Baptist Health Sciences University HealthCORE and Baptist Memorial Health Care welcomed more than 200 students, parents, community partners and health care professionals on June 18 to the White Coats Summit at the Baptist Health Sciences University Campus Hub.
The event connects Mid-South students with health care professionals, mentors and career pathways. Centered on the theme, “Seed for Success: Growing Your Path in Healthcare Together,” the event provided mentorship, career exploration and networking opportunities for students interested in pursuing careers in health care.
Designed for middle school, high school and college students, the summit introduced participants to a wide range of health care professions while emphasizing the importance of collaboration in patient care. Throughout the evening, students engaged with physicians, nurses, dentists, chiropractors, physical therapists, medical students and health care leaders who shared their experiences and encouraged students to pursue their goals with confidence.
The program opened with welcome remarks from Hampton Hopkins, Ed.D., president of Baptist Health Sciences University; Keith Norman, vice president/chief government affairs and community relations officer for Baptist Memorial; and Dr. Peter Bell, Baptist Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine dean and vice provost. Speakers challenged students to embrace opportunities for growth, pursue excellence and recognize the many pathways available within the health care profession.
A highlight of the evening was an interactive panel discussion moderated by Norman. Panelists included Dr. Jara Best Jones, pediatrician and health care leader; Dr. Tamunoinemi Bob-Manuel, interventional cardiologist; Dr. Fred Peete Jr., chiropractor and entrepreneur; Dr. Kruger Peoples, dentist and health care executive; Cathy Stepter, DNP, dean of nursing for Baptist Health Sciences University; Demetrius Hurst, a Baptist University College of Osteopathic Medicine student; and Alexander Allen, health coach and aspiring physical therapist.
“The White Coats Summit is about planting seeds of possibility and helping students see themselves in health care careers they may never have imagined,” said Lilian Nyindodo, Ph.D., MPH, MS, assistant dean for first and second year osteopathic medical students at Baptist University College of Osteopathic Medicine and chair of Baptist University HealthCORE. “When students connect with professionals who share their experiences, challenges and successes, they begin to understand that their goals are achievable. Our hope is that every participant leaves inspired, empowered and equipped with the confidence and connections needed to pursue their path in health care.”
Using the summit’s theme as a framework, panelists discussed the “seeds” that inspired their careers, the challenges they overcame during their training and the impact they hope to make through service to others. Their stories highlighted the importance of perseverance, mentorship and teamwork in building meaningful health care careers. The panel also underscored the concept of “One Patient, One Team,” demonstrating how professionals from different disciplines work together to achieve the best outcomes for patients.
Following the panel session, students participated in professional exhibitor and mentor stations where they explored health care career pathways, learned about educational requirements and connected directly with health care professionals from across the Mid-South. The interactive format allowed participants to ask questions, gain practical advice and begin building relationships that may support their future academic and professional journeys.
“Mentorship has the power to change the trajectory of a student’s life,” said Professor Ann Marie Wallace Peoples, MSPH, HealthCORE leader and system senior coordinator of community involvement and special events for Baptist Memorial. “The White Coats Summit creates meaningful opportunities for students to engage with health care professionals, ask questions and build relationships that can support their future success. It is exciting to see professionals from across our community investing their time and talent to encourage the next generation of health care leaders.”
The summit concluded with reflections, next steps and evaluation activities led by HealthCORE leadership. Organizers received positive feedback from attendees, many of whom expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage with professionals representing a diverse range of health care disciplines and career experiences.
“Students left the summit with new connections, valuable insights and renewed motivation to pursue their dreams. The White Coats Summit once again demonstrated the power of mentorship, collaboration and community partnership in shaping the next generation of health care leaders,” Nyindodo said.
The White Coats Summit is part of the Baptist University HealthCORE initiative, which seeks to expose students to health care careers while providing educational resources, mentorship and support to help them succeed. Through programs, such as the White Coats Summit, HealthCORE continues to strengthen the pipeline of future health care professionals and inspire students to pursue careers dedicated to serving others.
To learn more about the Baptist University HealthCORE Program, please visit https://www.baptistu.edu/BaptistUHealthCORE.
