Life
Profile: Dr. Kameron Matthews co-founder of the Tour for Diversity in Medicine
Over a lunch of sandwiches and chips, Dr. Renee Volny told two students that keeping in touch with their mentors made it easier for them to write glowing recommendation letters.
“Don’t be discouraged if you’re hoping for someone to mentor you and they’re not reaching out,” she said. “Contact your mentor.”
Years ago, Hampton University gave that kind of help to Dr. Alden Landry, one of the tour’s co-directors. As a Hampton High School student, Landry participated in a university program that set him on the path to medical school.
“I didn’t even know the process of becoming a physician until I did that program,” said Landry, an emergency room physician at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.
A physician’s race can make a difference for patients. Those cared for by doctors of the same race say they’re more satisfied with their visits and more engaged in their treatment, according to research.
Minority physicians also are more likely to treat minority patients. In 2007, more than 45 percent of black medical school graduates said they planned to practice in an under-served area compared with about 21 percent of all graduates.
“They’re more interested in helping their own community,” Matthews said.
