According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, only 8% of medical students and 5% of physicians are Black and African American. In an effort to address this disparity, the American Heart Association has announced that two local students from Southern University have been selected to participate in the Association’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Scholars program.
Akajiugo Amucheazi is a Junior biology major at Southern University and A&M College, and is a native of Anambre States, Nigeria. He is a recipient of the UIU International Student Scholarship 2022-23 Academic Year and a dean’s list scholar.
Mya Bailey is a Junior biology major at Southern University and A&M College, and a native of Realto, Cal. She is on the National Dean's List and is a 2021-2023 Denny's Scholarship Recipient.
The HBCU Scholars are enrolled in biomedical or other health sciences programs at their respective institutions. Through their participation in the Association’s Scholars program, they will study how the social determinants of health and other health disparities impact underserved communities. They will also be paired with a mentor, participate in scientific research projects, and present their findings at the end of the program.
“Since 2015, the American Heart Association HBCU Scholars program has helped change the trajectory of dozens of under-represented students in Science and medicine by fostering their talent, preparedness, and growth to pursue careers in biomedical science” said Kerin Spears, executive director of the American Heart Association, Capital Area. “As champions for healthcare quality and access for all, the American Heart Association is committed to building the pipeline of diverse persons in medicine and empowering the next generation of research and health care professionals.”
The program is funded nationally by a grant provided by the Quest Diagnostics Foundation, which also supports the American Heart Association’s Hispanic Serving Institutes (HSI) Scholars Program. Locally, the program is sponsored by CareSouth Medical & Dental.
“This program plays an essential role in supporting the pipeline of HBCU students who will increase representation and equity in the health care field,” said Matt Valliere, CEO of CareSouth Medical & Dental. “We are proud to support this next cohort of HBCU Scholars with the American Heart Association, Capital Area, as it provides them with enriching academic and networking experiences to help them excel in their career paths.”
Accepted students are selected based on their GPA, completion of a formal application, which includes an essay, and an official recommendation from their school. During the program, scholars are paired with a mentor who works in healthcare or is currently performing their own relevant scientific research. They will also participate in a leadership development program and are awarded a financial stipend to help cover education-related expenses.
Clinical research studies published in the American Journal of Public Health suggest that patients of color may experience uncomfortable interactions and communication barriers with their healthcare providers due to lack of diversity and face implicit and unconscious bias from physicians and other health care professionals. These barriers, in turn, can lower patients’ trust in the overall healthcare system and as a result, these patients may not complete prescribed treatments or follow-up on recommended care. Addressing this issue is a vital component of the HBCU Scholars program.
Each year, the Association seeks applications from sophomores, juniors, and seniors from historically underrepresented communities who are currently enrolled in an HBCU and are interested in pursuing a professional degree in biomedical and health sciences.