Saint Mary’s Hospital held a screening of the Black Men In White Coats documentary on Tuesday, September 24. The film featuring the organization’s founder, Dale Okorodudu, M.D., and a host of prominent Black physicians and celebrities provides context to why and how this national movement was created. The goal of Black Men In White Coats is to increase the number of Black men and women in the field of medicine through exposure, inspiration and mentorship.
Pictured left to right: Husnain Kermalli, M.D., Stephen Maddox, M.D., Kwame Asante, M.D., Judge Maurice Mosley, Frederick Comrie, M.D., Dawn Johnson, MSN, RN and Samuel Laurencin, M.D., PhD.
The evening began with a blessing by Saint Mary’s Mission Leader, Stephanie Boccuzzi, remarks from Frederick Comrie, M.D., Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Trinity Health Of New England Medical Group who shared his story, and an introduction to the film from retired Judge Maurice Mosely. After the 80-minute screening, a physician panel moderated by Dawn Johnson, MSN, RN, president and CEO of DHJ Services, was assembled to discuss the film and provide answers to questions from the audience. The panel featured Kwame Asante, M.D., Chairman of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at Saint Francis Hospital and Director of Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital; Samuel Laurencin, M.D., PhD, Orthopedic Surgeon, Neurosurgery, Orthopaedics and Spine Specialists; Stephen Maddox, M.D., Pediatric Medicine, Pediatric Associates of Connecticut and Rebecca Newell, Director, Family Health Center, Trinity Health Of New England Medical Group.
The evening was a powerful and inspiring reminder of why Saint Mary’s is hosting the inaugural Connecticut Black Men In White Coats Youth Summit on November 9. This FREE event is open to boys and girls from 3rd grade – college, parents, educators and healthcare professionals. For more information or to register visit trinityhealthofne.org/BMWC.