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Columbus Medical Association Blog
Categories Advocacy CMA Community Disaster Preparedness Giving Back Leadership Partnerships Wellness YAC Student All Posts Subscribe
Improve Your Practice with MOC Part IV at the CMA
Improve Your Practice with MOC Part IV at the CMA
Advocacy, CMA CommunityEdward Bope, MDJuly 18, 2019
Quarterly Advocacy Update - July 2019
Quarterly Advocacy Update - July 2019
AdvocacyMalcolm PorterJuly 12, 2019
CMA Updates Practice Manager Offerings
CMA Updates Practice Manager Offerings
CMA CommunityLisa OyerJuly 5, 2019
Dine With A Doc: Nutritional Education For Physicians
Dine With A Doc: Nutritional Education For Physicians
CMA CommunityElizabeth Lottes, DOJune 27, 2019
COTS Keeps Columbus Safe at “Red, White and Boom!”
COTS Keeps Columbus Safe at “Red, White and Boom!”
Disaster PreparednessLisa OyerJune 27, 2019
An Active Week for Advocacy at the CMA
An Active Week for Advocacy at the CMA
AdvocacyLisa OyerJune 21, 2019
Hospital Incident Command System Training for the Southeast/Southeast Central Ohio Region
Hospital Incident Command System Training for the Southeast/Southeast Central Ohio Region
Disaster PreparednessLisa OyerJune 21, 2019
Physicians Leadership Academy 2019 Graduation
Physicians Leadership Academy 2019 Graduation
LeadershipPLAJune 14, 2019
The Mindful Physician with Dr. Roberto P. Benzo
The Mindful Physician with Dr. Roberto P. Benzo
LeadershipLisa OyerJune 7, 2019
More Than Just a Sign
More Than Just a Sign
CMA CommunityLisa OyerJune 6, 2019
PCC Executive Director Isi Green Testifies for Clinic Funding at Ohio State Senate
PCC Executive Director Isi Green Testifies for Clinic Funding at Ohio State Senate
Giving Back, AdvocacyLisa OyerMay 30, 2019
On the Road Again: COTS expands to Southeast/Southeast Central Ohio
On the Road Again: COTS expands to Southeast/Southeast Central Ohio
Disaster Preparedness, CMA CommunityKelsey Blackburn, CHEPMay 30, 2019
Abortion is Still Legal in Ohio
Abortion is Still Legal in Ohio
AdvocacyCatherine Romanos, MDMay 30, 2019
Dr. Anita Somani's Message to Graduating YAC Members - Don't Peak in High School
Dr. Anita Somani's Message to Graduating YAC Members - Don't Peak in High School
Giving BackCMAMay 24, 2019
COTS Trauma Research Symposium 2019
COTS Trauma Research Symposium 2019
Disaster PreparednessLisa OyerMay 23, 2019
New Member Spotlight: Melissa Winterhalter, MD
New Member Spotlight: Melissa Winterhalter, MD
CMA CommunityCMAMay 16, 2019
President's Message (May)
President's Message (May)
President's MessageJeffrey Janis, M.D.May 10, 2019
Do you have a patient or employee in crisis?
Do you have a patient or employee in crisis?
PartnershipsCMAMay 10, 2019
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Made for Medicine Program Featured at Franklin County Commissioner’s Meeting

The Made for Medicine program, which aims to increase Black physician representation, was in the spotlight at the Franklin County Commissioner meeting on Tuesday, February 25, 2025.

Founder and president Dr. Laura Espy-Bell, along with two students, shared insights about the program’s impact and its mission to guide aspiring Black physicians from middle school through high school and beyond.

Led by black faculty members, students are taken through phases that include introductions to medicine and hands-on training, exploring specialties such as emergency medicine, pediatrics and general surgery, and even take part in procedures like ultrasounds.

When speaking with commissioners, Dr. Espy-Bell referred to each student as “doctor” because she believes in the importance of claiming the title to inspire them as they work toward their future.

Dr. Yasmine Ray-Thompson, a high school sophomore, told the commissioners about the importance of this program in her life, saying “It really inspired me and showed me… there’s people who look like me in this field, and that I can do it and have the people behind me who support me and who will give me help.”

Another student, Dr. CJ Stroud, has been part of Made for Medicine since the first cohort launched in 2021. He told commissioners about his favorite sessions. Watch here.

Dr. Espy-Bell thanked the commissioners for their support in providing more than $600,000 in funding through the County Commissioner’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion since 2023. You can watch their presentation to the commissioners here starting at 7:30.

More than 100 students have taken part in Made for Medicine since its inception in 2021, and the next cohort kicks off in April. Dr. Espy-Bell said there are plans to expand programming and support beyond high school.

This summer, Dr. Espy-Bell and other faculty members are taking students on a tour of medical schools and historically Black colleges to connect students with more role models in medicine. Donations are needed to fund this unique and impactful opportunity for students. Find out more about Made for Medicine and donate here.

• In photo “1” is (from left to right) student Dr. CJ Stroud (9th grade); Fevean Keflom (MfM Program Coordinator); Dr. Laura Espy-Bell (MfM Founder);

• In photo “2” (from left to right) is Franklin County Commissioner Erica C. Crawley; student Dr. Yasmine Ray-Thompson (10th grade); student Dr. CJ Stroud (9th grade); Dr. Laura Espy-Bell (MfM Founder); Franklin County Commissioner Kevin L. Boyce; Franklin County Commissioner John O'Grady

1390 Dublin Rd,
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 240-7410

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