From June 22–26, 2025, Made for Medicine embarked on its first-ever HBCU Medical School and College Tour. Fifteen Phase III students participated in this five-day, four-night experience, traveling to historically Black colleges, universities, and medical schools in Nashville, Tennessee, and Atlanta, Georgia.
 
The tour featured a full daytime itinerary, including visits to Fisk University, Vanderbilt University, Meharry Medical College, Tennessee State University, Morehouse School of Medicine, Morehouse College, and Spelman College. In the evenings, students bonded through games, museum visits, and meaningful conversations and connections with current Black physicians in Atlanta.
 
A standout moment of the trip was a private meeting with Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and civil rights icon Andrew Young. At 93 years-old, Ambassador Young shared inspiring words of wisdom and encouragement with our future physicians. He was joined by Calvin Smyre, longtime member of the Georgia House of Representatives, in the very building that bears his name—the Calvin Smyre Education Conference Center. 

This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity was made possible through the efforts of Mr. Eugene Duffy, a Morehouse alum and the uncle of Dr. Laura Espy-Bell. We are incredibly grateful for his role in creating such a memorable experience.
 
Looking ahead, Made for Medicine hopes to offer this tour biennially, for our high school aged students. By introducing them early to the rich academic and cultural offerings of HBCUs and medical schools, we aim to inspire and support the next generation on their journey to becoming physicians.

Learn more about Made for Medicine on our website.

The Made for Medicine program, which aims to increase Black physician representation, was in the spotlight at the Franklin County Commissioner meeting on Tuesday, February 25, 2025.

Founder and president Dr. Laura Espy-Bell, along with two students, shared insights about the program’s impact and its mission to guide aspiring Black physicians from middle school through high school and beyond.

Led by black faculty members, students are taken through phases that include introductions to medicine and hands-on training, exploring specialties such as emergency medicine, pediatrics and general surgery, and even take part in procedures like ultrasounds. 

When speaking with commissioners, Dr. Espy-Bell referred to each student as “doctor” because she believes in the importance of claiming the title to inspire them as they work toward their future.

Dr. Yasmine Ray-Thompson, a high school sophomore, told the commissioners about the importance of this program in her life, saying “It really inspired me and showed me… there’s people who look like me in this field, and that I can do it and have the people behind me who support me and who will give me help.” 

Another student, Dr. CJ Stroud, has been part of Made for Medicine since the first cohort launched in 2021. He told commissioners about his favorite sessions. Watch here.

Dr. Espy-Bell thanked the commissioners for their support in providing more than $600,000 in funding through the County Commissioner’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion since 2023.

More than 100 students have taken part in Made for Medicine since its inception in 2021, and the next cohort kicks off in April. Dr. Espy-Bell said there are plans to expand programming and support beyond high school. 

This summer, Dr. Espy-Bell and other faculty members are taking students on a tour of medical schools and historically Black colleges to connect students with more role models in medicine. Donations are needed to fund this unique and impactful opportunity for students. Find out more about Made for Medicine and donate here.

Pictured above:

• Photo 1: (from left to right) student Dr. CJ Stroud (9th grade); Fevean Keflom (MfM Program Coordinator); Dr. Laura Espy-Bell (MfM Founder); 
• Photo 2: (from left to right) is Franklin County Commissioner Erica C. Crawley; student Dr. Yasmine Ray-Thompson (10th grade); student Dr. CJ Stroud (9th grade); Dr. Laura Espy-Bell (MfM Founder); Franklin County Commissioner Kevin L. Boyce; Franklin County Commissioner John O'Grady