Last month, Montefiore Einstein’s Dr. Lynne Holden, senior associate dean for diversity and inclusion; Reginald Hayes, assistant dean for diversity enhancement; and Dr. Alyson Myers, associate chair of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the department of medicine; as well as Einstein Student National Medical Association (SNMA) medical students, participated in a three-day SNMA Annual Medical Education Conference (AMEC), discussing offerings and opportunities at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Einstein’s department of medicine.
Montefiore Einstein’s Dr. Lynne Holden, Senior Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion; Reginald Hayes, Assistant Dean for Diversity Enhancement; and Dr. Alyson Myers, Associate Chair of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Department of Medicine.
AMEC is the largest gathering of underrepresented minority medical and premedical students across the United States and the Caribbean, providing attendees several days of innovative programming geared at preparing the next generation of physicians for successful careers in medicine. This year, nearly 2,800 people attended, including representatives from medical schools, academic medical centers, and medical societies.
With the theme ““Brilliance Embodied: Elevating the Mission and Revitalizing our Purpose,” attendees mingled with peers, physicians, and medical school/residency program representatives, and attended workshops and programs focused on academic and clinical success, professional development, and personal growth.
The conference featured tracks specific to pre-med students and first through fourth-year medical students, and beyond. Topics included: navigating the medical school application, addressing identity-based harassment in the clinical learning environment, preparing for residency, and choosing a medical specialty, as well as sessions on mentoring, women in science, scholarships and loan repayment programs, and physician suicide. See full program.
Dr. Alyson Myers (third from left) with Einstein medical students l-r: Mustapha Camara, Adrian Williams, Chynna Smith, Ochuwa Tisor, Adriell Louis, and Myca-Lee McCommie.
“It was a joy to see so many promising students, the future leaders in their fields, gathered in support of the mission of increasing representation among historically underserved and underrepresented people,” says Mr. Hayes. “There was a sense of pride and hope that the future looks bright and there will be better health outcomes for the communities from which they come from and are committed to serving. It was my first-time attending AMEC and I look forward to returning for wonderful tabling, stimulating conversation, and networking to develop strong relationships with other schools, more specifically the pre-health advisors, so that we continue to strengthen the pathway programs further.”
Adds Dr. Holden, “I have been attending the SNMA conferences for over 30 years, first as a student leader, now as a speaker and recruiter. It is an inspiration to see the future leaders in medicine and long-time colleagues who work to nurture these leaders. I am proud and confident that there will be better health communities in the communities in which they serve.”
Darnell Williams, a first year M.D.-Ph.D. student at Einstein, said that his first time attending the conference was a life-changing experience. “As a Black man in medical school, it can be easy to feel isolated or unsupported at times, especially when navigating the many challenges and obstacles that come with pursuing a career in medicine. Being surrounded by so many like-minded individuals who were equally passionate about advancing equity and justice in healthcare was incredibly uplifting and inspiring and a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and community in achieving our goals.”
Posted on: Friday, May 05, 2023