It$$s so important to remind our kids that they can be anything they put their

minds to$.$ Texas physician Dr$.$ Dale Okorodudu is on a mission to do just that

with his Black Men in White Coats Youth Summit, which took place February

$16$ in Dallas, Texas. Established in $2013,$ the Black Men in White Coats

campaign aims to increase the number of Black men pursuing careers in the

medical industry.

$$Some alarming data came out that the number of Black men applying to the

field of medicine was decreasing. There were actually less in $2011$ than there

was in $1978,$ Dr$.$ Okorodudu shared via the organization$$s YouTube channel.

$$Our mission is to inspire the next generation of physician leaders and to

diversify the field of medicine with a special emphasis on Black males.$$

The event took place at UT Southwestern Medical Center, bringing together

students, parents, educators, clinicians, and community leaders. The students,

whose ages began at the third$-$grade level, were able to connect with mentors

and resources that would help them on the path to becoming doctors. It$$s an

opportunity that the participating doctors have learned to appreciate. With

medicine being a top field, the need for community among Black men is vital

for success.

There were so many incredible moments from #TeamBMWC Summit, but

moments like these will be the most impactful! Thank you to everyone

who contributed their time, money and ef orts! Let$$s be the village!

#blackmeninmedicine pic.twitter.com$/$tzmw$9$TSxxv

$$ Black Men In White Coats $($@TeamBMWC$)$ February $18,2019$

$$Medicine is a long road but it$$s a road that many people who perhaps look like

them have gone through and been successful. Medicine is a rewarding and

exciting and interesting field. I hardly saw any Black males when I was coming

up as a resident,$$ Dr$.$ Emeka Etufugh shared. $$I think it$$s something to see

somebody that looks like you, to inspire you, to help you know that it$$s possible

to come through this process and be a physician.$$

The summit also provided guidance for parents to help their children on this

career path. Salute to Dr$.$ Okorodudu for showing our Black boys the way The 'Black Men in White Coats' program is instilling the virtue in young black males that they can become doctors, this is a goal they can achieve. This is based on the fact there were fewer African Americans in the field in $2011$ than in $1978.$ Great program, but two questions of importance relating to are found in this article:

$1.$ This program has an inherent stereotype in it concerning reducing the restraining forces for persons of colour in the medical field, which was mentioned in the chapter concerning change. How can strategic change be implemented for people of colour in the medical field with this type of program? Should this program be expanded? Briefly explain your answer.

$2.$ There is a second issue concerning men's and women's roles in society. When you think of an outdated concept such as men and women and their roles in the home, are women supposed to stay home while men become the breadwinners? Is this the current North American reality concerning the changing demographics seen in organizations? How do you see each gender group's involvement in providing for the family? Briefly explain your answer.