The need for a diverse healthcare workforce is more important now than ever. At Stony Brook University’s Renaissance School of Medicine (RSOM), hundreds of young people connected with medical professionals at the recent Youth Summit. This event brought together over 500 students from grades three to twelve from Long Island and New York City to explore careers in medicine.
The summit, held in collaboration with the Stony Brook Black Men in White Coats chapter, featured hands-on workshops, mentorship sessions, and panel discussions. Volunteers guided students through activities, including ultrasound demonstrations and CPR training. This experience provided students with a glimpse of what a career in medicine could be like.
For many, this was a unique opportunity to see doctors and healthcare leaders who looked like them. The mission of the Black Men in White Coats is to inspire young people to believe they belong in medicine. Currently, about 5.7% of U.S. physicians identify as Black, despite this group comprising around 12% of the U.S. population. This discrepancy highlights the importance of representation.
Reinaldo Powell, a second-year medical student and president of the Stony Brook chapter, emphasized the significance of role models. He wants students to understand that they can thrive in the medical field. “You being here today is a testament to your intelligence and resilience,” he said.
University leaders encouraged students to envision their futures boldly. Judith Brown Clarke, Vice President for Equity and Inclusion at Stony Brook, stressed the importance of seeing themselves in various healthcare roles. “You belong in college classrooms, labs, and hospitals,” she said. This message resonated as students learned about diverse career paths, from physical therapy to social work.
The workshops were particularly popular. Students practiced using ultrasound machines, engaged in mock lab settings, and even operated a robotic surgery simulator. For eighth grader Angely Andrade, learning CPR was empowering. “I want to help if I see someone in need,” she said. This hands-on experience allowed students like her to ignite their passion for healthcare.
High schoolers also gained insights into the admissions process and college life by interacting with medical students. Eleventh grader Anna Tumox found the various career options enlightening. “I had no idea how many different paths there are in healthcare,” she stated.
Mentorship played a crucial role throughout the day. Many student volunteers shared how seeing professionals who looked like them inspired their journeys. Jerome Belford, a third-year medical student, noted that mentorship helped him navigate challenges as the first in his family to attend college. “It made the process feel possible,” he said.
Cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Allison McLarty shared her inspiring journey during the event. She spoke about facing obstacles and the determination needed to succeed. “Dream. Be determined. Recognize your destiny,” she advised students. “Never say ‘no’ to yourself.” Her words encouraged attendees to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams.
The Youth Summit demonstrated the power of representation, mentorship, and education in shaping the future of healthcare. As students left, they carried with them not just knowledge, but a vision of what their paths could look like.
