Mentoring in Medicine program
offers youth a guiding hand
By Clifford L. Williams,
Globe City Editor
Heart
disease, cancer and stroke affect minorities
at disproportionately high rates. Because of
this, it would seem logical that young minorities
would be interested in a career in science or
medicine. However, African Americans make up
just 6 percent of the nation’s practicing
physicians and Hispanics only 8 percent.
Mentoring in Medicine (MIN), a nonprofit program dedicated
to mentoring urban children who are interested in pursuing a career in medicine,
believes that there are several reasons why young people are less likely to
become physicians than their peers, including financial concerns and a lack
of mentors. As a result, MIM helps students find grants, scholarships and
loans while partnering them with black or Latino physicians who guide them
along the path toward becoming doctors.
MIM was founded in 2006 by three physicians
and an educator who wanted to show minority children that a career in medicine
is not only attainable but also necessary for the advancement and prosperity
of their communities. Starting with children as young as 8, mentors follow
students through their academic and medical school careers. To date, approximately
1,350 students have entered the program and over 300 health professionals
have volunteered their time.
Earlier this year, MIM teamed up with the Sinkler
Medical Association to host its first annual health career conference in Oakland.
Approximately 200 children and teens learned about the many different fields
of medicine and were given the chance to speak with dentists, doctors and
medical students.
“Having actual medical students there to speak to
the children on a personal level really made a difference,” said program
participant Dr. Jocelyn Garrick. “The next step will be to help minorities
all across the United States and beyond.
“We are positive that when
people find out about us, they’ll be excited about the program and willing
to give not only monetary help but also to give of their time. Our goal is
to reach every child who has an interest in medicine and help them understand
that they can do it, and if they join our program, they will do it.”
For
more information, call Garrick at (510) 290-0917 or visit www.medicalmentor.org.
