Only 2 Percent of Physicians are Black Men #USMLE

In 2021, a UCLA study looked at a survey administered by the U.S. Census Bureau that revealed in the United States, only 5.4% of physicians were Black, with only 2.7% being Black men. This number is steadily dropping . . .

My name is Jason Morency, I am a second-year medical student at the CUNY School of Medicine and I aspire to increase that 2%. I am the son of immigrants from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and a first-generation college student. I graduated Magna Cum Laude at the City College of New York from the Sophie Davis Biomedical Education program. During my time as an undergraduate student, I participated in multiple research projects, engaged in the Harlem community through service as a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, and held a multitude of influential events as the Vice President of the City College of New York’s NAACP. I have an interest in cardiology and emergency medicine and currently engage in stroke research with hopes of improving its management in patients of color.

Throughout the program, one of my biggest struggles was always the overwhelming financial burden I had to endure. The most defining period of my journey in this program was when my family did not have a stable home to live in and yet I had to put my burdens on hold and continue focusing on my education because ultimately, I knew that I would have to take us out of that situation.

Growing up, I did not have many rolemodels who inspired me to go into medicine. I especially did not have any Black, male physicians who I could look up to and see myself realistically becoming. Despite this, I persevered and decided that I wanted to become that figure for somebody in the future but this decision did not come without any challenges.

For the past few months, I have been studying for the USMLE Step 1 exam (one of the board exams every medical student takes to apply for residency) and haven't had favorable results on my NBME self-assessments. My self-doubt and imposter syndrome throughout my study period have further contributed to test anxiety leading to a delay in taking the exam. Upon reflecting, I understand that increased structure and support would propel me to thrive as a student. But it is tied to a financial burden that I am unable to meet currently. Over the years I've come to realize not everything could be accomplished alone. This is why I am asking for your support in continuing my education.

How you can help:

The PASS program is a 5-week course that has over a 90% passing rate for USMLE Step 1. I believe this program is what I need to finally see improvement within my NBME self-assessments to give me the confidence to take the exam. I have also heard good things about the tutoring sessions from the PASS Program which is an additional cost. The USMLE Step 1 exam has a hefty cost of its own and finally, I need to extend my UWorld practice questions source to solidify concepts after the program.

All of these roughly total $3,300.

I'm imploring you to donate any amount you deem fit to support me on my journey to obtaining my medical license. I absolutely adore medicine and aiding those who are helpless and don't see myself doing anything else. God bless you as you donate and I promise not to let you down. Thank you very much.