“The road to becoming a doctor is a long and often bumpy one for everyone. Having a community to support a student and provide guidance can make the difference between wearing a white coat and giving up on that dream,” said Brit Anderson, a physician in UofL’s Department of Pediatrics. “Students who do not have family and friends in the medical field may miss out on this supportive medical community.”

Anderson, along with V. Faye Jones, associate vice president for health affairs – diversity initiatives at the Health Sciences Center and vice chair of inclusive excellence in the Department of Pediatrics, teamed up with Leondra Gully, advisor for the Woodford R. Porter Scholarship Program, to create the new initiative.

The program is aimed at , a scholarship program for exceptional undergraduate students of color from Kentucky and neighboring Indiana counties. First-year students through seniors interested in health care go through an application process to take part in the niche Porter Scholars in Medicine Program, now in its second year.  

Students receive mentoring and shadowing experiences from UofL physicians, and are also able to participate in clinical experiences including simulation and ultrasound. They learn about the medical school application process and entrance exam, gain insight related to the history of medical disparities in underrepresented communities and connect with students in UofL’s chapter of the Student National Medical Association. The program also hosts book clubs and discussions.

“I don’t think people realize the value of this program; there were no specific programs for Black and Brown students wanting to go into medicine. This a welcome space, and a different feeling of support – it’s what we need,” said Hayley Benson, a biology major and one of 17 students participating in this year’s Porter Scholars in Medicine program.

Diversifying the medical field

Gully says the program not only supports students interested in becoming physicians, but the ultimate outcome is far reaching – to diversify the medical field.

“We know from life experiences and the literature more diverse doctors are needed,” she said. “Diversity in the medical field has been proven to impact health disparities for marginalized communities and goes a long way in helping those communities receive equitable health care and improve patient outcomes.”

Senior Diane Appiasie can relate. She says her interest in medicine stems from the impact of health care providers throughout her life, and the aspiration to provide the same quality of care for others.

“I have been further driven to pursue a career in the medical field by a desire to continue advocating for health equity as a health care professional,” says Appiasie, who hopes to focus on a career in emergency medicine and neurology.

One future goal of the program is to engage students in off-campus experiences. Gully and her team are working to coordinate an opportunity this fall for Porter Scholars to see a live surgery through the Kentucky Science Center Pulse of Surgery program. Organizers also hope to explore ways to eventually secure funding for students who want to attend medical school.

“We know this program can be impactful, and we’re excited to see it grow,” Anderson said. “It is such an honor to work with this team and meet these wonderful students as we strive to advance health equity in our community.”

Tell us about your journey to Louisville.

I am from Hopkinsville, Kentucky, and knew I wanted to attend school not too far from home. My older sister attended UofL, so the university was not a stranger to our household. Considering my choice of the social work major, I knew UofL would be a great fit because the Kent School was one of the top social work programs in the state. Also, the Woodford R. Porter Scholarship allowed me the great opportunity to attend school at little to no cost. With all of these factors, UofL was the best fit for me.

You’re involved in many leadership and mentoring opportunities. Talk about those, please.

The Woodford Porter Scholarship has produced a community for Porter Scholars to feel empowered and focuses on service, scholarship, heritage and leadership. As a Porter Scholar, I have to be able to maintain my focus and drive towards my education. 

I’m also involved in C.O.N.E.C.T. That stands for Caring of New Students Experiencing College Transition. CONECT has given me the opportunity to mentor incoming African American students. This past year was tricky due to COVID-19 restrictions, but I enjoyed helping and guiding my mentees. CONECT is a team effort that involves our advisors, mentors and mentees. I’m thankful to be a part of a great team.

Another mentorship experience is the President’s Council Mentoring Program. It is a one-year program that matches students with a mentor in our desired career field. This year, my mentor Ben Langley and I collaborated to expand my opportunities in social work. I definitely enjoy meeting with him and networking with other professionals. Through this program, I have decided that I want to work with children and families in Kentucky. 

What is the student experience like at UofL?

There is always something to do or someone to see. I’m grateful for the variety of RSOs here on campus because it gives students the opportunity to branch out on campus and in the community. 

How did you become interested in social work?

I was watching Netflix one day and came across the show “Girls Incarcerated,” which centered around an Indiana juvenile corrections facility. Seeing how much the ladies’ social worker had an impact on their lives during and after incarceration inspired me. After I did some research on local and state facts, I decided social work would be the perfect fit for me. In social work, I am able to serve my community, help children and families and promote social justice all in one profession. 

What are your long-term goals?

After completion of my BSW, I will be working under the Public Child Welfare Certification Program for two years in Kentucky. I have hopes of earning a MSW, and eventually a PhD in social work. There is a strong need for social workers in Kentucky, so my biggest plan is to serve my community to the best of my ability. 

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A recipient of the Woodford R. Porter and Brown Fellows scholarships, Shontee graduated last year from UofL in the top 1 percent of her class with a bachelor of mechanical engineering degree. This year, she will receive her master’s degree. The 2012 duPont Manual grad has served on numerous student organizations, including the UofL chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers, Speed School’s Women in Engineering Leadership Conference and the Miss Black UofL Scholarship Pageant. As a Brown Fellows scholar, she created a summer camp for minority girls to help get them involved in STEM fields.

“My education and academics in general are very important to me, and that’s one thing I’ve always been very driven about. As far as activities and organizations I’m involved with, academics is important there too because I like to see other people succeed academically. So I try to tailor my extracurriculars and things I’m involved with to helping other people succeed.”

In her free time, Shontee volunteers at the West End School as a tutor and mentor and grades calculus homework for professors in the Engineering Fundamentals department. She has received numerous recognitions for her outstanding work, including the ASME Pi Tau Sigma Award, the NBSC Louisville Chapter Award, the KSPE Service Award and Speed School’s Alfred T. Chen Award.

Conrad Smart, a 2013 graduate of Woodford County High School, is graduating with his bachelor’s degrees in physics and mathematics, anticipating a perfect 4.0 GPA. During his undergrad, he participated in various research projects with applications including nanomaterials, plasma physics and particle accelerators. His work has taken him to the laboratories of UCLA and Cornell University as an undergraduate research assistant.

“The University Physics and Astronomy department has been pivotal in my development as a scientist. In the mentorships, the opportunities, the community as a whole, I have watched students, including myself, become independent and creative thinkers. My peers and my faculty in the department have constantly provided me new and interesting stimulation necessary to bring a young student into the scientific fields.”

Smart is a recipient of the Barry Goldwater Scholarship, James Graham Brown Scholarship and the Dean’s Scholarship, and has participated twice in the National Science Foundation’s Research Experience for Undergraduate Programs. When he’s not trying to unravel the universe’s secrets, Smart enjoys playing saxophone, ballroom dancing and hiking.

Commencement will be held on Saturday, May 13 at the KFC Yum! Center beginning at 10 a.m.