News & Resources
ElevateMeD News & Resources
Resources
The physician workforce in the United States consists of just under 9 percent of physicians who identify as Black, Native American, Alaska Native, Hispanic or Latino. This is not representative of the makeup of the US population. For example, Blacks make up 13 percent of the national population, but only 4 percent of the physician workforce.
Aside from the barriers of acceptance, underrepresented students face barriers regarding matriculation due to the financial burden of the costs of medical school.
The success of efforts to address the overwhelming need to bring more minority individuals into the physician workforce will require mechanisms that recognize the need for multifaceted approaches.
According to the research conducted by the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC), there are several important reasons why this is such as issue:
Increased access to healthcare. Disparities in health care by ethnic group are dramatic, with Latinos, African Americans and Native Americans in particular suffering from lack of access to healthcare professionals. AAMC research has found that minority doctors are more likely to practice in underserved areas and to work with other vulnerable populations such as ethnic minorities and indigent populations.
Increased patient satisfaction with healthcare. AAMC research has found that patients who are ethnic minorities are not only more likely to see a doctor of the same ethnic group as they are, but also more likely to rate themselves as satisfied with the health care that they receive.
Increased cultural competence. Increasing diversity on medical school campuses will help with the development of future physicians who have a high level of cultural competence to help them serve an increasing multicultural population.
News
Onyinye Okonma discusses his journey to medicine, the importance of diversity in medicine, and becoming an ElevateMeD Scholar.
ElevateMeD is proud to announce a new grant-funded partnership with the prestigious NBA Foundation for 2024. ElevateMeD has been selected as one of 46 recipients to receive a grant from the NBA Foundation.
#MATCH2024 ElevateMeD is proud to celebrate alongside our thirteen (13) ElevateMeD Scholars on their #MatchDay2024 results!
Samantha Rosa shares what inspired her to pursue medicine, the cost to do so, and what pushes her to keep going.
Ejehi Erewele describes her journey to medicine, understanding the cost, and becoming an ElevateMeD Scholar.
ElevateMeD presents its third Trailblazer Award to Chiquita Lockley at its third Ignite Atlanta fundraising event, on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta, Georgia. Table and ticket sales available until April 7, 2024 at ignite.elevatemed.org.
Georgina Dominique shares her aspirations growing up to be a doctor, the cost of pursuing medicine, and what inspires her to keep going.
Deja Rush discusses her journey to medicine, understanding the cost, and becoming an ElevateMeD Scholar.
As you turn the pages of our 2023 Impact report you will experience the power of the collective supporting, encouraging, and reshaping the future of medicine. We are grateful for all of you who joined the movement in 2023 and made transformation possible!
Emily Sowah shares how she became inspired to pursue medicine, understanding the cost, and becoming an ElevateMeD Scholar.
The 2023 Explosion of a Dream weekend (September 22-24) featured our third annual Scholars Summit and signature scholarship event, Explosion of a Dream. Guests and Scholars gathered from across the country at the mesmerizing Mountain Shadows Resort in Paradise Valley, Arizona!
ElevateMeD was proud to host its third Scholars Summit during our Explosion of a Dream weekend on September 22-24th. This year’s summit was attended by 23 of the program's 2023-2024 cohort and 2 Scholar Alumni.
ElevateMeD will present the award at its fifth annual signature event Explosion of a Dream on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at the Mountain Shadows Resort. Limited tickets and tables are available for purchase at dream.elevatemed.org through September 16.
ElevateMeD will present the award at its fifth scholarship event Explosion of a Dream on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at the Mountain Shadows Resort. Limited tickets and tables are available for purchase at dream.elevatemed.org through September 16.
The fifth annual Explosion of a Dream 2023, our signature scholarship event, will take place at the breathtaking Mountain Shadows Resort on September 23, 2023, beginning at 6:30pm with our cocktail hour and live entertainment! Join us for a dynamic dinner program (7:30pm) featuring an exciting live auction, award presentations, and the keynote address delivered by an #ElevateMeD Scholar!
ElevateMeD’s return to Atlanta made for an enchanting evening as we celebrated our fourth anniversary at the mesmerizing Georgia Aquarium! This anniversary marked the milestone of over $1,000,000 awarded in scholarships and support to 50 medical students across the country.
Chakaris talks about his journey to medicine through sports, why Morehouse, and his experience at Ignite Atlanta.
