SBU’s Women of Color in Medicine Panel

In celebration of Women’s History Month, on March 25, 2019 the Stony Brook University Libraries Committee on Equity, Inclusion and Diversity presented the “SBU’s Women of Color in Medicine Panel.” The panelists included Dr. Allison McLarty, Associate Professor of Surgery/Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Dr. Alexandra Guillaume, Assistant Professor/Gastroenterologist, and Dr. Kimberly Noel, Clinical Assistant Professor/Director of Stony Brook Medicine Telehealth/Deputy Chief Medical Information Officer. Health Sciences Librarian Jessica Koos moderated the event.

Each panelist described her own personal journey to becoming highly successful in the field of medicine, highlighting some of the challenges that needed to be overcome. The presentations were highly inspirational, as these women were able to surpass significant obstacles in order to achieve their career goals.

Inel Lewis, the Program Director of Diversity Initiatives for the the Stony Brook Renaissance School of Medicine, provided a brief overview of the PACE Scholars program (Pre-Medical Access to the Clinical Experience). This program supports college students through the medical school admissions process, and also educates them about various specialties within the field of medicine.

In addition, several students from the CHILL Peer Health Education Program staffed several tables outside of the lecture hall, where they passed out educational materials, University Libraries promotional materials and feminine products.

The panel was well-attended and the audience was engaged throughout. Many students stayed past the event to talk to the speakers individually afterwards. Clearly there is a need for this type of programming, and discussions are underway to plan for similar events in the future.

Photograph of the three panelists.
Photograph of the three panelists.
Students and library staff at the CHILL table.
Students and library staff at the CHILL table.

Jessica Koos

Interim Head of Health Sciences Library at Stony Brook University Libraries
Jessica is the Interim Head of the Health Sciences Library. She is the librarian for the School of Medicine and the Department of Biomedical Informatics.
email: jessica.koos@stonybrook.edu
Posted in About Us, Health Sciences Library