More than 50 physicians, residents, medical, and dental students from Stony Brook’s Renaissance School of Medicine and School of Dental Medicine visited four high schools in Suffolk County, New York, on April 11 as part of Doctors Back to School Day. This initiative, run by the American Medical Association, seeks to inspire underrepresented students to consider careers in healthcare.
The program, now in its eighth year, extended its reach to William Floyd High School for the first time. At Wyandanch High School, several sessions were conducted entirely in Spanish to serve students taking classes in their native language.
Led by Cordia Beverley, MD, assistant dean for community health policy at Stony Brook’s Renaissance School of Medicine, the outreach effort introduces high school students to physicians and dentists who share similar backgrounds or experiences. "It is incredibly important for these high school students to have the opportunity to meet role models in the field of medicine who are able to demonstrate the many rewards of studying and practicing medicine," said Beverley.
Former participants of the program who have since pursued careers in medicine returned to speak to current high school students. Daniel Maselli, a 2017 graduate of Brentwood High School and current medical student, noted the event's impact on his career choice: “I was so happy to participate in the program as someone who was initially inspired by SBU’s students eight years ago,” said Maselli.
According to the American Medical Association, minority physicians tend to practice in underserved communities and achieve better outcomes with minority patients. The program aims to increase representation in healthcare professions and reduce healthcare disparity gaps through community engagement and role modeling.
At Brentwood High School, students met Maselli and fellow alumnus Jonathan Aristondo, along with career education specialist Mark Ingram. "Soon-to-be Dr. Maselli was inspired to pursue a career in medicine after attending the Doctors Back to School presentation during his senior year," Ingram wrote.
William Floyd High School's Medical Club advisor, Terri Randall, conveyed her appreciation: "Our high school students were so appreciative and truly enjoyed the opportunity to learn from the panel,” she said.
More than 600 students were reached through this initiative, engaging in discussions about careers in medicine, dentistry, and public health. A volunteering medical student highlighted the importance of such events: “As someone who grew up going to underserved public schools for most of his childhood, an event like this one would have been immensely helpful in motivating me in my path to medicine.”
The event also aligns with academic requirements for medical students, who are encouraged to engage in community service, potentially steering them toward primary care specialties.
Erika Karp, associate director for University and Medicine Community Relations, praised Dr. Beverley for her leadership. “The event provides our HOPE Program partners an additional impactful opportunity for students to explore careers in healthcare and medicine,” she said.
Beth Squire