This year’s cohort features 15 new Scholars and 10 returning students from medical schools across the country, including the newest partner schools Ohio State University College of Medicine and Rowan University.
ElevateMeD returns to the heart of Atlanta in celebration of its fourth anniversary with Ignite Atlanta, the organization's multi-city scholarship fundraising event. Ignite Atlanta will take place on Friday, May 12, 2023 at the Georgia Aquarium. Full event details and registration can be found at ignite.elevatemed.org.
ElevateMeD presents its first Trailblazer Award to Dr. Fatu Forna at its second Ignite Atlanta fundraising event, Explosion of a Dream, on Friday, May 12, 2023 at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia. Table and ticket sales available until May 1, 2023 at ignite.elevatemed.org.
Edmundo Esparza talks about becoming an astronaut, his journey to medicine and the reward of medical school.
#MATCH2023 ElevateMeD is proud to celebrate alongside our ten (10) ElevateMeD Scholars on their #MatchDay2023 results!
Oluwatoyosi Arogbokun talks about her journey to medicine, the cost of medicine and the importance of physician leadership.
The intimate evening took place at the home of Walton Isaacson Founder and CEO Aaron Walton, where nearly 100 guests experienced the “Art of Medicine” theme of the evening.
Michael Megafu talks about his journey to medicine, becoming the first physician in his family and being an ElevateMeD Scholar.
Thank you #LoveTitos for continuing to support our mission and acknowledging the work that we are doing to elevate the field of medicine!
Alexis Booker discusses her pursuits to a career in medicine and becoming an ElevateMeD scholar.
As part of a two-year pledge to ElevateMeD, this special scholarship is awarded to ElevateMeD Scholars who present a desire to pursue a medical career that will impact mental health in communities of color.
Press
ElevateMeD is proud to announce a new grant-funded partnership with the prestigious NBA Foundation for 2024. ElevateMeD has been selected as one of 46 recipients to receive a grant from the NBA Foundation.
ElevateMeD returns to the heart of Atlanta in celebration of its third anniversary with Ignite Atlanta, the organization's multi-city scholarship fundraising event. Ignite Atlanta will take place on Saturday, April 20th, 2024 at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Full event details and registration can be found at ignite.elevatemed.org.
ElevateMeD presents its third Trailblazer Award to Chiquita Lockley at its third Ignite Atlanta fundraising event, on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta, Georgia. Table and ticket sales available until April 7, 2024 at ignite.elevatemed.org.
ElevateMeD will present the award at its fifth annual signature event Explosion of a Dream on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at the Mountain Shadows Resort. Limited tickets and tables are available for purchase at dream.elevatemed.org through September 16.
ElevateMeD will present the award at its fifth scholarship event Explosion of a Dream on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at the Mountain Shadows Resort. Limited tickets and tables are available for purchase at dream.elevatemed.org through September 16.
The fifth annual Explosion of a Dream 2023, our signature scholarship event, will take place at the breathtaking Mountain Shadows Resort on September 23, 2023, beginning at 6:30pm with our cocktail hour and live entertainment! Join us for a dynamic dinner program (7:30pm) featuring an exciting live auction, award presentations, and the keynote address delivered by an #ElevateMeD Scholar!
This year’s cohort features 15 new Scholars and 10 returning students from medical schools across the country, including the newest partner schools Ohio State University College of Medicine and Rowan University.
ElevateMeD returns to the heart of Atlanta in celebration of its fourth anniversary with Ignite Atlanta, the organization's multi-city scholarship fundraising event. Ignite Atlanta will take place on Friday, May 12, 2023 at the Georgia Aquarium. Full event details and registration can be found at ignite.elevatemed.org.
ElevateMeD presents its first Trailblazer Award to Dr. Fatu Forna at its second Ignite Atlanta fundraising event, Explosion of a Dream, on Friday, May 12, 2023 at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia. Table and ticket sales available until May 1, 2023 at ignite.elevatemed.org.
The weekend featured its second Scholars Summit and signature fundraising event Explosion of a Dream, taking place at The Scott Resort and Spa with more than 300 attendees present, raising awareness and scholarships for the organization's Scholars Program.
ElevateMeD’s annual celebratory event takes place at The Scott Resort & Spa with both virtual and in-person ticket options for attendees, available at dream.elevatemed.org through September 16, 2022.
This year’s cohort features 15 new students and five returning Scholars from medical schools across the country, including the newest partner schools Morehouse School of Medicine, A.T. Still University, University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, and Texas Christian University School of Medicine.
