For Immediate Release
Contact Information
Tricia Piper-Bennett
P: 415-914-5511
Bronx, NY — A diverse physician workforce is critical to improving health equity and meeting the needs of a diverse community. Becoming a doctor still ranks in the top five career aspirations of America’s youth. But many do not perceive a trajectory to realize these aspirations as they progress through middle and high school.
In an effort to encourage students’ career paths, Resident physicians in the Committee of Interns and Residents SEIU (CIR/SEIU) have participated in career days across New York City over the last several years, most recently at Queens PS 52 this Spring. On Wednesday (Nov 27), CIR/SEIU members and physicians will speak with Bronx students at Lehman High School. Here students of color, the majority of whom are Hispanic, compose 89 percent of student enrollment. This is higher than the New York state average of 56 percent.
Dr. Jeans Santana, PGY-3 in Anesthesiology at Kings County Hospital, stated, “Our youth must know that doctoring is an attainable goal. It is not an untouchable or impossible achievement. It takes a bit of brain and will power. Mentorship is also pivotal. So I am here to extend my hand and assist those aspiring doctors who may oftentimes be discouraged.”
Understanding how important it is for young students of color to see and relate to doctors who share similar experiences and backgrounds, CIR/SEIU carefully identified Resident physicians who were born and/or raised in the Bronx or New York City for their first Lehman High School Career Day.
Bronx Representative Ocasio-Cortez has asserted that education can embolden communities to forge sustainable futures. These school events provide a concrete opportunity for CIR/SEIU members to pay it forward, mentoring New York City’s students and future doctors while also addressing the issue of health equity in our communities of color.
Event details:
When: Wednesday, November 27 8:30am – 12:30pm
Where: Lehman High School, 3000 E Tremont Ave, Bronx, NY
The Committee of Interns and Residents (CIR) is the largest housestaff union in the United States. A local of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), representing over 17,000 Resident physicians, interns and fellows. Our members are dedicated to improving residency training and education, advancing patient care, and expanding healthcare access for our communities.
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