More than two dozen students are on their way to a future in medicine. The group of 7th grade students received their white coats at a special ceremony at Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s Stecker Auditorium on Thursday, March 19, as part of the Made for Medicine program, an affiliate of the Columbus Medical Association.  

Made for Medicine, which celebrates its five-year anniversary this year, focuses on increasing the number of doctors and advancing health equity by preparing youth to enter the medical field. The 26 students honored on March 19 have now successfully completed Phase 1 of the program, which includes teaching, hands-on learning, guest speakers, and simulations.  

Students were joined by their families and guests, along with Made for Medicine board members and faculty members, to receive their white coats. Just like a medical student graduating medical school, the ceremony doesn’t just represent the completion of one journey; it marks the beginning of the next. 

“This is about health equity,” said Made for Medicine founder and board chair Dr. Laura Espy-Bell. “Because every child, regardless of their zip code, their income, or the color of their skin deserves doctors who see them value them and truly believe in their potential.” 

Congratulations to Phase 1 graduates and future physicians: 

• Chizara Akusoba 
  
• Daenerys Alabi 
• Aatif Arif 
• Tselot Assefa 
• Mya Brim 
• Bryce Carpenter 
• Kason Cumberlander 
• Adrian Frederick II 
• Serenity Hardy 
• Ainsley James 
• Jordan Jennings 
• Salaia Jones-Munns 
• Ariann Lightfoot-Lynch 
• Pierce Marshall 
• Dre'Onna Moore 
• Michelle Narh 
• Dhinan Rajan 
• Willow Rogers
• Anisa Salah
• Bethel Solomon
• Jayla Thomas
• Naomi Washington
• Amiyah Williams
• Jeremiah Wilmer
• Tyra Woody
• Bryce Wright

Watch this video to learn more about these future doctors and this incredible program. The students will continue to Phase 2-Deeper Dive in the fall, with labs, hospital field trips, and leadership development. 

Made for Medicine leaders also honored seven medical student volunteers who are graduating from medical school and continuing on to the next step in their careers. 

• Tyler Bonner 
• Camari Mike 
• Greg Norwood 
• Maliek Scott 
• Prosper Ssekayombya 
• Abahamdah Wako 
• Dean Ware 

Made for Medicine is a program sponsored by the Franklin County Board of Commissioners and the Columbus Medical Association Foundation.