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MCC Daily Tribune Archive

White Coat Ceremony Welcomes Minority Students into Biomedical Community


Yesterday, June 29, nine high school students were welcomed into the Rochester Biomedical Experience, a program that promotes minority participation in biomedical fields. The students received personalized white lab coats in a ceremony that symbolically marked the following students’ passage from high school students to biomedical scholars. The event was held in the Warshof Conference Center, R. Thomas Flynn Campus Center.

The Rochester Biomedical Experience is funded by a $624,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health as part of the Bridges to the Baccalaureate program. Now in its second year, the collaboration between Monroe Community College and Rochester Institute of Technology seeks to build on its success. Participants will complete their associate degree at MCC and then transfer to RIT to finish their bachelor’s degree in a biomedical field. The program serves as a pipeline for talented students who otherwise may not have the opportunity to obtain a bachelor’s degree.

The new scholars who will begin their studies at MCC are Bakari McAllister, The Aquinas Institute of Rochester; Mohamed Mohamed, East High School; Anil More, Thomas Jefferson High School; Brianca Parker, Wilson Magnet High School; Brenda Ramos, Wilson Magnet High School; Mayra Rodriguez, East High School; Jocelyn Santiago, East High School; LaShay Sewell, School of Applied Technology at Edison; and Beniam Yeataihe, School Without Walls.

The event included remarks from college dignitaries and Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks. Tom Smith, professor of chemistry at RIT, served as keynote speaker and shared his personal experiences with the new scholars.

           

According to MCC Vice President Janet Glocker supporting student success is paramount. “The promising students who participate in the Rochester Biomedical Experience have the opportunity to become leaders in biomedicine. Most importantly, they will serve as role models to others who, through their example, will find the courage and determination to also pursue biomedical careers and make a significant impact on health care nationwide.”

Minority groups remain disproportionately underrepresented within the ranks of health care professionals. Studies strongly suggest an increase in diversity among health professionals will lead to improved access to health care for minorities, greater patient choice and more focus on diseases that predominantly affect minorities.

Rosanna Condello
College and Community Relations
06/30/2006