Made for Medicine students learned about service and service learning during an event called “White Coats Giving Back” in September. 

The phase 3 students, who are in 11th grade, heard from Made for Medicine staff, medical students, residents, and fellows as they shared their experiences in giving back, including Doctors Without Borders, an independent medical humanitarian organization providing assistance in over 75 countries. 

Students also prepared kits for families spending time at the Ronald McDonald House of Central Ohio. 

Learn more about Made for Medicine and their mission to attract more Black talent to the medical profession on their website.  

The CMA’s Medical Student Specialty Fair was a success! Dozens of students attended the event on October 7, 2025 to learn more about a wide range of specialty areas and make key connections as they plan for their careers in medicine. Find more photos here.
The following physicians volunteered to host a table and speak with students:

• Allergy - Basil Kahwash, MD
  
• Cardiology - Kanny Grewal, MD
• Dermatology - Brett Kockentiet, MD
• Emergency Medicine - Robert Lowe, MD
• Family Medicine - Mike Johnson, MD, Neelam Jhurani, MD; Jessica Motley, MD
  
• Hospitalist - Mehren Mostafavifar, MD
• Infectious Disease - Ruth Mullowney-Agra, MD
• Internal Medicine - Matthew Skomorowski, MD
  
• Nephrology - Christopher Brown, MD
• Neurology - Aniket Natekar, MD
• Obstetrics & Gynecology - Tracy Cook, MD
• Oncology - Mark Segal, MD
• Ophthalmology - Lisa Borkowski, MD
• Orthopedic Surgery - Ryan Blackwell, MD
• Pediatrics - Nathan Fister, MD
• Psychiatry - Nita Bhatt, MD
• Radiology - Kristin Foley, MD
• Sports Medicine - Kelley Clem, MD
• Surgery - Keshav Deshpande, DO

A special thanks to our event sponsors for helping inspire and support these students -- The CMA Foundation, Orthopedic One, and WesBanco!

Domestic violence is a pervasive public health issue that touches every community. It cuts across age, race, income and geography, leaving lasting harm to survivors and families. Nearly all healthcare professionals will eventually treat a patient impacted by domestic or family violence. For physicians, recognizing the signs and understanding the dynamics is essential. Each year, domestic violence affects an estimated 10 million people in the U.S., affecting one in four women and one in nine men.¹  Despite these numbers, intimate partner violence remains highly underreported, which means the true prevalence is even greater.
Domestic violence extends beyond physical harm. It includes emotional, psychological, financial and sexual abuse. These behaviors are used to exert control within intimate or family relationships. The patterns often escalate in severity over time, making early recognition by healthcare providers even more important.

Why Healthcare Providers Are Central to the Response

For many victims, the healthcare system is their only consistent contact outside the home. Physicians and nurses encounter these patients in emergency rooms, clinics and primary care offices. Sometimes patients impacted by violence present with suspicious injuries, but just as often they come for unrelated concerns. This uniquely positions providers to identify abuse, initiate conversations and connect patients with resources. Clinicians are also key in recognizing human trafficking victims, who frequently seek medical care while avoiding law enforcement.

Warning Signs Physicians May Notice

Victims may show injuries in different stages of healing, vague or inconsistent explanations, or frequent visits for nonspecific complaints like headaches or abdominal pain. Emotional cues such as anxiety, depression or withdrawal can also be indicators. Observing who accompanies the patient is critical. Controlling or overly protective partners may insist on answering questions or refuse to leave the exam room.

Read more physician strategies and screening guidelines

How Physicians Can Intervene

Even brief, supportive conversations can open the door to disclosure. Simple statements such as “You are not alone” or “Help is available” communicate empathy and safety. Having resource lists readily available — including information on local shelters, hotlines and advocacy groups — helps connect patients quickly to support systems. Careful documentation is also essential, as it may later be needed in legal proceedings.

The Opportunity in Clinical Practice

Domestic violence isn’t always obvious, but physicians are in a rare position to spot red flags. By incorporating routine questions, careful listening and readily available resource lists into patient interactions, clinicians can intervene in ways that change, and often save, lives. MagMutual provides expert resources and guidance to help healthcare professionals navigate these challenges with confidence. Learn more about the screening tools and red flags associated with domestic violence here or visit our full library of Healthcare Insights for additional support.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article does not constitute legal, medical or any other professional advice. No attorney-client relationship is created and you should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included in this article without seeking legal or other professional advice.

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¹ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499891/