Health care is a field where diversity can significantly impact the quality of care and community health outcomes. Russell Sage College is addressing these issues by introducing youths to the industry through their ICAN Summit.

The kids on hand have the opportunity to help advance diversity in health care.

“I feel like I’m, like, actually a doctor and, like, I’m actually learning stuff,” said Fatoumata Diallo, a ninth grader gaining firsthand experience through an exercise exploring heart anatomy, fulfilling her childhood aspirations.

What You Need To Know

  • The ICAN Summit is hosted by Russell Sage College to promote diversity in health care

  • The event targets K-12 students, offering hands-on STEM experiences
  • Nearly 64% of physicians are white, highlighting representation gaps  
  • The health care sector has seen significant job growth post-pandemic 

  • Participants and educators emphasize the importance of diverse role models

“As a child, I always wanted to be a doctor. So once my mom told me about this program, I just really wanted to come,” Diallo added.

Russell Sage College hosted the ICAN Summit for K-12 youth, focusing on STEM in health care. The event aimed to create equitable community health solutions and explore career options for diverse backgrounds.

“The earlier we expose children to these types of activities, the more their interest might perk in a career, in some type of science-related path in the future,” said Amy Dixon, a lecturer of nursing at Russell Sage College.

A recent report from the state comptroller reveals that the health care industry saw the largest post-pandemic job growth, adding nearly 100,000 new positions.

“My health care provider did not look like me. So I want to be the example for people that look like me. And I want to motivate people to go into STEM and to choose STEM fields as their future career,” said Mena Abdelmegeb, a graduate student at Russell Sage College.

The American Medical Association reported that nearly 64% of practicing physicians identify as white. As the health care industry continues to grow, officials say it’s crucial to address the gaps in representation that persist.

“We want to set an example now that anybody could do it. It doesn’t matter what your skin color is; it doesn’t matter what your ethnicity is. Everyone has the opportunity and we need to take opportunities like that,” Abdelmegeb said.