April 2023
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Doctor 4 a Day started as a way to provide mentorship and networking resources to pre-medical students from middle schools, high schools, and undergraduate institutions. The purpose of the conference is to increase exposure to the medical field and gain access to healthcare provider mentorships in different specialties, aimed towards students of underrepresented backgrounds from underserved communities in the area.
The conference was held at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) on Saturday, April 15, 2023. We had about >200 eager and enthusiastic attendees in total throughout the conference, including attending physicians, high school students, college students, and medical students representing every medical school in GA. There was very active engagement and interests by the pre-medical students who attended. The students were also able to collaborate and solve a stimulating medical case that was presented to them, along with hearing from a panel of current medical students about their paths and experiences. The conference was free for all participants who attended and supported by 100% volunteer efforts. |
Attendance profile
> 200 college & high school students > 80% underrepresented minority > 75% female >80% reported having difficulties in accessing mentorship and networking in the medical field. >62.5% reported financial barriers as a deterrent to pursuing medicine. Over 50 medical students and doctors volunteered and represented all GA medical schools. With over 200 students registered and over 130 students in attendance, the 2023 Doctor 4 a Day conference had a record-breaking year in terms of recruitment. 41% of students identified as Black or African American, 16% identified as Asian, and 23% identified as Hispanic or Latino. There is a clear and obvious need to bridge the gap that exists in racial, ethnic, and gender representation in the medical field. The Doctor for a Day Conference works to produce early and substantive mentorship for young people that are interested in pursuing medical fields. By being present for these young men and women and supporting their interest in a career in medicine, we as a community of medical professionals believe we can have a significant impact on increasing diversity and inclusion in the workforce. A movement which would in turn improve the quality of care and representation that our patients receive.
The Doctor for a Day Conference has demonstrated a clear and positive impact on the individual attendees as well as the surrounding community. The feedback received by participants was overwhelmingly positive. We have shared some quotes from the participants below. |
On behalf of the Doctor for a Day team, we would like to express our sincerest gratitude and thanks to all of the Doctors, Fellows, Residents, Medical Students, and volunteers who spent their precious and limited free time making a difference in our community.
We truly appreciate our incredible sponsors and partners including Ubeyond, GSU Center for Community Engagement, American College of Cardiology GA Chapter & Northside Hospital,
Without the phenomenal sponsors and altruistic volunteers this event would simply not have been possible.
We truly appreciate our incredible sponsors and partners including Ubeyond, GSU Center for Community Engagement, American College of Cardiology GA Chapter & Northside Hospital,
Without the phenomenal sponsors and altruistic volunteers this event would simply not have been possible.
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"Getting networking, meeting doctors and learning more about their experiences motivates and inspires me to become a doctor just like them. Especially to overcomes challenges."
"I really enjoyed the opening and welcoming environment. Everyone was very educated and willing to discuss their experiences, which helped."
"Attending this conference succeeded in eliminating any doubts I had in becoming a doctor."
"I've never been this exposed to the medical field which made me more interested in becoming a doctor."
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If you are a medical professional and want to participate in our future conferences, please see the Volunteer Physician page.
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Organizing Committee Heather Kiskel: Co-chair Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Kelsey Martin: Co-chair Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Claribel Adeyemi Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Antonio Henry Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Jamal Craddieth Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Preethi Karnam Emory University |
MopeninuJesu Oluyinka Emory University Alexis Stokes Emory University Ari Levine Emory University Mohamad Alo Georgia State University Shelby Comeaux: Advisor PGY2 Northside Hospital Heval Mohamed Kelli, MD |