A new student organization on the University of Louisville School of Medicine campus, Black Men in White Coats (BMWC), is already making an impact in Louisville and beyond. With Black men representing less than 3% of the nation’s physician population-- a number that continues to decline--BMWC is dedicated to reversing this trend by focusing on the recruitment and retention of Black men in medicine. The chapter embodies the belief that “you cannot be what you cannot see,” and strives to create opportunities for future physicians to envision themselves in the field.

Through partnerships with local schools, BMWC is helping young Black boys and men to discover that careers in medicine are attainable. Elementary students have the opportunity to try on scrubs and white coats, sparking early interest in healthcare professions. For high school students, BMWC offers insights into the pathway to medical school, helping them recognize their potential to succeed in the field of medicine.

BMWC also engages with undergraduate and graduate medical students, facilitating important conversations about navigating medical education as a Black male. A recent screening of the documentary Black Men in White Coats on Martin Luther King Jr. Day brought together students and faculty for a discussion on the importance of representation in medicine, sparking change from within.

“As a first-year student and charter member of the chapter, BMWC has had a profound impact on my experience here at ULSOM so far,” said BMWC founding president Agboade Sobowale. “With only three other black men in my class, this organization has not only fostered a sense of community among the students, but has also provided valuable  networking opportunities with Black physicians throughout Louisville.”

Collaboration is another cornerstone of BMWC’s mission.  The group regularly partners with organizations like the Student National Medical Association, Falls City Medical Society, and the Black Male Initiative, expanding its reach and creating opportunities for mentorship and professional development.

“While we work to provide representation for our younger students, we also continue to seek guidance from more senior physicians along this journey,” said BMWC vice president Cameron West. “Mentorship is a powerful tool that opens doors for growth and career advancement.”

Looking ahead, BMWC has some upcoming events that promise to further their mission. In partnership with the University Writing Center, the chapter will host a resume workshop designed to help medical students translate their experiences, leadership, and research into polished CVs. An upcoming panel discussion with UofL undergraduate students will emphasize the power of diversity and the possibility of achieving one’s goals, with BMWC members sharing their own journeys in hopes of inspiring others.

Looking to the future, BMWC plans to expand its community outreach and strengthen its presence in Louisville.

Dwayne Compton, Ed.D., M.Ed., chief diversity officer for the School of Medicine and advisor for the BMWC chapter, recognizes the stark importance of BMWC’s initiatives. “By increasing representation in medicine, we can send a message to patients that there are providers who don’t just see their needs but understand them. Research shows that patient outcomes improve when they receive care from racially concordant providers. The work of the Black Men in White Coats chapter here at the University of Louisville School of Medicine is making that vision a reality.”

As one of many outstanding student organizations at the ULSOM, BMWC exemplifies leadership and service. ULSOM is fully committed to supporting the chapter’s mission to address the urgent need for greater representation of Black men in medicine. We are incredibly proud of the work being done by our dedicated student leaders, who are paving the way for a more inclusive future in healthcare.