MMA Sponsors Gillette Children’s Medical Discovery Day for BIPOC Youth

November 14, 2024

On November 9, Gillette Children’s hosted a day filled with learning, mentorship, and networking – all with the goal of building a stronger and more equitable future for the healthcare field.    

The event, “Medical Discovery Day for BIPOC Youth,” brought together students, parents, educators, clinicians, and community leaders to inspire youth to consider careers in healthcare. Throughout the day, the youth in attendance (ages 9 -14+) engaged in hands-on activities and had the opportunity to learn from and network with healthcare professionals from diverse backgrounds.  

Volunteers at the event include: Nardos Dawit, MD, resident (PGY-3) (left); Steffan Okorafor, UMN medical student (MS1); Amina Qureshi, UMN medical student (MS1); Sarah Murad, UMN medical student (MS3); Elise Toussaint, UMN medical student (MS2); Kacey Justesen, MD; and Verna Thornton, MD.

The MMA sponsored the event, and hosted two engaging sessions, titled, “Growing Your White Coat,” for the parents/guardians in attendance. Staff from the University of Minnesota Medical School Office of Admissions provided content development and event day support. In addition, Kacey Justesen, MD and Verna Thornton, MD (co-chairs of the MMA Barriers to Workforce Diversification in Physician Education, Training and Licensure Task Force and members of the MMA Foundation’s Board of Directors) provided session leadership support. 

Other volunteers included: Olivia Swaim, UMN medical student (MS1) (left); Jordan Key, UMN medical student (MS1); Verna Thornton, MD; Maria Landherr, UMN medical student (MS2); Andrea Lopez, UMN medical student (MS2); and Kacey Justesen, MD.

The MMA sessions helped the parents/guardians gain a better understanding of how they can support their kids/teens in exploring a career in healthcare. They heard advice on what this journey looks like from the perspective of medical students, residents, and practicing physicians.