UPLAND, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — A new program launched Monday in the Chester area aims to get children of color passionate about the medical profession and other science fields.
The Crozer Health ID (Increasing Diversity) STEM program began with a white-coat ceremony for dozens of students. The program is about exposing more kids of color to careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.
Dr. Thomas Butler, a man of color himself, started the initiative. The transplant surgeon at Crozer Medical Center said there were people in his life who tried to discourage him from pursuing the profession.
“(They were) telling me that I couldn’t be a doctor because the road was too long. It was too much school,” Dr. Butler said, pointing to his fresh pair of kicks.
“I’ve got on my Jordans today. Really, I’m just showing them that I’m the same as them, and they can be me.”
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Dr. Butler grew up on the south side of Chicago. During the ceremony, he showed pictures of his friends and classmates, several of whom lost their lives to gun violence.
“Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future,” he said, stressing to the kids the importance of surrounding themselves with like-minded individuals who have similar goals.
During Monday’s white coat ceremony, Dr. Butler called the students up one by one and adorned them with a brand new coat which they must wear throughout the week-long program. The prefix “Dr.” precedes their embroidered names on the coat.
“Dr. Nahla Muhammad! Come on up! Welcome to the program!” he said with excitement.
There was an immediate change in attitude and demeanor among the students after they received their white coats. They walked differently and held their heads a bit higher. They carried a sense of accomplishment and optimism for their futures.
“That energy that was in the room will be palpable for them forever. It gives them something to reach for. That’s why we do it,” said Dr. Butler. “I remember my white coat ceremony, and they will too.”
Muhammad, 12, said she wants to be a paleontologist.
“I’ve been obsessed with dinosaurs since I was four,” said Muhammad. “When I found out there was a scientist for dinosaurs, looking for fossils, eggs and old bones, I was willing to become a paleontologist,” she said.
Tanyia Alexander, 15, plans to be a cardiothoracic surgeon.
“I’ve always been fascinated by medicine, and by hearts as well,” Alexander said. “I’ve always wanted to hold a heart in my hand and be able to fix it.”
Ionie-Joy Benjamin, who is just 9 years old, said she wants to be either a doctor or a fashion designer.
“Half of the people in the world don’t get this opportunity, so I’m really happy to be here.” she said with a smile.
The students will not only watch, but will take part in the dissection of fetal pigs and frogs, along with healthcare simulation labs. Physicians, scientists, residents, and medical students from Drexel University will lead discussion sessions as well. The students will also learn about organ transplants.
This innovative program is funded by a grant from the Transplant Foundation, an affiliate of Gift of Life Donor Program. They call themselves the leading organ procurement organization in the U.S.
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“This is about creating a future and deciding what it looks like,” said Gift of Life Donor Program Clinical Transplant Coordinator Kimberlee Mander.
“In this case, we want to have a future that has more persons of color pursuing careers in STEM, because we know that makes a difference.”
47 students from Chester Boys & Girls Club and Chester STEM Academy who are 8 to 18 years old have been selected to participate.
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