The Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, in collaboration with its Black Men in White Coats chapter, hosted the second annual Black Men in White Coats Youth Summit on November 14. The event aimed to inspire students to pursue careers in healthcare by providing exposure, mentorship, and resources.
The summit was sponsored by RSOM, the Simons STEM Scholars program, and University and Medicine Community Relations. It was free to attend and attracted over 600 students from Long Island and New York City. More than 100 faculty, staff, and students volunteered for the event.
Participants engaged in workshops covering fields such as medicine, nursing, social work, psychiatry, and dentistry. Students experienced hands-on learning through activities like using a robotic surgery machine and ultrasound machines.
High school attendees received information on financial aid, admissions processes for various health-related schools at Stony Brook University, and participated in a panel featuring healthcare workers.
Adrien Canery emphasized the importance of diversity in healthcare: “This summit means everything to me,” he said. Dontae Teuton echoed this sentiment: “It’s crucial for young kids to see people who look like them in medicine,” he stated.
Peter Igarashi opened the summit with remarks on diversity's role in healthcare: “Our country needs more doctors...from diverse backgrounds,” he said. Interim President Richard McCormick added: “How can we truly care for everyone if all needs aren’t represented?”
Stacy Jaffee Gropack encouraged participants: “To be unstoppable is to confront challenges with resilience.” Angelica Conway noted her students' engagement with real-world experiences during the summit.
Imoigele Aisiku delivered a keynote address sharing his non-linear path to medicine. He advised attendees to "be your authentic self" and highlighted discipline as key to success.
Joyce DeRougemont expressed excitement about financial opportunities through the Simons STEM Scholars program: “It helps students like us get into a good college,” she said.
Marquise Soto reflected on the event's purpose: “This event is about showing them what’s possible.”