MMA/UCare Sponsor Medical Discovery Day for BIPOC Youth

November 16, 2023

On November 11, Gillette Children’s and Black Men in White Coats hosted an empowering and uplifting event titled, “Medical Discovery Day for BIPOC Youth,” 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 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 network with healthcare professionals from diverse backgrounds. 

Panelists for the event included: Edwin Bogonko, MD, MBA (left); Jessica Casey, MD; Robert Mills III, MD; Susan Molina (medical student); Rahma Ali (pre-med student); Tiffany Onyejiaka (medical student); Osasuyi Tongo, MD; and Susan Culican, MD, PhD.

The MMA, in partnership with UCare, sponsored the event, and had the opportunity to host some engaging and inspirational sessions: 

• The Road to Becoming a Doctor: Medical School 101 (two table discussion sessions for youth) 

• Growing Your White Coat (panel session for parents/guardians) 

The MMA/UCare sessions helped the attendees explore a career in medicine. They heard advice on what this journey looks like from the perspective of pre-med students, medical students, residents, and practicing physicians.  Content development and event day support of the sessions was also provided by staff from the University of Minnesota Medical School admissions team. 

“You can’t be what you can’t see” and at the event, the youth (and their support systems) saw in all of the day’s volunteers why a career in medicine is possible. Changing the face of medicine takes a village, and this event was an example of the types of programs that are working to diversify Minnesota’s healthcare workforce.