When you hear the future of medicine discussed today, you often hear about technology, innovation, artificial intelligence, and new models of care. But the future of medicine is not a machine—the future is a person.

Recently, I was honored with the opportunity to provide remarks at the White Coat Ceremony for Made for Medicine’s Phase 1 graduates. This group of 7th grade students gathered at Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s Stecker Auditorium on March 19th. Surrounded by their families, friends, and the Made for Medicine board and faculty members, they took part in a ceremony much like that of a student a decade older graduating medical school. They walked the stage to receive their white coat and assurance of continued support to enter a field that, if we are honest, may not represent an attainable career for some young people.  

Physician numbers are dwindling and heading toward a dangerous shortage. Physicians are burned out, weighed down by bureaucracy, and burdened by decreased patient trust. Even more concerning, many groups remain severely underrepresented in medicine. Despite the exciting news that medical school enrollment last fall broke 100,000 students for the first time ever, only 8.4% enrollees identified as Black or African American and 11.5% as Hispanic or Latino.  

This is why Made for Medicine matters—to address the underrepresentation by supporting students with an interest in pursuing a career in the medical field. Founded by Dr. Laura Espy-Bell in 2021 and proudly supported by the Columbus Medical Association Foundation, it works to create a future that reflects our society, where every individual, regardless of their background, has equal access to quality healthcare. 

We know that our physician workforce does not yet reflect the communities we serve. That’s why programs like Made for Medicine are critical to close that gap. Providing programming for students from 7th through 12th grade, it exposes them to education, speakers, and hands-on experiences to spark their passion and show them that they belong in medicine. Made for Medicine isn’t just a program, it’s a commitment to our young people, our community, and to reduce healthcare disparities.

In that auditorium last month, I saw the future of medicine in the faces of these students. They’re curious about science, compassionate toward others, and, surrounded by support and encouragement, ready to care for our communities.

To Dr. Espy-Bell, Program Director Ciara Stevens, and the rest of the Made for Medicine staff, Board of Directors, and faculty: Thank you for all that you do to inspire these young people and congratulations on five years!

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

Made for Medicine physicians and medical student volunteers visited Champion Middle School recently. Founder and president Dr. Laura Espy-Bell, Outreach Faculty Lead Dr. Reversa Joseph, Dr. Christopher Brown, along with three medical students led stations on CPR, vitals, case studies, and splinting/fracturing that engaged over 50 sixth grade students.

Columbus City Schools Superintendent Dr. Angela Chapman was in attendance and observed CCS students discussing the medical profession, answering questions, and engaging in hands-on learning with real and emerging medical professionals.

The visit was part of Made for Medicine’s educational outreach program that provides hands-on enrichment activities with age-appropriate medical concepts and foundational learnings in medicine for students in Central Ohio.

“Outreach is our way of bringing the unique programming of Made for Medicine to future physicians across Central Ohio and connecting them with physicians in their community! We are planting the seeds now to create tomorrow's doctors. Schools like these in CCS are helping us in our work," said Dr. Espy-Bell.

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

Photos courtesy Columbus City Schools.

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A number of dedicated physicians and advocates were honored at the Columbus Medical Association’s annual celebration on October 23, 2025. The evening kicked off with honoring central Ohio physicians celebrating 50 years of practice. Aligning with the evening’s theme of honoring those who shaped our past and are inspiring our future, current medical students announced each 50-year honoree. 

50 Years in Medicine Honorees 

• William Barson, MD 
• Jeffrey Bell, MD 
• Francis Blais, DO 
• Jeremy Burdge, MD 
• George Calloway, MD 
• G. Patrick Ecklar, MD 
• William Farrar, MD 
• Patrick Fahey, MD 
• Douglas Finnie, MD 
• Medard Lutmerding, MD
• Francine Rasco, MD 

2025 Physician Advocate Award 

Beth Liston, MD received the physician advocate award for her tireless efforts to advocate for physicians and patients in the Ohio legislature. Dr. Liston, a past president of the CMA, is serving her first term in the Ohio senate representing District 16 after serving three terms in the Ohio House. She has advocated for physicians and Ohioans for many worthy causes, like access to prescription medications for those who need it and protecting patients from predatory insurance practices amongst many other initiatives.  

Dr. Liston was not able to attend but shared a video to thank the organization for the award. 

Made for Medicine Impact Award 

Reversa Joseph, MD, received the inaugural Made for Medicine Impact Award. Dr. Joseph is a neurologist and a member of the core faculty for Made for Medicine. Program Director Ciara Stevens said, “She truly is remarkable in her tireless efforts to improve the health of individuals both near and far.” 

Physicians CareConnection Distinguished Service Award 

Two honorees were recognized for their service to the Physicians CareConnection and the PCC Center for Optimal Health. PCC President Isi Green presented the award to Francis X. Blais, DO, and Heather Slattery Woods, saying, “Their leadership, compassion, and steadfast commitment have strengthened our organization and our community. Both honorees have served as officers and volunteers, and guided PCC through seasons of growth, change, and challenge.”

CMA Foundation Marc L. Parnes, MD Service Award

Robert Lowe, MD, received the first CMA Foundation Marc L. Parnes, MD Service Award for his dedication and service that exemplifies the mission and vision of the CMA, CMA Foundation, and its affiliate organizations. 

This award was named in honor of Dr. Parnes, who has served more than 15 years as president and board member of the CMA Foundation. Dr. Lowe, an emergency medicine physician and longtime COTS Board Member, has led and volunteered with the entire CMA organization for nearly 20 years. 

“Together with his leadership, Dr. Lowe has strengthened our trauma, medical, and our emergency response systems,” said Foundation Board Chair Karen King, MD. “We are incredibly grateful, and we are all safer because of him.” 

COTS Mission Champion Award 

In the final award of the evening, William Cotton, MD, and Medard Lutmerding, MD, both received the COTS Mission Champion Award.  

“As longtime board members, they've led with vision, heart, and a true passion for community well-being. Their servant leadership and tireless advocacy have shaped COTS and the communities we serve,” said COTS President Sherri Kovach. 

PCC Participant Recognition 

To close out the awards portion of the evening, Physicians Leadership Academy Board President Maria Courser, MD, recognized the PLA graduates in attendance.