Open Registration
Registration is open to join the ACHIEVE Career & Networking Program!
Complete the Sign Up Form here.
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For a full list of ACHIEVE Events, visit this page
Your Goal is Our Goal.
'The Achieve program has been instrumental in providing me with numerous opportunities to interact with practicing healthcare professionals from various fields. These connections have been invaluable in opening doors for potential future opportunities upon graduation. I am truly grateful for the support and resources provided by the program. As a beneficiary of the Achieve program, I strongly encourage continued funding to ensure that future students have access to the same invaluable experiences and networking opportunities. I believe that IOMC's continued existence is crucial for the future success of aspiring healthcare professionals."
Oak Okafor
University of Illinois - College of Dentistry [Graduation 2025]
The Institute of Medicine of Chicago(IOMC) was awarded a two-year grant to develop a mentoring and networking program for Black and Latino male medical and dental students currently enrolled in accredited four-year medical or dental schools and universities.* The Otho S.A. Sprague Memorial Institute is providing a funding grant to develop this program. IOMC is committed to this initiative and is proud to receive this grant. Download Brochure here.
Why is this important?
Graduation rates have decreased in Black and Latino male medical and dental students since 1917.
Black and Latino female medical and dental graduation rates have increased over the past few years. These results are excellent news. Now, let's focus on a pending problem- the decreasing number of Black and Latino male physician and dental graduates.
This specific program aims to encourage and support students, and assist in building a solid network in their respective fields.
Impact
In addition to successful graduation, IOMC hopes the students will begin to understand the importance of their chosen careers in healthcare and oral health fields and assist in educating underserved populations in Chicago and its surrounding area in disease prevention.
In 2021, Black doctors made up about 5% of the US physician workforce, and African Americans make up 13% of the US population. [2020 Equity Study by the Illinois Board of Higher Education].
Other sources report that Black doctors only make up 2.3%. (WiseGeek.com)
Black students earned 5% of all doctoral degrees conferred in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields in the 2018-19 academic year. [Postsecondary National Policy Institute 8.2021].
Latino data does not fair better. Latino students have made progress on most measures but lag White students and have the lowest current attainment. There is a significant gap in completion rate between White and Latino students. Latinx students are at 50.6 percent vs. White students are at 68.4 percent at public universities. The numbers are not better at private universities. [Illinois Board of Higher Education 8.4.2020].
There is a large attainment gap between White, Black, and Latino adults. White adults at 38.1%, Black adults at 21.4%, and Latino adults at 14.1%. [Illinois Board of Higher Education 8.4.2020]
It is highly documented that Black Americans suffer from higher rates of chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and asthma. Black women have the highest maternal mortality rates, and Black babies have the highest infant mortality rates. The Latino population has a high propensity to obesity, diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease and cancer.
We hope these medical and dental students will become part of the solution through disease prevention in their practices and endeavors throughout their careers. Not only will this change the landscape in disease prevention and management, but the impact will also be longer life expectancy, a higher quality of life and wellbeing.
Career & Networking Program
IOMC will offer several opportunities over the next two years at no cost to you to help you succeed in your rigorous studies and build a network with accomplished healthcare, public health, oral health, and other interdisciplinary professionals.
- Virtual sessions on topics of interest
- Virtual Networking Breakouts Sessions to meet with other students*
- Annual half-day program
- Networking Forum throughout the year
- Free access to IOMC programs, webinars, events, and seminars*
- Preferred access to other forums, meetings and events*
To be eligible:
- Male Black or Latino Student in the Chicago area
- Currently Enrolled medical or dental student at an accredited medical and dental college or university in the Chicago area
- A Registered participant in the IOMC Career & Networking Program
*Must be a registered ACHIEVE student member
Interested....check out Student Feedback here>
Sign Up Now! Register for ACHIEVE - Career & Networking Program by completing this form now.
If you are interested in more information, please send an email to Deborah Hodges, Program Manager at dhodges@iomc.org, and state ACHIEVE (Black and Latino Career & Networking Program) in the Subject line. We will contact you.
Resources
Check out our ACHIEVE Resources page here>
The Otho S.A. Sprague Memorial Institute
The Otho S.A. Sprague Memorial Institute was incorporated in June 1910 to implement the bequest of one of Chicago's leading businessmen. Since its first Board Meeting in 1911, it has stayed true to its founder's intent, provided a cost-effective model of philanthropic management while at the same time exemplifying how focused, mid-sized foundations can make a difference. For more than a century, The Institute's self-perpetuating volunteer Board always has included the City's health and civic leaders whose fiscal prudence and programmatic vision have maintained it as philanthropy attuned to current needs while staying true to the founder's intent ...investigation of the causes of disease and the prevention and relief of human suffering in the City of Chicago.
Questions? Contact the IOMC office by sending an email to Deborah Hodges, Program Manager, at dhodges@iomc.org and state ACHIEVE (Black and Latino Career & Networking Program) in the subject line.
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