A new six-minute documentary showcases the Journey to Medicine (JTM) Academic Mentorship Program and a few words from the program’s students and Gateway Medical Society President and department faculty member William Simmons, MD.
JTM creates a pipeline of academically-enriched African American males. The program aims to increase the number of minority males on the path toward careers in medicine by reaching students early in their schooling. Students start in the sixth grade and are exposed to an intensive augmentation of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). A total of 104 inner city students are currently enrolled in the pipeline to the 12th grade.
The first JTM group graduated from high school this summer. Ten students graduated with honors; four were National Honor Society members, and one student was the class president from Allderdice High School. All will attend the college of their choice and intend to major in a STEM-related field. Eight of the 10 graduating students received grants and scholarships amounting to a full ride in college.
The JTM program is one of the main reasons that Gateway Medical Society, Inc. was named Society of the Year nationwide by the National Medical Association in August 2015. They continue to build a legacy of excellence.