everything to me,” he said. “One of my goals is to see more people like me in the medical field. This event provides that opportunity for kids and makes the vast world of medicine easier to see than just being a doctor. It’s about showing that it’s not about social work, nursing, and so much more.”
Donte Teuton, a second-year medical student and the chapter's community support chair, echoed similar sentiments about the importance of representation. “It's really important for young children to see people who look like them in medical settings,” he says. “I remember the first time I saw a black doctor, and I knew then that I too could pursue a career in medicine. Today I want to inspire kids and show them what’s possible. is the purpose.”
The summit began with the following greetings. Dr. Peter Igarashi, Dean of the Renaissance School of Medicine, who discussed the important role that diversity plays in healthcare. “Our country needs more doctors, nurses and social workers from diverse backgrounds,” he said. “Diversity not only improves team performance, but also improves patient outcomes.”
Stony Brook University Interim President Richard McCormick reinforced this message. “How can we truly care for everyone if all their needs are not met?” he asked. “Today in this room, we're thinking about the future of health care. You have a passion for making a difference, and that's what medicine is all about.”
Stacey Jaffee Gropack, Dean of the College of Health Professions, provided an empowering message to participants. “Being unstoppable means facing challenges with strength and never letting setbacks dictate your future,” she said. “Healthcare is a vast field, and there are endless ways to contribute. At Stony Brook, we believe that every student in this room is unstoppable.”
Angelica Conway, a teacher in the Half Hollow Hills School District on Long Island, praised the real-world exposure her students received at the summit. “They're learning everything from dental hygiene to optometry,” she said. “It was great to see them try CPR and learn about eye exams and teeth cleanings. It's all hands-on.”
Dr. Imoigele Aisiku, chair of Stony Brook University's Department of Emergency Medicine, gave the keynote address to attendees and shared his unconventional, non-linear path to medicine. Originally dreaming of becoming a police officer, he discovered his passion for medicine while working as an emergency room security guard.
“Be yourself,” he advised, adding that after serving as a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy, he ultimately followed his calling to medicine. “Everything of value comes with discipline,” he said (he has a tattoo on his arm as a constant reminder to himself), and encouraged his students to “count the days, be authentic, be authentic, and learn what you love.” He encouraged them to enjoy things.
Joyce Delugemont, a freshman at Baldwin High School, dreams of becoming a pediatrician, but is worried about paying for college and medical school. During the summit, she learned about the full-ride financial opportunities available through the Simmons STEM Scholars Program at Stony Brook and expressed excitement about the chance to pursue higher education without financial barriers. “It helps students like us get into good colleges and get great jobs when we grow up,” she said.
The summit provided young participants with a supportive community, mentorship, and a vision of what they can achieve. Marchioness of SotoA fourth-year medical student and one of the founders of Stony Brook's Black Men in White Coats chapter in 2022, he said students need to understand the medical school application process, how to pay for medical school, and their work-life balance. He said he was most interested in At medical school.
“This event is about showing them what's possible,” Soto said. “We are here to answer their questions, provide guidance and open doors.”
— Beth Squire
