National Medical Fellowships, Inc.

Holding a torch up to freedom's hand: The Fourth of July, recognized as Independence Day in the United States, honors the Declaration of Independence proclaimed by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. However, not all people were able to participate in this celebration of “independence.” The Statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom and democracy, reminds us of the ongoing struggle for true liberty. Her torch represents enlightenment and liberty. This iconic statue has come to embody the ideals of liberty and opportunity, as well as serving as a beacon of welcome and refuge for immigrants arriving in America. While it stands as a beacon of hope, it also calls us to reflect on the unfulfilled promise of freedom for all. This Independence Day, let's reflect on the true meaning of freedom and the strength of our resilience. Let's celebrate our progress, contemplate the good and the bad of our history, and reaffirm our commitment to justice for all. Join us in honoring their stories and advocating for a future free from health disparities and enriched by health equity for all.

National Medical Fellowships, Inc. was thrilled to work with Skai Blue Media to host its first media familiarization dinner on June 24, 2024 in New York City! We brought together NMF alumni, scholars, board members, and team leaders to discuss the crucial work of achieving #HealthEquity with members of the media. During this time, NMF also shared the results of an exploratory survey of NMF scholars and alumni on the PR Newswire (Read More: https://lnkd.in/gxVYYwNP). The study NMF conducted found nearly three out of four health care workers surveyed say they have witnessed disparities in the care of patients of color.  Our President and CEO, Michellene Davis, Esq., lead the charge in declaring that “We need to make certain that everyone who wants to be a doctor can be a doctor because the country does not currently have enough physicians to care for everyone – and there are individuals trying to stop those who are Black and brown from doing so. This is urgent, now.” 💡    The results from this survey support the fact that NMF plays a critical role in diversifying #HealthCare— 75% of survey respondents strongly agreed on the urgent need to increase the presence of physicians of color to enhance outcomes for underserved communities. Our work continues to break barriers and we are determined to continue sharing our mission with others. Consider how you too can support NMF and join us to today in diversifying health care for generations to come. 🤝 A special thank you to: Meg Fry, Christy Law Blanchard, Michellene Davis, Esq., Dr. Bryan Baugh, Aundrea Cline-Thomas, Felice León, Ariel Miller, Taayoo Murray, Roni Caryn Rabin, Tiffany L. Zeno, Prisca O., Linnie Golightly

Since inception, NMF’s scholarships and service-learning programs have been at the core of its programming. To increase the number of physicians, health professionals, and researchers in the U.S. who are underrepresented in health care, NMF offers two types of #scholarship support: 1️⃣ Scholarships and awards, for example merit and/or need-based financial awards, enhanced scholarships. 2️⃣ And service-learning programs, which include structured/semi-structured experiences with clinical leadership, research, community health, mentorship, and other programmatic components in support of professional and personal growth. There's currently four service-learning programs available! Apply by Monday, August 12 at 11:59 p.m. and join NMF in advancing #HealthEquity

Introducing Dr. Christian Hernandez, a dedicated advocate and thought leader in health care. Here’s why his journey is one you should know: Growing up as the son of immigrants from Mexico and Puerto Rico in a predominantly Latine and Black community in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Dr. Hernandez has dedicated his life to serving and uplifting his community. He draws inspiration from his experiences with #HealthDisparities and language barriers, which have fueled his passion for improving health care access for underrepresented populations. Currently an emergency medicine resident physician at UCLA Health, he has been matched to a fellowship in anesthesia and critical care at Los Angeles General Medical Center and ultimately aspires to contribute to academia and further medical research, particularly in the cardiothoracic ICU. Dr. Hernandez's advocacy work is truly inspiring. From studying trauma responses and the emotional impact of domestic violence on men to researching tropical diseases and snakebite interventions, Dr. Hernandez has made significant strides in the health field. His contributions to understanding conditions affecting Latino men, such as those needing lung transplants due to silica dust exposure, showcase his commitment to advancing medical knowledge and patient care. Dr. Hernandez is a visionary, whose dedication to service and community is nothing short of remarkable in his medical career and personal life. As a wilderness enthusiast, scuba diver, and #ChangeAgent in the health field, there is nothing that Dr. Hernandez can't do. Read more about Dr. Hernandez: https://lnkd.in/gXhtbijx

