Empowering Diversity in Medicine: Black Men in White Coats at Jefferson University
By Emily Turner
Published February 13, 2024
A student organization at Jefferson University, known as Black Men in White Coats, is dedicated to increasing the number of Black doctors in the medical field. These second-year medical students at Jefferson's Sidney Kimmel Medical College are part of this organization, aiming to address the underrepresentation of Black men in medicine.
Challenging Journey
Medical student Kevin Carolina, a founding member of the group, shared that the lack of diversity in the field of medicine has a significant impact on health outcomes within communities that lack representation. He emphasized the need for support and assistance for Black men pursuing careers in medicine, acknowledging the challenges associated with this journey.
Addressing Health Disparities
The CDC reports high rates of disease, health complications, and death among Black individuals. This disparity is attributed, in part, to a historical lack of trust in White doctors and the struggle to find medical professionals of the same race. The efforts of Black Men in White Coats aim to address these disparities and increase the presence of Black doctors in the healthcare system.
Advocating for Change
While the representation of Black individuals in medicine remains low, medical student Nathan Delacth, a member of Black Men in White Coats, highlighted their commitment to improving these statistics and serving as role models for future generations. Their goal is to inspire and empower more aspiring Black doctors, creating a positive impact within their community and beyond.
Community Engagement
In addition to supporting each other, these future Black doctors are actively engaged in underserved communities, providing screening checks and working to enhance access to healthcare for their Black neighbors. Their initiatives extend beyond the campus, aiming to uplift Black voices and cultivate positive change within the broader community.
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Empowering Diversity in Medicine: Black Men in White Coats at Jefferson University
