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Columbus Medical Association Blog
Categories Advocacy CMA Community Disaster Preparedness Giving Back Leadership Partnerships Wellness YAC Student All Posts Subscribe
Emerging Trends 2022: Firearm Diseases in Central Ohio
Emerging Trends 2022: Firearm Diseases in Central Ohio
AdvocacyLisa OyerDecember 9, 2022
Made for Medicine Graduates Fall 2022 Cohort in White Coat Ceremony
Made for Medicine Graduates Fall 2022 Cohort in White Coat Ceremony
Made For MedicineLisa OyerDecember 1, 2022
From our Sponsors: COVERYS | A Dose of Insight — A Nurse’s Crucial Role in Patient Safety
From our Sponsors: COVERYS | A Dose of Insight — A Nurse’s Crucial Role in Patient Safety
PartnershipsCOVERYSDecember 1, 2022
Election Information 2022 | Episode 4
Election Information 2022 | Episode 4
AdvocacyMalcolm PorterOctober 7, 2022
Election Information 2022 | Episode 3
Election Information 2022 | Episode 3
AdvocacyMalcolm PorterSeptember 30, 2022
Election Information 2022 | Episode 2
Election Information 2022 | Episode 2
AdvocacyMalcolm PorterSeptember 23, 2022
Election Information 2022 | Episode 1
Election Information 2022 | Episode 1
AdvocacyMalcolm PorterSeptember 16, 2022
Preventing Suicide: Physician Risk, Screening, and Current Trends
Preventing Suicide: Physician Risk, Screening, and Current Trends
AdvocacyRosie Bauder, PhD, MPH, LPCSeptember 16, 2022
CMA Physicians Interview Candidates to Help Inform OSMA Endorsement Process
CMA Physicians Interview Candidates to Help Inform OSMA Endorsement Process
AdvocacyMalcolm PorterSeptember 1, 2022
Made for Medicine Completes First Summer Session
Made for Medicine Completes First Summer Session
Made For MedicineLisa OyerAugust 12, 2022
Another CMA Physician Running for Ohio Legislature
Another CMA Physician Running for Ohio Legislature
AdvocacyMalcolm PorterAugust 5, 2022
Why I Got Involved with Organized Medicine: A Medical Student's Prospective
Why I Got Involved with Organized Medicine: A Medical Student's Prospective
Hendrik StegallJuly 28, 2022
Fireworks Now Legal in Ohio, Haven’t Always Been That Way
Fireworks Now Legal in Ohio, Haven’t Always Been That Way
William Cotton, MDJuly 1, 2022
Dr. Anita Somani's Speech to the 2022 YAC Graduating Seniors
Dr. Anita Somani's Speech to the 2022 YAC Graduating Seniors
YAC StudentAnita Somani, MDJune 24, 2022
COTS Prepares for a Safe Return of Red White & Boom
COTS Prepares for a Safe Return of Red White & Boom
Disaster PreparednessCMAJune 24, 2022
Physicians Leadership Academy 2021/2022 Graduation
Physicians Leadership Academy 2021/2022 Graduation
LeadershipPhil Cass, PhDJune 17, 2022
Youth Advisory Council Senior Banquet
Youth Advisory Council Senior Banquet
YAC StudentLisa OyerJune 3, 2022
The Return of the Columbus Medical Association’s Annual Celebration a Success
The Return of the Columbus Medical Association’s Annual Celebration a Success
CMA CommunityLisa OyerMay 26, 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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