benefited from programs like the ones that are run by these organizations . Mentorship and guidance from role models helped us to get to where we are , and it would be immensely valuable if we could offer the same support to these kids .”
The classroom instruction , hands-on experience and community involvement the Brothers and Sistahs in Medicine participate in will only further develop them as physicians when they complete their training and begin operating in a real-world environment , according Mitchell .
“ All of their patients are going to be different ; all their patients are going to come from diverse backgrounds , different lived experiences , and they ’ re getting this real-life experience training right now with the community work that we ’ re doing . … [ In May ] we ’ re doing an autism walk , so we ’ re going to be out there with families and kids with autism — that ’ s just another diverse community ,” she explained . “ I think providing these spaces and opportunities for [ the students ] to be involved in that kind of community engagement is only going to make them better , diverse physicians .”
Walker explained the infinite circle that makes up Brothers
Emeka Ikeakanam , OMS1 , and Jordan Howard , OMS1 , receive NAMI Moultrie ’ s Gold Star for their seminar on Emotional Hygiene . Photo by Evan Curry
and Sistahs in Medicine , and how all involved are charged with the responsibility of building the foundation for young minority students to help them overcome the various hurdles they may face while using their skills and talents to better the surrounding community .
“ I think a lot of schools do a great job in recruitment , but I think the ball was being dropped with retention and belonging . [ Schools ] have tried to strategically recruit underrepresented minority males , but recruitment , retention and belonging are all three different things .”
~ Dr . Robert Walker , founder of Brothers in Medicine
“ It ’ s not just in the classroom , it ’ s not waiting until they ’ re in rotations , but like Dr . Mitchell said , being exposed to these diverse backgrounds , these diverse patient populations , it provides them with one unique skill set that you have to grow , and that ’ s empathy ,” he said . “ I think it comes from a quote that ‘ one man ’ s obedience is connected to the destiny of others .’ By me being obedient to my passion and my purpose and trying to help these young [ students ], we are forever trying to shape and mold the path for future generations to come into healthcare or medicine as it relates to underrepresented minorities -- I think that ’ s the whole goal .”
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