“ They explained it beautifully – it is not as much as a crisis with Black women getting into medical school , but once they get to medical school , what are we doing to ensure that they ’ re successful -- that we ’ re retaining them ,” she explained .
Mitchell , who is the assistant director of diversity and community relations at PCOM South Georgia , echoed Walker ’ s sentiments on the importance of helping underrepresented minority students gain a sense of belonging . She started Sistahs in Medicine to ensure minority women knew they weren ’ t alone in their pursuit of a medical career .
“ We can get them here , but we ’ ve got to do something to make sure that they stay ,” she explained . “ From all the research that I ’ ve done with Black women in grad school , mentorship is very important to [ their success ]. There was a gap there for our Black women at PCOM South Georgia to have mentors , so that ’ s kind of how we started as well .” Although they are separate entities , Brothers and Sistahs in Medicine work together cohesively under one all-encompassing umbrella to provide minority students with guidance , mentorship and leadership – and sometimes even a shoulder to lean on . Students interact regularly with individuals who have previously been where they are , seeing living examples of the goals they are currently in pursuit of . They know a rewarding career lies in wait at the end of their journey , and help is available along the way .
Tiffany Pittman , a first-year osteopathic medical student pursuing a career in dermatology or family medicine , said her participation in Sistahs in Medicine keeps her continuously focused on the teamwork aspect of medicine – a constant reminder that all accomplishments are not simply due to individual efforts .
“ The medical field itself is a network of nurses , physicians , medical technicians , administration -- all working together for one common goal : to improve the health of a patient . It ’ s so important to have a mindset in which making positive change
34 MoultrieScene JUNE 2023