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Columbus Medical Association Blog
Categories Advocacy CMA Community Disaster Preparedness Giving Back Leadership Partnerships Wellness YAC Student All Posts Subscribe
Celebrating Physicians 50 Years in Medicine: William Bay, MD
Celebrating Physicians 50 Years in Medicine: William Bay, MD
CMA CommunityCMAMay 20, 2022
Celebrating Physicians 50 Years in Medicine: Bhagwan Satiani, MD
Celebrating Physicians 50 Years in Medicine: Bhagwan Satiani, MD
CMA CommunityCMAMay 20, 2022
Celebrating Physicians 50 Years in Medicine: Tom Main, MD
Celebrating Physicians 50 Years in Medicine: Tom Main, MD
CMA CommunityCMAMay 13, 2022
Dr. Laura Espy-Bell Follows Mother’s Footsteps with YWCA Award
Dr. Laura Espy-Bell Follows Mother’s Footsteps with YWCA Award
Made For MedicineLance CranmerMay 6, 2022
Physicians CareConnection's Volunteer Appreciation Dinner Returns
Physicians CareConnection's Volunteer Appreciation Dinner Returns
Giving BackLisa OyerApril 29, 2022
Sponsor Spotlight: WesBanco
Sponsor Spotlight: WesBanco
PartnershipsCMAApril 25, 2022
Telehealth for Medicare Patients is Tied to the Federal Health Emergency
Telehealth for Medicare Patients is Tied to the Federal Health Emergency
Advocacy, COVID-19Malcolm PorterApril 22, 2022
President's Message: A Reason to Celebrate
President's Message: A Reason to Celebrate
CMA CommunitySugat S. Patel, M.D.April 22, 2022
Physicians CareConnection Salutes the Efforts of Volunteers
Physicians CareConnection Salutes the Efforts of Volunteers
Giving BackLance CranmerApril 22, 2022
Physicians CareConnection to Recognize Volunteers who Stepped Up During the Pandemic
Physicians CareConnection to Recognize Volunteers who Stepped Up During the Pandemic
Giving BackLance CranmerApril 15, 2022
Sponsor Spotlight: Physicians Wealth Solutions
Sponsor Spotlight: Physicians Wealth Solutions
PartnershipsCMAApril 14, 2022
Home is Where the Health Is: How Physicians CareConnection Kept the Community Housed During the Pandemic
Home is Where the Health Is: How Physicians CareConnection Kept the Community Housed During the Pandemic
Giving BackCMAApril 8, 2022
CMA Leading Change Through Public Policy: April 7th Meeting Overview
CMA Leading Change Through Public Policy: April 7th Meeting Overview
AdvocacyLance CranmerApril 8, 2022
Physicians CareConnection Offers Client a Fresh Start
Physicians CareConnection Offers Client a Fresh Start
Giving BackLance CranmerApril 1, 2022
Columbus Medical Association Supports Passage of HB 135
Columbus Medical Association Supports Passage of HB 135
AdvocacyLance CranmerApril 1, 2022
Physicians CareConnection Free Clinic Offers More than Healthcare
Physicians CareConnection Free Clinic Offers More than Healthcare
Giving BackLance CranmerMarch 25, 2022
Columbus Medical Association Praises Gov. DeWine’s Support of Telehealth
Columbus Medical Association Praises Gov. DeWine’s Support of Telehealth
AdvocacyLance CranmerMarch 25, 2022
March has been a month of advocacy at the Columbus Medical Association
March has been a month of advocacy at the Columbus Medical Association
AdvocacyLance CranmerMarch 18, 2022
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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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