Second Annual Black Men In White Coats Youth Summit Inspires Future Medical Leaders
November 8, 2025Categories: Events
On Saturday, November 8, Saint Mary’s Hospital and Trinity Health Of New England proudly hosted the Second Annual Black Men In White Coats Youth Summit. It was a powerful and inspiring event that brought together over 1,000 students, parents, mentors, and health care professionals at the Palace Theater and UConn Waterbury.
Black Men In White Coats students and volunteers take the stage for a final thank you.
Black Men In White Coats student "STOP THE BLEED®" breakout session.
The summit, held in partnership with the national Black Men In White Coats (BMWC) organization, is part of a growing movement to increase diversity in medicine by fostering early exposure, mentorship, and leadership development among underrepresented youth, starting as early as third grade.
“This summit is more than an event, it’s a movement,” said Husnain Kermalli, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Saint Mary’s, who led the effort to bring BMWC to Connecticut. “Representation matters. When young people see someone who looks like them in a white coat, it plants a seed of possibility.”
Throughout the day, students engaged in hands-on workshops, including suturing, resuscitation, and ultrasound demonstrations. Parents and guardians had the opportunity to attend sessions on supporting their child’s medical aspirations, from navigating residency to maintaining mental wellness.
Shawna Edwards, DNP, MSN, RN, Chief Nursing Officer at Saint Mary’s, emphasized the importance of community engagement in shaping the future of health care, saying, “We are committed to building a health care workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Events like this help break down barriers and open doors for our youth.”
The summit also featured remarks from Waterbury Mayor Paul Pernerewski and a keynote address by Linda Barry, MD, MPH, FACS, Professor of Surgery and Public Health Sciences at UConn School of Medicine. Dr. Barry, who also serves as Associate Director of the UConn Health Disparities Institute, delivered a powerful message about courage and perseverance in medicine. “You can’t go into the OR and be afraid of anything,” she said. “I can give you the pearls, tools, and knowledge, but it is the mentee’s responsibility to keep the momentum going.”
“This is how we build a healthier, more equitable future – by investing in our youth, by mentoring with purpose, and by showing up for one another,” said Robert Roose, MD, MPH, President, Saint Mary’s. "We are honored to be part of this journey.”
The Black Men In White Coats Youth Summit continues to grow in reach and impact, and Saint Mary’s and Trinity Health Of New England are proud to be at the forefront of this transformative work.
