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AboutAffiliatesMembership
Columbus Medical Association Blog
Categories Advocacy CMA Community Disaster Preparedness Giving Back Leadership Partnerships Wellness YAC Student All Posts Subscribe
Nurturing New Beginnings: The Importance of Physicians CareConnection’s New Breastfeeding Program
Nurturing New Beginnings: The Importance of Physicians CareConnection’s New Breastfeeding Program
Destiney DavisNovember 16, 2023
The Heartbeat of Community Wellness: The Vital Role of Physician CareConnection Free Clinic
The Heartbeat of Community Wellness: The Vital Role of Physician CareConnection Free Clinic
Destiney DavisNovember 16, 2023
Shining a Light on Traumatic Brain Injuries: Veterans' Silent Battle and the Stand Together Flag
Shining a Light on Traumatic Brain Injuries: Veterans' Silent Battle and the Stand Together Flag
Christopher Brown, MDNovember 10, 2023
A Pipeline to the Future: The Youth Advisory Council Resumes This Fall
A Pipeline to the Future: The Youth Advisory Council Resumes This Fall
Paula CosbySeptember 1, 2023
Physician Wellness: If a Doctor is in Need of Assistance
Physician Wellness: If a Doctor is in Need of Assistance
Robert Falcone, MDAugust 10, 2023
Physician Opinion: Wondering How Issue 1 Connects to Reproductive Rights?
Physician Opinion: Wondering How Issue 1 Connects to Reproductive Rights?
Anita Somani, MDJuly 13, 2023
National Youth Violence Prevention Week | Firearm Violence
National Youth Violence Prevention Week | Firearm Violence
Ahmad Mostafavifar, MDApril 28, 2023
Combating LGBTQ+ Youth Suicide with Acceptance | A YAC Student Blog
Combating LGBTQ+ Youth Suicide with Acceptance | A YAC Student Blog
YAC StudentSelis TufekciApril 21, 2023
Banning Unconsented Pelvic Exams | A Medical Student Blog
Banning Unconsented Pelvic Exams | A Medical Student Blog
Alexandra FountaineApril 21, 2023
Columbus Medical Association Launches "Doc to Doc" Peer Support Program
Columbus Medical Association Launches "Doc to Doc" Peer Support Program
CMAApril 6, 2023
The New Age of Bullying: Recognizing and Combating Cyberbullying | A YAC Student Blog
The New Age of Bullying: Recognizing and Combating Cyberbullying | A YAC Student Blog
Arnav NallariApril 6, 2023
Breathing is Medicine
Breathing is Medicine
Sean Gallagher, MD FAAPMarch 24, 2023
Bullying: A Rising Concern in Educational Establishments | A YAC Student Blog
Bullying: A Rising Concern in Educational Establishments | A YAC Student Blog
Rohit ShuklaMarch 16, 2023
How I Established Healthy Habits | A YAC Student Blog
How I Established Healthy Habits | A YAC Student Blog
YAC StudentZora WomackMarch 2, 2023
Body Image in Adolescents | A YAC Student Blog
Body Image in Adolescents | A YAC Student Blog
YAC StudentStuti DeshpandeFebruary 23, 2023
Body Image and Stereotypes in the Age of Social Media
Body Image and Stereotypes in the Age of Social Media
YAC StudentRia Modak and Reeve RecorFebruary 10, 2023
“Eat Something:” Not as Harmless as It May Seem
“Eat Something:” Not as Harmless as It May Seem
YAC StudentIsabella LuckageJanuary 27, 2023
A Reflection on the CMA's Emerging Trends Program on Firearm Diseases in Central Ohio
A Reflection on the CMA's Emerging Trends Program on Firearm Diseases in Central Ohio
AdvocacyAhmad Mostafavifar, MDJanuary 6, 2023
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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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