Know Your History
Howard University (College of Medicine; College of Dentistry).
I am a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.
Who is a neurologist?
High blood pressure. Affects about 2 out of every 5 Black adults, often developing at a much younger age and with higher severity than in other racial groups.
Hypertension
This body part's main function is to pump blood continuously through the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to organs while removing waste like carbon dioxide.
Heart
Where are all (or most) of your hard science classes held?
Hint: the building name
Shelby Hall
Black women are about 3x more likely to die while experiencing this compared to white women.
Pregnancy-related causes/ childbirth
I keep the hospital running but tend to not get much credit. I'm who spends the most time with patients.
Hint: I'll give you your meds AND a warm blanket.
Who is a nurse?
A chronic condition where the body resists insulin or does not make enough of it, causing sugar to build up in the blood. Black adults are more than 2x as likely to develop this condition compared to their white counterparts.
Type 2 Diabetes
This body part provides the body with structural support, enables movement, and protects the nervous system.
Spine
Besides Black in Medicine, name at least 1 other minority organization on campus that can help support you through college?
Black Student Union, BFSA, MAPS
A 40-year research project from 1932 to 1972 overseen by the CDC. This highly unethical "project" tracked the progression of syphilis in Black men while intentionally withholding life-saving treatment.
Hint: It happened in Alabama.
The Tuskegee Experiment/ Tuskegee Study
I help kids feel confident about their smile. They may not like me because I tell them they can't eat popcorn or chewy candy.
Who is a pediatric orthodontist?
Black women face a 40% higher death rate than White women, despite having a slightly lower overall incidence rate. My month is October.
Breast Cancer
This body part filters waste and extra fluid from your blood to make urine.
Hint: I come in a pair, but you can live a complete and healthy life with just one!
Kidneys
Who's the pre-health GOAT?
Hint: SHE's hard to get in contact with/ meet up :(
Marian Denham
My cells were unethically taken without my consent or knowledge and became the first immortal cell line. My cells are used heavily in medical research including sickle cell and cancer research.
Who is Henrietta Lacks?
I conducts investigative studies and clinical trials to improve human health, understand diseases, and develop new treatments or devices.
Who is a medical researcher/scientist?
A serious form of skin cancer that begins in melanocytes, the cells that make the pigment giving skin its color. A common misconception is that Black aren't at risk, but this is not true!!
Wear sunscreen and have a regular dermatologist!
Melanoma
This body part produces hormones that regulate your body's metabolism, energy levels, and vital organ functions.
Thyroid
YES!! Things happen and undergrad doesn't have to be the end of the road.
Post-bacc programs/ taking classes post-graduation to boost your GPA, going to graduate school, working in field of interest to show passion, volunteering, etc
I earned my medical degree at the University of Glasgow in Scotland in 1837 because U.S. medical schools barred Black applicants, making me the first African American to hold a medical degree.
Dr. James McCune Smith
I am a public health professional who investigates the patterns, causes, and control of diseases and injuries in populations.
Who is an epidemiologist?
An inherited blood disorder that affects hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen through the body. Over 90% of people who have this disease are Black.
Sickle Cell Disease
Brain
List 2 ways you can stand out on applications?
Research experience, Leadership positions, Consistent service, Random activities you're genuinely interested in, Working, Sports, Campus involvement