JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
A nationwide tour geared towards encouraging and preparing more minority students to earn degrees in medicine stopped at Jackson State University on Friday. It's called the "Tour for Diversity in Medicine."
Jackson State University Junior Kenita Stokes knows exactly what she wants to do after she earns her undergraduate degree.
"I want to be a doctor so I can serve the undeserved," said Stokes.
Stokes is one of a number of JSU students taking advantage of the "Tour for Diversity in Medicine." The students get to interact with doctors and medical students from across the country who can give them insight into entering the medical profession. Of course, one of the first steps is the med school application.
"What information do they need to fill, how best to write their personal statement, we have a test taking skills workshop that's not about teaching them the info on the test , but how to approach the test," said Dr. Kameron Matthews.
A major component of the tour is to motivate and encourage more minorities to enter the medical field.
"Some students are first generation college students so we're here to let them know we've walked the same road and they can too," said Dr. Bridget Rideau, JSU's pre-med coordinator.
Statistics indicate that in the U.S., African-Americans, Latinos and Native-Americans combined only make up 6 percent of doctors and 5 percent of dentists. More minority physicians could improve ethnic and racial health disparities.
"There are studies that show that increasing the diversity of the physician workforce not only improves health outcomes, but it also actually provides some education for the non-minority providers as well," said Dr. Matthews.
Planning is already underway for two more "Tour for Diversity in Medicine" tours. The one this fall will focus on colleges with large Latino populations and the tour in 2013 will focus reach out to Native American college students.
Jackson State University was the last stop for the weeklong inaugural "Tour for Diversity in Medicine." Other stops this week included Hampton University in Virginia and Tuskegee University in Alabama.
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