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Local physician outlines 'Made for Medicine' pipeline for Black students
Summary
Dr. Laura SB Bell told Franklin County commissioners about Made for Medicine, a Columbus-based pipeline begun in 2021 that recruits Black middle-school students and supports them through high school and into medicine; two program participants described hands-on training experiences.
Dr. Laura SB Bell, a board-certified emergency physician and founder of Made for Medicine, described the Columbus program to Franklin County commissioners on Feb. 25 as a long-term pipeline that recruits Black students starting in sixth and seventh grade and supports them through high school and beyond.
"Made for Medicine was created out of a calling," Bell said, describing mentorship, hands-on clinical exposure and partnerships with local health systems. She said the program — an affiliate of the Columbus Medical Association established in 2021 — has worked with more than 100 students and leverages faculty from local hospitals to expose students to specialties including emergency medicine, pediatrics and surgery.
Two student participants spoke about their experiences. "My favorite session so far has been when we got to dissect the heart," said Ray Thompson, who the presenter said is in phase 3 of the program and will pursue medicine. Another participant, who identified as Stroud and joined the inaugural cohort, said a neurology session helped him discover a passion for becoming a physician.
Bell told commissioners the program emphasizes mental-health resiliency and cultural competence, including sessions in phase 3 that address racism in medicine and mental-health stigma, and that the program includes white-coat ceremonies and college tours. She thanked Franklin County for earlier support and named staff and volunteers who have helped run the program.
Administrator Wilson and others in the room thanked Bell and the students and noted the program's potential to improve health outcomes in communities of color by increasing representation in the medical workforce.
The presentation concluded with commissioners and staff acknowledging the program's role in addressing disparities and supporting youth interested in health careers. No formal county action on the program was taken at the meeting beyond public recognition and thanks.
