Filling a Gap in a Leaky Pipeline
Filling a gap in a leaky pipeline
Gregory Umphrey, Co-Founder
I began my education at Howard University College of Medicine (HUCM) in the summer of 1998. Being at one of the nation’s most prestigious Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s) with a reputation of producing the largest number of Black/African-American physicians in the country, I instantly felt at home at an institution designed for my success. I was welcomed into a warm, nurturing environment that focused not only on my academic potential, but also my own well-being.
In 2002, I graduated in the top 10th percentile of my class and was inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society. In order to be considered for AOA, one must be in the top quartile of their class and demonstrate leadership amongst peers, professionalism, promise of future success in medicine, and a commitment to service in the school and the community. The medical society has inducted over 150,000 physicians since 1902 including 11 of 19 US Surgeons General and more than 50 Nobel Laureates. What’s also clear is that membership is 6 times more likely for white students than black. When I was inducted at Howard, I was aware of the tremendous honor, but in the presence of my peers did not recognize what a rarity our diversity brought to the society. I believe my success had as much to do with the support structure around me as did my commitment to excellence.
As the population grows, similar rates of medical school applicants are equally anticipated. With each level of matriculation following my experience at Howard, I have seen a decrease in Black men around me.
My lived experience is supported by research performed by AAMC demonstrating the fact that Black male applicants to medical school peaked in 1984 and has never rebounded.
Source: AAMC. To learn more about black males in medicine, please read more.
The reasons for the lack of Black men in medicine are complex and range from limited K-12 exposure to stereotype threat and inadequate support once accepted into medical school.
One of the reasons we have founded ElevateMeD is to fill a gap in a leaky pipeline toward a career in medicine. By providing significant financial support, in addition to mentorship, leadership training, and financial management education, we have an opportunity to provide a support network for our Scholars similar to what I experienced at Howard over 20 years ago.
Please join us.
Become a donor, physician mentor, Board member or member of the ElevateMeD Advisory board today!
-Gregory Umphrey, MD
Co-Founder
