Second-Year Students Team Up To Bring 'Black Men In White Coats' to the College of Human Medicine
“I wish every child had the opportunity to be cared for by a black male doctor. They would come to trust and respect this person and, early in life, develop a personal and positive relationship with a black man. Maybe then more people would understand that individuals who look like me, no matter what they’re wearing, are likely to be sincere, intelligent, and loving.” -Dr. Dale Okorodudu
Black Men in White Coats™ is a national organization founded by Dr. Dale Okorodudu during his residency at Duke University to inspire more of these individuals to consider medicine as an occupation, ultimately helping to address the shortage of black men in the field of medicine. The organization was created in response to the astounding decline in black male applicants to medical school as reported by the Association of American Medical Colleges in their 2015 report, Altering the Course: Black Males in Medicine.
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| Eric Poole |
In the 36 years between 1978 and 2014 the numbers of both black male applicants to medical school and black male matriculants declined. The report also noted that no other minority groups experienced comparable declines. Prompted by the AAMC report, Dr. Dale wanted to do something meaningful to provide exposure and inspiration to young black men interested in becoming physicians.
Second year medical students Eric Poole and Cory Wilson with the support of Dr. Wanda Lipscomb, senior associate dean for Diversity and Inclusion and associate dean for Student Affairs, recognized the need to bring this organization to the MSU College of Human Medicine. The goal is to provide black males at the college an opportunity to gain insight on how to address concerns related to diversity in medicine. Attending physicians, fellows and residents are also invited to participate by sharing their stories of sacrifice, hard work, and lessons learned along their journey to becoming physicians. Hopefully, this collaboration will spark spirited dialogue that will help medical students navigate their future as black physicians while striving to increase representation in the field of medicine.
Second year medical students Eric Poole and Cory Wilson with the support of Dr. Wanda Lipscomb, senior associate dean for Diversity and Inclusion and associate dean for Student Affairs, recognized the need to bring this organization to the MSU College of Human Medicine. The goal is to provide black males at the college an opportunity to gain insight on how to address concerns related to diversity in medicine. Attending physicians, fellows and residents are also invited to participate by sharing their stories of sacrifice, hard work, and lessons learned along their journey to becoming physicians. Hopefully, this collaboration will spark spirited dialogue that will help medical students navigate their future as black physicians while striving to increase representation in the field of medicine.
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| Cory Wilson |
Dr. Herman Sullivan, neurologist at the Mercy Health St. Mary’s Care System, shared a few words with the group during the kickoff fireside chat. He discussed many of the challenges he had encountered during medical school despite having had a father who was a physician. He also addressed the importance of having more black physicians, male and female, noting obvious health disparities. Dr. Sullivan’s message was very well received. He undoubtedly set the tone for subsequent round-table discussions and the direction of Black Men in White Coats™ at the College of Human Medicine.
For those interested in learning more about Black Men in White Coats™, or looking to partner with this organization, please contact Eric Poole(pooleeri@msu.edu), or Cory Wilson (wils1508@msu.edu) for more information.
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