Representation in Healthcare: Health Sciences Colleges at UIC are Engaging Young People in the Community
The mission of the Urban Health Program (UHP), administered through the Office of the Vice Chancellor of Health Affairs, is to increase the representation of minority students in the health sciences at UIC and in health professions. UHP provides programming, resources, and support for pre-health and health professional students who are dedicated to addressing persistent health disparities in minority populations and improving the quality and availability of healthcare in underserved urban areas.
This summer, in coordination with UHP, several health sciences colleges at UIC participated in events focused on increasing Black male representation in the health professions.
College of Dentistry Urban Health Program Dental Camp Heading link
The week of August 8 through 12, 2002, the Urban Health Program at the UIC College of Dentistry hosted a Dental Camp for Black male students ranging from grades 9 through 12. Through experiential learning opportunities such as lectures, laboratory activities, clinical observation, and mentoring, the event exposed science-minded students to dental and scientific principles and technological applications in the field of dentistry. Participants learned about the dental profession and the many career options available, with the aim of increasing the number of Black males entering the field of dentistry.
Photos from the Event Heading link
The 2022 Black Men in White Coats Youth Summit Heading link
On Saturday, June 4, 2022, the second Black Men in White Coats Youth Summit took place at Malcolm X College, hosted by the Chicago Area Health Education Center of the Health & Medicine Policy Research Group. The summit brought together 500 students, parents, educators, clinicians, and community leaders to inspire youth to consider careers in healthcare while laying the foundation for success via mentorship and networking. The UIC Urban Health Program, College of Medicine, and School of Public Health were sponsors of the event, and the UIC College of Dentistry participated in the day’s activities.
Video from the Event Heading link
quote from Darryl Pendleton, DMD Heading link
“It is an honor to support and participate in events such as these, because they are such an excellent opportunity to engage with youth of color so they can learn about career possibilities in the health professions,” said Darryl Pendleton, DMD, executive director of the UIC Urban Health Program (UHP). “That is completely congruent with UHP’s mission of increasing the representation of minorities in the health sciences and advancing health equity for our communities.”