Year: 2013

Who: Black Men in White Coats was founded by Dr. Dale Okorodudu, MD.

​Where: League City, Texas,

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What: Black Men in White Coats is an initiative dedicated to increasing the representation of Black men in medicine by providing exposure, inspiration, and mentorship. Founded in response to a concerning trend highlighted in a 2013 report by the Association of American Medical Colleges, which revealed a decline in the already low number of Black male applicants to medical schools, the organization has been on a mission to address this issue and inspire future generations of Black male physicians.

The mission of Black Men in White Coats is to combat the underrepresentation of Black men in the medical field by fostering mentorship relationships and raising awareness. The initiative partners with medical schools across the nation to produce short documentary videos that highlight the challenges and successes of Black men in medicine. These videos aim to shed light on an issue that not only affects the Black male population but also impacts the broader healthcare system. By showcasing these stories, the initiative works to inspire and motivate young Black men to pursue careers in medicine.

To achieve its goals, Black Men in White Coats has developed an innovative eMentoring model in partnership with DiverseMedicine Inc (DMI). This technology-driven approach allows students, especially those without access to traditional mentorship opportunities, to gain valuable insights and guidance from experienced Black male physicians. The eMentoring program eliminates barriers of time, money, and location, making it accessible to a broader group of premedical students nationwide. Additionally, the initiative collaborates with PreMed StAR to offer online recruitment opportunities to overlooked premedical students who may lack resources.

Dr. Dale Okorodudu, the founder of Black Men in White Coats, is an award-winning clinician and mentor who has been recognized for his leadership and contributions to the field. Inspired by his own experiences of overcoming societal expectations, Dr. Okorodudu has made it his mission to inspire and mentor young Black men in medicine. Through his efforts and the support of the community, Black Men in White Coats aims to bridge the gap in diversity within the medical field and create lasting change for future generations of Black male doctors.

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Sources:

Websites:

• Baptist Health Sciences University. (n.d.). Black Men in White Coats: HealthCORE Initiative. https://www.baptistu.edu/BaptistUHealthCORE/BMIWC

• Black Men in White Coats. (n.d.). Summit Information. https://www.blackmeninwhitecoats.org/summit/