Melanin Minds in Medicine is a student-led program based in metro Atlanta dedicated to increasing representation, access, and equity in healthcare. The program was founded and is led by Woodward junior Skylar Robinson. Sophomore Chanson Love serves as Vice Chair.

Recently the program hosted its first medical panel event at Woodward, which featured four physicians and one medical student who spoke with students about their journeys into medicine and answered questions about the field. Students attended from nine different schools across metro Atlanta. The event was interactive and focused on giving students real exposure to careers in healthcare.

“Through mentorship, exposure, and educational resources, Melanin Minds in Medicine provides students with meaningful opportunities—at little to no cost—to explore careers in medicine,” said Robinson.

Robinson said inspiration for the program came from within her own household: “Growing up with a mother who works as an OB/GYN, I had access to opportunities like attending medical conferences with her, seeing her interact with patients and attending summer programs that shaped my interests early on. Furthermore, through my own research on the misdiagnosis of chronic conditions in patients of color, I saw how a lack of minority representation in medicine plays a major role in healthcare disparities and outcomes.

“Wanting to increase representation in medicine, I founded Melanin Minds in Medicine by building a mentorship network of physicians and hosting our first interactive medical panel at Woodward Academy this February.”

Robinson said the program will run every academic year, with events planned every other month. Upcoming events include a hands-on suturing and clinical skills workshop in April, and a medical career fair for students interested in healthcare fields in May.

Melanin Minds in Medicine currently partners with medical professionals from hospitals across metro Atlanta. Robininson said the group hopes to collaborate with summer programs and larger medical institutions. They are seeking funding and opportunities to expand the program’s network of medical professionals to further grow and sustain the program. Interested parties can contact the program at contactmelaninmindsinmedicine@gmail.com.