Elementary Pipeline To Medicine

On November 16, 2024 A Friend InDeed Inc., a 501c3 pipeline to medicine, nonprofit in collaboration with the Academy Charter School in Wyandanch, NY held its inaugural STEM symposium. The elementary students in attendance were third, fourth and sixth graders. Many of their teachers were in attendance, including, but not limited to the Dean, Ms. Hinds, Mrs. Sarker, Ms. Lowe (from Uniondale), and the science and STEM teachers. These teachers were so enthusiastic and inspiring as they worked with our team to enhance the experience of the students and parents.

The program started promptly at 8:30AM (breakfast prepared by a great team) with twenty medical students representing six medical schools (Zucker College of Medicine at Hofstra, Renaissance College of Medicine at Stoney Brook University, Mt Sinai School of Medicine, University of Maryland College of Medicine, NYIT College of Medicine, and Sophie Davis School of Medicine City University of NY).

On hand as Physician leaders were Dr. Angela Todd, Founder& CEO of AFI, and a NY state licensed physician and Board Certified OB/GYN, as well as Dr. Monique Jones, professor in the OB/GYN department at Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra University and Chief of the Obstetrics Unit at LIJH Northwell, Dr. Dwayne Rollins, ENT and practitioner in Queens, Dr. Marie Dupitan, pediatrician and CEO of Camkids in Queens, NY, and Dr. Sampson Abah, an emergency resident physician at Rutgers University Hospital.

The students were also exposed to cutting edge scientific demonstration by David Martin of Applied Medical . They were able to use the tools used to train physicians learning to perform robotic procedures. Mr. Joe Paul, the CEO of Optimum AI, has one of the few African-American operated AI companies and was on hand demonstrating to the students and their parents the utility of this new technology.

The parents also had two lecture presentations by the two medical students, Layla Morgan and Jayanne Forrest, on the importance of nutrition and exercise in maintaining our health. As a part of community involvement, the Wyandanch Ambulance Corp. gave vibrant discussions and demonstrations of CPR to the students.
They had various stations that reinforced their scientific knowledge and minor health screening. The presenters at these stations were medical students.
The collaborative effort of the staff and our team allowed this day to be a wonderful learning experience for all involved.

Warmest,
Dr Angela Henry Todd