Westchester County officials are seeking more African-American and Hispanic medical professionals as mentors for minority students considering careers in medicine.
The volunteer recruitment is part of the county”™s Dare to Be a Doctor program, which drew 550 minority middle school and high school students to a conference in October. The countywide mentoring initiative was recommended last year by the Blue Ribbon Task Force on Health Care Disparities.
The county also has launched an electronic tool at its Web site, www.westchestergov.com, to help students connect with medical professionals and stay informed about future forums and activities.
County Executive Andrew Spano said the county is looking for accomplished African-American and Hispanic physicians, dentists, pharmacists and other health care professionals to volunteer their time as student mentors, either one-on one or through the county”™s speakers bureau. Volunteers can join online at the county”™s Dare to be a Doctor page.
The fall conference included interactive presentations by more than 20 prominent African-American and Hispanic health care professionals. Its goal was to encourage more minorities to become physicians to help provide equal access to health care for all.
