The AAHPM Next Gen Scholars for Equity in Hospice and Palliative Medicine program sponsors residents from underrepresented communities who are interested in hospice and palliative medicine (HPM). Research shows that providing culturally effective HPM services to marginalized communities can help address disparities. Additionally, studies indicate that healthcare outcomes and patient satisfaction improve significantly when physicians reflect the populations they serve. However, African American and Hispanic physicians make up less than 5% and 8% of hospice and palliative medicine fellows, respectively. To address this gap, AAHPM has developed this program to introduce and promote hospice and palliative medicine to a wider range of resident physicians.
AAHPM conducted interviews with our inaugural group of Next Generation Scholars, who joined the program in August 2023. We sought to gain insight into their motivations for applying and what they find fulfilling about being part of the Next Gen Scholars program.
What drew you to this opportunity?
My personal experience as a companion to a gentleman with stage 4 lung cancer, combined with my volunteer work with Heart n Soul Hospice, ignited my passion for hospice and palliative care. This program aligns perfectly with my aspirations in this field, offering mentorship and support that I value deeply.
What do you hope to gain from the program?
The invaluable mentorship provided by Dr. Khaliah Johnson, a leader in pediatric palliative care, has been transformative. Having a mentor who shares my values of advocacy and spirituality, while also being a minority leader in the field, has been incredibly inspiring and enriching.
What has been the biggest benefit to being a scholar in the program?
The invaluable mentorship provided by Dr. Khaliah Johnson, a leader in pediatric palliative care, has been transformative. Having a mentor who shares my values of advocacy and spirituality, while also being a minority leader in the field, has been incredibly inspiring and enriching.
What is something you have accomplished already that you are proud of?
I am proud to have been elected Co-President of both the Meharry Psychiatry Interest Group and the Thomas-Hardy Internal Medicine Society at Meharry Medical College. Additionally, stepping into a role as a student chaplain and launching a campus ministry are exciting endeavors that I am eager to pursue.
How do you see this program benefiting you in the future?
This program will provide me with the mentorship, skills, and insights necessary to excel in the field of hospice and palliative care. It will equip me to be a compassionate and effective advocate for patients and families, while also fostering my growth as a minority leader in healthcare.
What’s your next goal you wish to accomplish?
Building on my background in music ministry, I am passionate about exploring the therapeutic effects of music in end-of-life care settings. My next goal is to investigate the impact of faith-based music on individuals receiving hospice care, aiming to contribute to the growing body of knowledge in this area.
The Next Gen Scholars for Equity in HPM program is now accepting applications, apply before July 1, 2024. Visit our webpage for more information.