VUSM student lands Minority Scholars Award
Laurence James
The award recognizes outstanding medical students who are committed to improving minority health, and includes a $10,000 scholarship.
Barney Maynard, M.D., AMA Foundation president, called James’ commitment to the elimination of health care disparities exemplary. George C. Hill, Ph.D., Levi Watkins Jr. Professor and associate dean for Diversity in Medical Education, said James’ dedication has been apparent from the start of his medical training.
“He has placed into action his determination to help increase health equity in our city and in our country. He is most deserving of this honor,” Hill said.
James, a second-year student, served as diversity chair for Vanderbilt’s chapter of the American Medical Student Association.
He led outreach efforts at local high schools to help underserved youth prepare for college.
He also worked to organize a health disparities week, currently serves as a health fair coordinator for refugee communities, and works to design, write and direct videos highlighting HIV transmission in the African-American community.
James said he is excited about the award and credits the support and mentoring he has received at Vanderbilt from faculty like Hill.
“For the future I hope to go on to a career in academic medicine that will allow me to continue to be an advocate for health care access and delivery to underserved communities,” James said.