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Columbus Medical Association Blog
Categories Advocacy CMA Community Disaster Preparedness Giving Back Leadership Partnerships Wellness YAC Student All Posts Subscribe
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Disaster PreparednessMelissa RoseSeptember 19, 2019
Physician Suicide: A Call to Community
Physician Suicide: A Call to Community

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Terry Olson, M.D.September 17, 2019
Preparing for the Worst, to Keep Franklin County Safe
Preparing for the Worst, to Keep Franklin County Safe
Disaster PreparednessJeff YoungSeptember 13, 2019
Stayin' Alive: CPR/AED Training at the Columbus Medical Association
Stayin' Alive: CPR/AED Training at the Columbus Medical Association
Lisa OyerSeptember 6, 2019
Exercise can make your body feel younger. . . and (maybe) actually make it younger?
Exercise can make your body feel younger. . . and (maybe) actually make it younger?
Kanny Grewal, MDSeptember 6, 2019
When All Else Fails, Pitch a Tent
When All Else Fails, Pitch a Tent
Disaster PreparednessLaura George, CHEPSeptember 6, 2019
COTS Welcomes New Board President
COTS Welcomes New Board President
Disaster Preparedness, LeadershipLisa OyerAugust 30, 2019
Don’t Feed the Trolls and Other Helpful Social Media Tips for Practice Managers
Don’t Feed the Trolls and Other Helpful Social Media Tips for Practice Managers
CMA CommunityLisa OyerAugust 30, 2019
Let’s “Move the Needle” on Flu Vaccination in Ohio
Let’s “Move the Needle” on Flu Vaccination in Ohio
CMA Community, Giving Back, AdvocacyLisa OyerAugust 30, 2019
President's Message (August)
President's Message (August)
President's MessageCMAAugust 23, 2019
Pump Breaks & Online Support: Breastfeeding Tips For Doctors
Pump Breaks & Online Support: Breastfeeding Tips For Doctors
Anita Somani, MDAugust 16, 2019
Changing Minds Starts With “Why?": Ways to Address Common Concerns with Immunization
Changing Minds Starts With “Why?": Ways to Address Common Concerns with Immunization
Advocacy, WellnessSean Gallagher, MD FAAPAugust 16, 2019
Back to School: Now’s the Time to Review Vaccines with Kids and Adults
Back to School: Now’s the Time to Review Vaccines with Kids and Adults
AdvocacyWilliam Cotton, MDAugust 8, 2019
Vaccine Advocacy from All Physicians is Vital
Vaccine Advocacy from All Physicians is Vital
AdvocacySean Gallagher, MD FAAPAugust 2, 2019
Firearm Deaths, We Can Do Better!
Firearm Deaths, We Can Do Better!
AdvocacyAhmad Mostafavifar, MDAugust 1, 2019
HB 6: A Story of Electricity, Public Health and Politics
HB 6: A Story of Electricity, Public Health and Politics

At our most recent CMA Board meeting, conversation turned to current political activity and specifically the media ads on HB 6 on nuclear energy subsidy and renewable energy….

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AdvocacyAnita Somani, MDJuly 26, 2019Comment
President's Message (July)
President's Message (July)
President's MessageCMAJuly 25, 2019
Let's Connect! Social Media at the CMA
Let's Connect! Social Media at the CMA
CMA CommunityCMAJuly 18, 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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