In March 2024, BlackDoctor.org partnered with Cedars-Sinai for the Black Men in White Coats youth summit in Los Angeles, California, featuring powerful discussions and workshops for youth. Nicole Mitchell, the Director of Diversity and Inclusion, delivered an inspiring welcome speech that underscored the critical role of diverse participants in shaping the future of health care.
Throughout the event, we recognized and honored pivotal organizations and individuals for their contributions towards health equity, including Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, BlackDoctor.org, Cedars Sinai Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Well-being, and Dr. Dale Okorodudu, the founder of Black Men in White Coats.
Dr. Dale welcomed an audience of over 1,000 young students and parents to the 2nd Annual Youth Summit on careers in medicine. He expressed his excitement at the event’s growth and encouraged students to take advantage of learning from volunteers and medical professionals.
Stressed the importance of making choices daily to achieve greatness, not mere averageness, he led the audience in declaring “I choose greatness!” multiple times. He advised being different, believing in yourself, carefully selecting friends and mentors, focusing deeply on one skill or talent, consistently working hard, and choosing to love people.
The summit continued with panelists who are five black leaders and professionals in health care. The moderator introduced the topic of black leadership in health care and asked the panelists to introduce themselves and share what being a black leader in health care meant to them. The panelists discussed what being a black leader in health care meant to them in terms of being role models, bringing diverse perspectives, driving change, and providing opportunities.
Common themes included finding mentors and guidance, dealing with adversity, persisting through difficulties, recognizing natural abilities, and working hard. The moderator emphasized that there were many non-linear paths in health care.
When asked for advice to students, the panelists emphasized not quitting in the face of adversity, remaining curious and trying new things, working hard, finding motivating factors, having a dream and setting goals, and serving as role models for those coming behind them.
Students asked questions about the difference between changing paths and quitting, maintaining respect as a leader while also being approachable, and keeping a positive daily mindset. The panelists provided insight on these topics.
When asked about difficult career challenges, the panelists shared dealing with insecurity, racial discrimination, and discouragement, and the daily pressures of holding patients’ lives in their hands. They discussed tactics like focusing on the mission, leading by example, and finding sources of comfort and motivation. Dr. Nicole Anderson Leonard, the Vice President and Associate Dean of Research at Cedars-Sinai, experienced insecurity and self-doubt earlier in her career, not completely believing in herself or feeling like she fully belonged in the field.
Dr. James Turkson, a Professor of Medicine at Cedars-Sinai, was told that as a Black man he was “not good enough” and faced active discouragement and discrimination while pursuing his Ph.D. Dr. Ron Hurst, a surgical oncologist at Cedars-Sinai, had to overcome trauma from academic failure early on, losing a scholarship, learning from mistakes, and completely turning his academics around to eventually succeed.
In response to a question about mentorship programs, the panelists described pipeline programs, internships, and shadowing opportunities available for students to gain exposure and experience in health care fields. Some examples included pipeline programs at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science that exposed students to health care professionals and summer research internship programs at Cedars-Sinai for high school and college students to get hands-on research experience.
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