In celebration of the organization's third anniversary, ElevateMeD is proud to announce its upcoming fundraising event, Ignite Atlanta. The first event of its multi-city fundraising efforts is set to take place on Thursday, May 12, 2022. Full event details and registration can be found at ignite.elevatemed.org.
Founded in 2019, Scottsdale-based nonprofit, ElevateMeD, celebrated a weekend of events to support diversity in medicine. On the morning of October 2, 2021, they hosted the first Scholars Summit, sponsored by Mayo Clinic, Bristol Myers Squibb, and NovoCure, providing the current ElevateMeD Scholars an opportunity to participate in professional development workshops. The evening, beginning at 5 pm PDT, featured the organization’s Explosion of a Dream: Hybrid Fundraiser, held at the Scottsdale Hangar One- Red Room.
This Fall, the organization is hosting its third annual, “Explosion of a Dream” fundraising event on the evening of Saturday, October 2, 2021, at Hangar One- Red Room (15220 N 78th Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85260), beginning at 5PM PDT / 8PM EDT with both virtual and in-person ticket options. The weekend will also feature the first Scholars Summit, a series of live professional development and networking opportunities for the program’s recipients. Presale tickets and donations are now available through September 30th, 2021.
The Scholars Program, which selected its inaugural cohort of students in Spring 2020, welcomes 10 new students, and additional medical school partners. The 2021-2022 Scholars Program recipients and their respective institutions…
Heading into its second year, the organization is proud to announce its annual philanthropy event, “Explosion of a Dream… Nothing Is Impossible”, set to take place virtually on Saturday, October 3, 2020 beginning at 4:30PM PDT / 7:30PM EDT.
In just one year, Scottsdale based nonprofit ElevateMeD has successfully self funded and proudly announces the inaugural cohort of the Scholars Program on May 4th, 2020. The 2020-2021 Scholars Program features a dynamic group of 10 medical students selected from distinguished partnering universities, each who are from underrepresented backgrounds in medicine.
Over the past 12 months, we have identified individuals who are committed to the mission and vision of ElevateMeD and desire to see our programmatic and philanthropic goals manifest. We recognized that in order to build programs that will be of value to medical students, we needed to have medical student advisors.
Set on the backdrop of beautiful Scottsdale, Arizona, more than 130 guests joined ElevateMeD at their first launch reception on Saturday night at the Hotel Valley Ho Skyline Rooftop. The goal for this fundraising event was to raise $30,000 for the 2020 ElevateMeD Scholars Program. By the end of the evening, the organization successfully raised more than $90,000, tripling their goal.
The ElevateMeD Board of Directors were carefully selected to provide strategic guidance in the fulfillment of ElevateMed’s mission and vision. Our Board is committed to elevating medicine by prioritizing physician workforce diversity, closing the gap of financial inequity in medical education, and supporting the next generation of physician leaders.
Scholar Spotlights
Onyinye Okonma discusses his journey to medicine, the importance of diversity in medicine, and becoming an ElevateMeD Scholar.
Samantha Rosa shares what inspired her to pursue medicine, the cost to do so, and what pushes her to keep going.
Ejehi Erewele describes her journey to medicine, understanding the cost, and becoming an ElevateMeD Scholar.
Georgina Dominique shares her aspirations growing up to be a doctor, the cost of pursuing medicine, and what inspires her to keep going.
Deja Rush discusses her journey to medicine, understanding the cost, and becoming an ElevateMeD Scholar.
Emily Sowah shares how she became inspired to pursue medicine, understanding the cost, and becoming an ElevateMeD Scholar.
Perpetuah Sherman discusses the cost of medicine, why diversity in medicine is important, and becoming an ElevateMeD Scholar.
Banahene Glover shares what inspires him to keep going, the cost of medicine, and becoming an ElevateMeD Scholar.
Evans Osuji discusses his journey from athletics to medicine, being inspired by a physician on a similar path, and becoming an ElevateMeD Scholar.
Emily Plumage shares her journey to medicine, understanding the cost, and the impact of mentorship.
Leonida Radford shares hers inspiration to purse medicine, understanding the cost, and why representation in medicine matters.
Jerry Graham discusses his inspiration to purse medicine, understanding the cost, and being a first generation physician.
Zeynoire Anderson shares her inspiration to pursue medicine, understanding the cost, and becoming an ElevateMeD Scholar.
