Inspiring future doctors: CMV event connects students to medical careers

The Center for Minority Veterans (CMV) recently hosted a hybrid event, "Empowering Future Leaders in Medicine." Students from Phelps ACE High School and Ron Brown College Preparatory School in Washington, D.C., experienced the excitement in person, while 26 other schools across 10 states and Puerto Rico participated virtually.

Designed to inspire 8-12 grade students, the event sought to ignite interest in medical careers, underscoring CMV's dedication to fostering diversity in health care. "Empowering Future Leaders in Medicine" perfectly captured the initiative's mission to nurture tomorrow's medical professionals.

After welcoming remarks from the Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs Tanya Bradsher, students learned from a panel featuring distinguished VA leaders and physicians with diverse medical backgrounds. The panel included: Dr. Tamara Campbell (Psychiatry, executive director for VHA Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention); Dr. Harrison Hines (Neurologist, senior advisor for Healthcare Operations to the VHA Chief of Staff); Dr. Erica Scavella (Internal Medicine, assistant under secretary for Health Clinical Services); and Dr. Juan Suarez-Pesante (Surgeon, Miami VA Healthcare System deputy chief of staff).

Before the panel, D.C. students explored a mobile Vet Center, toured the VA Integrated Operations Center, and donned medical white coats for professional photos-a tangible way for them to envision their futures. They also met with VA's Under Secretary of Health Dr. Shereef Elnahal and Press Secretary Terrence Hayes.

The event sparkled with insightful exchanges. Willow Springs School (Illinois) 8^th grade students asked panelists for advice on transitioning to high school. "Focus on becoming a well-rounded person as you pursue medicine. Seek mentors and embrace extracurricular activities alongside your studies," said Suarez-Pesante.

A Miami Edison Senior High School student inquired about becoming a forensic pathologist, receiving valuable guidance from Dr. Scavella: "To be a competitive medical school applicant, focus on being well-rounded. Diverse experiences make you stand out."

The need for diversity in medicine was a key theme, as the event highlighted the underrepresentation of African American and Latino physicians. "Initiatives like this are crucial for shaping a diverse, inclusive and skilled next generation of medical professionals," said James Albino, executive director for the Center for Minority Veterans. "I'm a strong believer in serendipity, but it's not just sheer luck-it's luck that you create by taking on challenges that others won't. Doing the hard work. And when you do that, opportunities are made available to you."