Central Ohio’s Made for Medicine Program is a Big Hit

Submitted By the Columbus Medical Association

Out of hundreds of thousands of physicians within the United States, only 5.8% (Association of American Medical Colleges) are Black. Most notably, only 2.8% are Black women. As a result of these findings, Made for Medicine Founder and Lead Faculty, Dr. Laura Espy-Bell, is making it her mission to change the face of medicine to be reflective of our diversifying community. This is why she founded Made for Medicine, an initiative designed to support Black middle and high school students with an interest in the field of medicine.

“As an emergency medicine resident, I was the only African American in my program throughout my three-year residency program,” Dr. Laura Espy-Bell recalls. “Therefore, the hope is that this pipeline program will change the face of medicine, so when you go to an emergency room, have a baby, or need to find a primary care physician, you can be cared for by someone that looks like you.”

The goal of Made for Medicine is for participants to leave the program with solid preparation and commitment to pursuing a future career in medicine. Made for Medicine students say they are already reaping the benefits of this one-ofa-kind program.

“In the past 2 years that I have been in the program, they have taught me so much,” Future doctor, Zalika Obayuwana shares. “I now know how to intubate someone, give CPR, access trauma damage and so much more! Every time I arrived at a session, I would be warmly welcomed and taught in a way that made me feel special. This has been an experience that I will never forget.”

Future doctor, Eric Kershaw also expresses, “Made for Medicine has helped me understand the importance of saving lives. I never saw myself as a doctor but now I can see myself as a surgeon. Every time I attend a Made for Medicine session, I always learn something new. I have enjoyed making new friends that will stay with me a lifetime because of Made for Medicine.”

In Made for Medicine, every student is referred to as “doctor.” Dr. Espy-Bell believes that addressing them as doctors now ensures we are speaking their future in medicine into existence. The students are given this title on day one as a subtle reminder that they have exactly what it takes to become a physician. In fact, the program motto is: “If it is to be, it’s up to me!”

“Our aim is not just to increase the number of Black doctors in this country,” Dr. Erica Womack, Made for Medicine Program Director, adds. “But rather I see Made for Medicine as part of a larger vision of creating equitable health outcomes for the Black community. I am proud to be building a program that will have such lasting societal impact.”

During each cohort, participants tackle health topics from neurology to cardiology to emergency medicine. For every topic, a Black physician will equip these future doctors with the tools to potentially pursue a career in medicine. There are currently 10 Black core faculty members, all of whom are committed to authentic leadership and investing in the next generation: Dr. Michelle Golla (Pediatrics); Dr. Maureen Joyner (Emergency Medicine); Dr. Lamont Clay (Emergency Medicine); Dr. William “BJ” Hicks (Vascular Neurology); Dr. Joshua Joseph

(Endocrinology); Dr. Dana Moulton (OB/GYN); Dr. Christopher Brown (Nephrology); Dr. Reversa Joseph (Neurology); Dr. Christen Johnson & Dr. Jessica Motley (Family Medicine).

The Made for Medicine program is divided into three phases. Phase 1, Introduction to Medicine, consists of the fundamental teachings of medicine and a variety of hands-on experiences leading up to a white coat ceremony. Phase 2, Deeper Dive, comprises field trips, academic enrichment opportunities, and leadership development. Finally, Phase 3, Commitment to Medicine, includes access to mentors, college preparatory workshops, and college and medical school tours.

Made for Medicine is funded by The Columbus Medical Association Foundation. The Foundation has a long history of facilitating and supporting physician ideas into reality. “We are committed to this program for the long-term,” says Dr. Robert Falcone, CEO of Columbus Medical Association and Affiliates. “We anticipate it will impact the community as significantly as our other affiliate programs which have grown into organizations that are depended on by physicians and patients throughout Central Ohio.”

If you are interested in learning more about Made for Medicine and how your student can get involved, please fill out the Future Interest Form here at: www.madeformedicine.org.

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