Nevill Duncan shares his journey to medicine, understanding the cost, and a message to our donors.
Chakaris talks about his journey to medicine through sports, why Morehouse, and his experience at Ignite Atlanta.
This year’s cohort features 15 new Scholars and 10 returning students from medical schools across the country, including the newest partner schools Ohio State University College of Medicine and Rowan University.
Edmundo Esparza talks about becoming an astronaut, his journey to medicine and the reward of medical school.
Oluwatoyosi Arogbokun talks about her journey to medicine, the cost of medicine and the importance of physician leadership.
Michael Megafu talks about his journey to medicine, becoming the first physician in his family and being an ElevateMeD Scholar.
Alexis Booker discusses her pursuits to a career in medicine and becoming an ElevateMeD scholar.
Megan Corn discusses pursuing a career in medicine as a Native woman, the associated costs, and being an ElevateMeD Scholar.
D’Andrew Gursay shares his career aspirations, challenges faced along the way, and being an ElevateMeD Scholar.
Brianna Spell talks about her journey to medicine, her inspiration to keep going and being an ElevateMeD Scholar.
Maia Young talks about dedicating her life to medical service, hidden costs in medical education, and representation in healthcare.
Ewoma Ogbaudu shares his journey to medicine, discovering the cost, and becoming an ElevateMeD Scholar.
Ashley Harriott talks about her journey to pursue a career in healthcare, the cost of medicine and becoming an ElevateMeD Scholar
Arrix Ryce talks about his inspiration to pursue a medical career, the cost of medicine and becoming an ElevateMeD Scholar.
Abigail Solorio shares her inspiration to pursue medicine, challenges she faced along the way and the true cost of medicine.
Marcus Childs talks about being a dreamer, pursuing a medical education and becoming an ElevateMeD Scholar.
Board Highlights
Ricardo Correa, MD, EdD, FACP, FACE, FACMQ
Health Care Disparities and the Latinx Population (Read Article)
Marissa Vasquez, MD, MBA
Latinas in Motion Impacting the Sports Industry (Read Article)
Please join us in welcoming our newest Advisory Board members…
Please join us in welcoming our newest Board Member…
Please join us in welcoming our newest Advisory Board members…
Congratulations are in order for our Advisory Board Members Sophia Ederaine and Johanny Lopez Dominguez! We were honored to celebrate with them this #MatchDay2022, as they both learned about their residency upon graduation this Spring!
I decided to join the Board of Directors for ElevateMeD because it aligns with my core value of inclusion. The literature showed that to provide the best healthcare to our patients, we need to understand their culture, speak their language, among other factors.
Healthcare is my ministry. It is a calling and my inroad to impact social change. I firmly believe that any disparity within our industry serves as a microcosm for injustices that continue to plague society-at-large. I am on a mission to truly transform healthcare and looking to partner with anyone that shares the same mindset.
I chose to pursue a career in anesthesiology because I enjoy moment-to-moment decision making as well as the practical application of physiology and pharmacology. 3% of anesthesiologists are reported to identify as Black/African-American. Of those 3%, the majority are women.
As a CPA, I was even more drawn to the organization due to our commitment to ensuring that our scholars are financially educationally equipped and prepared to navigate through their medical school matriculation fully informed.
Despite the fact that African American, Hispanic/Latino, and Native American populations make up nearly a third of the US population, as of 2016 they comprised only 17% of faculty at academic medical centers.
Annual Reports
As you turn the pages of our 2023 Impact report you will experience the power of the collective supporting, encouraging, and reshaping the future of medicine. We are grateful for all of you who joined the movement in 2023 and made transformation possible!
Our 2022 Impact Report is complete with insights that quantify what we’ve been able to accomplish as an organization. Our aim is to provide our current supporters and prospective donors with details regarding our Scholars Program, scholarship events, and highlights.
Since ElevateMeD launched in 2019, we’ve worked earnestly towards creating more diversity within medicine by supporting the next generation of physician leaders. This year has helped us to see clearly the fruits of our labor.
In 2020 ElevateMeD executed our mission while expanding the breadth and depth of our reach. Since inception, a short 18 months ago, we have raised over…
In 2019… We touched over 4.8K people… We welcomed 10 board members from across the country… We raised a total of $213,893.91 through online donations and our inaugural fundraising event in Scottsdale.
ElevateMeD returned to Atlanta to kick off our fifth anniversary at the iconic National Center for Civil and Human Rights!