Black History Month
Faculty and students at Loma Linda University School of Medicine recently reflected on Black History Month, sharing advice with young Black people who are interested in a career in medicine. See the video below.
David S. Turay, MD, chief of trauma for Loma Linda University Medical Center, encouraged students to stay on the path they feel called to, saying, “Keep your dreams alive. The world is ready to embrace you if you put in the hard work.”
Danielle M. Mason, MD, prompted students to think about the journey Black physicians have taken to achieve their reach their goals. Mason says when you see a Black physician practicing in medicine, it’s important to know that it has taken a lot of work for them to overcome the stereotypes. “I hope people respect their journey,” she said.
Keneth Sarpong, a fourth-year medical student, addressed the importance of being surrounded by like-minded individuals. “In the seventh grade, my two best friends and I made a pact that we would become doctors, and low and behold, we will be doctors,” he said, noting that his two friends were pursuing pharmacy and medicine.
Genise Browne, a second-year medical student, hoped to empower the future leaders who would come after her. “Black History Month reminds me of the ways I want to give back to people who may not know what they’re capable of,” she said.
Just as Loma Linda University teaches students to care for the whole person, the desire of the school is to care for students’ diverse abilities and strengths. To learn more about the School of Medicine, visit medicine.llu.edu, or call 909-558-4462.