The American Heart Association (AHA), the world's leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, recently kicked off the next class of its Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Scholars program. Four of the twenty-six 2020-2021 scholars represent Nashville institutions: Oizoshimoshiofu Dimowo and Sonia Okekenwa from Fisk University, and Jazmyne Jackson and Karrington Powell from Tennessee State University. Mentors for these students are Dr. Evangeline Motley-Johnson from Meharry Medical College, Dr. Steven Damo Fisk University and Dr. Lilanta Joy Bradley from University of Alabama.
The regional program, which was started at Vanderbilt University in 2015 by former AHA board member Dr. Joey Barnett, is an entire academic year focusing not only on research methodologies but also the social impact that health disparities and inequities have on the Black community. Scholars are paired with volunteer mentors who give the scholars invaluable professional guidance while they learn how diverse perspectives enhance scientific investigation, and how cultural sensitivity can create trust and improve clinical outcomes. The scholars also learn about the health of their communities, participate in research projects, and explore varied career paths.
"We are excited get to work with each new class of HBCU Scholars that otherwise may never have been exposed to scientific research. These students learn about the health of their communities, participate in research projects, and explore varied career paths which contributes to the growth of the next generation of Black doctors, nurses, and researchers," states Dr. Joey Barnett, Vice Chair Pharmacology; Professor of Pharmacology, Medicine, Pediatrics, and Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology; Director of the Office of Medical Student Research; Assistant Dean of Physician-Researcher Training at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. Vanderbilt University School of Medicine was the first in the nation to adopt this program in 2015 under the direction of Dr. Barnett.
Currently, only seven percent of medical students, six percent of medical school graduates, and less than four percent of physicians are Black. Historically black colleges and universities graduate the largest numbers of African American scholars in the field of medicine. More than 70% of African American medical professionals earn degrees from these institutions, but the numbers of students studying biological sciences has been declining. In 1978, there were 1,410 black male applicants to medical school, compared with 1,337 in 2014.
"The American Heart Association understands diversity is key in solving the treatment and prevention issues that impact cardiovascular health," said Kelley Tune, Executive Director, American Heart Association of Greater Nashville. "Ensuring diversity in the pool of students pursuing science and healthcare is vital. We are proud to have this opportunity to elevate these four amazing students, thankful to their mentors, and look forward to seeing what they do with their future careers as they learn and grow in our community."
Along with contributing diverse perspectives to science investigation, minority doctors, nurses and researchers enhance health treatment for individuals of color and help close significant health disparities. Underserved minorities who become medical professionals are also more likely to return to practice in their communities where cultural sensitivity can create trust and improve outcomes. Greater access to care for low-income, multicultural and non-English speaking patients is also often associated with physician diversity.
Including the students from Fisk University and Tennessee State University, there are a total of 26 scholars in the program across the region. Other schools includeStillman College, Miles College, Lawson Community College, Clark Atlanta University, Spelman College, Morehouse College, Dillard University, Xavier University, Tougaloo College, and Jackson State University.
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