JSNMA SUMMER 2019 Sneak Preview

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generations. As the number
of minority medical students
unfortunately remains low, the
strong sense of community that
the SNMA fosters is an excellent
method for surviving and thriving.
Moreover, we actively seek
out mentorship from minority
physicians within the NMA,
allowing ourselves to be uplifted
as we climb over the many hurdles
along the path to becoming
a physician. A connection to
NMA physicians is important for
addressing microaggressions
in the learning environment at
medical schools and academic
medical centers, as the physicians
before us have faced and continue
to face similar challenges as current
medical students. This system of
support is essential to increasing
diversity in medicine. Prior to the
establishment of the SNMA in
1964, these goals fell under the
umbrella of one organization, the
NMA.
There is nothing quite as rewarding
as supporting and encouraging
premedical students on their
journey to enter the medical field.
SNMA Region IX demonstrates
an impressive track record for
engagement between SNMA
medical students and MAPS
premedical students. Our SNMA
members provide
them with exposure to medical
school with tours, anatomy
days, and shadowing, and also
share strategies about how to
be competitive applicants. Our
MAPS members also benefit
from the national Pipeline
Mentoring Initiative and MAPS
committee programming that are
geared toward their successful
matriculation into medical school.
Uplifting aspiring medical students
through SNMA not only increases
the number of future minority
physicians, but it also instills the
value of these connections so that
they too can pay it forward.
We can all identify a time when we
felt defeated by the challenges of
medical school, and it is in those
times that leaning on the SNMA
community can be a great source
of strength. SNMA medical student
members uplift each other within
their own chapters with safe spaces
to discuss issues of concern
in the minority community and
programming geared toward their
success. Several SNMA chapter
members within our region have
also been active in advocating
for diversity and inclusion on
their campuses, combating
marginalization, and championing
increased cultural competency. On
a regional level, we support each
other through regular conference
We can all identify a time when we felt
defeated by the challenges of medical school,
and it is in those times that leaning on the SNMA
community can be a great source of strength.
calls and regional meetings
where coping strategies and advice
about successful programming are
shared and leadership skills are
honed.
Each year, our annual Regional
Medical Education Conference
allows 300 medical students,
premedical students, and high
school students in Region IX
the opportunity to network with
each other and with minority
physicians in order to focus on
their professional development.
In addition to uplifting high school
and premedical attendees, medical
students can connect with NMA
physicians from different specialties
who are committed to mentorship.
Members from the New York local
affiliates of the NMA, including the
Empire State Medical Association,
the Manhattan Central Medical
Society, and the Susan Smith
McKinney Steward Medical
Society, make up many of our
speakers. They candidly discuss
their specialties, career highlights
and challenges, and any advice
they have cultivated along the way.
This is an invaluable opportunity
for our students to form new
mentoring relationships and to gain
inspiration from those who have
paved the way for our success.
This SNMA-NMA Mentorship
Initiative, as supported by the
SNMA National President and NMA
Board of Trustees Membership
committee, has been essential
to the SNMA’s initiatives for
expanding diversity in medicine.
Currently, there is a SNMA-NMA
Continued on page 75
REFERENCES
1. Encyclopedia Brittanica.
National Association of
Colored Women’s Clubs.
https://www.britannica.com/
topic/National-Associationof-Colored-Womens-Clubs.
Accessed December 31, 2018.
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