It is gratifying to see National Medical Fellowships, Inc. President and CEO Michellene Davis, Esq., in thought leadership spaces like Aspen Ideas - Health. By connecting with NMF alumni physicians and current scholars who took the stage to advance health equity, we celebrate our collective strength and drive forward NMF's mission: "NMF broadens the pathways to medical education for students from communities underrepresented in medicine, provides transformative leadership opportunities that help to diversify clinical research, and delivers programs and supports to ensure the future success of medical students and current practitioners."  

NMF attended the 2024 Aspen Ideas: Health, compliments of Ruth Katz the Director of Aspen Ideas: Health, Vice President and Executive Director, Health, Medicine, and Society Program, Aspen Institute. While there, we had the unique opportunity of not only attending "How To Dismantle Structural Racism in Health?"— an exclusive panel discussion— but also engaging with health equity leaders alike. We'd like to extend a special shout out to NMF alumna, Aletha Maybank, MD, MPH and NMF scholar, Joel Bervell for gracing the stage of Aspen Ideas: Health this past weekend and continuing to inspire others. #BigIdeas #HealthCare #AspenIdeas

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Dr. Tyeese Gaines is an NMF alumna you need to know! 💫 Here’s why: Inspired by her father’s "botched" surgery at a young age, Dr. Gaines always knew she wanted to be a doctor. Unfortunately, she faced early discouragement from a guidance counselor but never gave up on her dream. Dr. Gaines is a renaissance woman in her career; spending nearly 15 years as a clinical instructor, emergency medicine physician, reviewing medical director, Certified Physician Executive, on-air medical expert leadership, and #HealthCare entrepreneur with a Master of Business Administration are just some of the aspects of her work that have shaped her. Learn more about Dr. Gaines: https://bit.ly/3RIpoet Her work in emergency medicine highlighted #HealthDisparities, driving her advocacy for better health care access and patient education. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, she refocused her efforts, taking more shifts in the ER and accepting a full-time position with Humana to understand insurance operations better. As the founder of Doctor Ty Media, LLC, Dr. Gaines has provided media coaching and branding advice for health care professionals. Dr. Gaines continues her commitment to service through involvement with organizations like NMF. She emphasizes early educational interventions to support aspiring physicians from underrepresented backgrounds. Her dedication to service and community is truly remarkable. From clinical practice to media ventures, her impact inspires us all!

NMF has the unique pleasure of attending Aspen Ideas: Health, happening now! Amongst an exclusive audience of other thought leaders, our President and CEO, Michellene Davis, Esq., attended a panel discussion that explored "How To Dismantle Structural Racism in Health?" We are grateful to be invited to this event by Ruth Katz the Director of Aspen Ideas: Health, Vice President and Executive Director, Health, Medicine, and Society Program, Aspen Institute. We're proud to recognize some new and familiar faces as they reflect on health disparities, dismantling systemic and structural racism, and more. This panel includes Rich Besser, the President and CEO of the RWJF (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation), Nicholas St. Fleur a Science Reporter and Host of "Color Code" Podcast at STAT, an NMF alumna, Aletha Maybank, MD, MPH the Senior Vice President and Chief Health Equity Officer of the American Medical Association, and Rachel Hardeman, PhD, MPH the Director of the Center for Antiracism Research for Health Equity at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health. At NMF, we often vocalize the impact of systemic and structural racism within our health care systems. It is imperative that leaders like those who participated in today's panel continue to advocate for change and seek means to continually implement solutions. Our communities of color feel the brunt of health inequities the most and we need to address this today. #AspenIdeas #AspenIdeasHealth #HealthEquity