2018 DOCS Mentorship Program

SEPTEMBER 8, 2018

Medical students and physicians from the Chicago area gathered in Hyde Park to launch the fifth year of the Doctors of Color (DOCs) Mentoring Program, a joint effort of Chicago Medical School and the Cook County Physicians Program. The program was created to promote and support medical students from under-represented minority groups. Students are matched with physician mentors who are alumni of Chicago-area medical schools, including CMS, Loyola, University of Chicago, University of Illinois at Chicago, Rush, and Northwestern. The students and their alumni mentors build and maintain professional networks and engage in other mentorship opportunities.

"A Toast to Good Health"

Abraham G. Kocheril, MD, FACC, FACP, FHRS, delivered a presentation titled "A Toast to Good Health" during medical grand rounds. Dr. Kocheril is Director of Cardiac Electrophysiology at the OSF HealthCare Cardiovascular Institute, Medical Director of Electrophysiology at the OSF HealthCare Heart of Mary Medical Center, and professor of medicine at the University of Illinois. In his presentation, he discussed the medical evidence that indicates that moderate wine consumption may lead to several health benefits. Before his presentation, Dr. Kocheril met with a small group of students to have lunch and give advice and guidance about ordering wine at restaurants.

"A Physician's View of Social Determinants of Health"

May 9, 2018

Eric E. Whitaker, MD, MPH, TWG Partners, LLC, and co-founder of Symphonix Health Holdings, LLC, presented "A Physician's View of Social Determinants of Health: Evolution from the Public to the Private Sector" during medical grand rounds. Before his presentation, Dr. Whitaker met with students for lunch and a small group discussion.

"The 5 Keys to Success"

April 14, 2018

UIC College of Medicine

Medical students and professionals from the Chicago area attended a diversity event hosted by CMS Office of Diversity and Cook County Physicians Association. The event gave students from CMS, UIC, Rush, Loyola, Northwestern, and the University Of Chicago an opportunity to network with one another, socialize and watch a presentation by AMA Board of Trustees Member Kevin Williams. Mr. Williams presented "The 5 Keys to Success."

"Health Equity: Is It Possible?"

April 11, 2018

Terry Mason, MD, Chief Operating Officer of the Cook County Department of Public Health, gave a medical grand rounds lecture titled “Health Equity: Is It Possible?” Before his presentation, Dr. Mason met with students for lunch and a small group discussion.

"Bridging the Cultural Divide to Emerge as an Equity-Minded Academic Health System through Inclusion Excellence"

February 28, 2018

David Acosta, MD, FAAFP, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer at the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) gave a medical grand rounds lecture titled “Bridging the Cultural Divide to Emerge as an Equity-Minded Academic Health System through Inclusion Excellence.”

"Building on a Foundation of Professionalism"

February 13, 2018

Eve J. Higginbotham, MD, SM, President of the Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Medical Honor Society and Vice Dean for Inclusion and Diversity at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine gave a medical grand rounds lecture on “Building on a Foundation of Professionalism.” Her presentation focused on the importance of professionalism and inclusion, and how physicians can display those traits in their daily work. She discussed the history of professionalism in medical school and the medical profession, including the foundation of the AOA Medical Honor Society in 1902. The mission of the AOA, a society founded on the core values of service, professionalism, and leadership, is to encourage “high ideals of thought and action” in medical schools and practice.

Before her presentation, Dr. Higginbotham had lunch with a group of medical students to answer questions about diversity and professionalism and share her experiences in medicine.