More than 1,000 middle school, high school and college students gathered at the Los Angeles Convention Center for Cedars-Sinai’s third annual Black Men in White Coats Youth Summit—an immersive day of mentorship and hands-on learning meant to inspire students to pursue careers in medicine.
“As we continue to address the gaps in access and visibility across the healthcare workforce, it’s essential to create experiences where students can explore what’s possible,” said Nicole Mitchell, Cedars-Sinai’s chief diversity and inclusion officer. “When young people are able to engage directly—see it, feel it, connect with professionals who share their lived experiences—it shapes what they believe is attainable. For me, it’s all about opening doors early and planting the seed of possibility for the next generation of healthcare heroes.”
The summit featured interactive stations, offering students a chance to experience real-world medical scenarios. Throughout the day, participants explored various aspects of clinical care and medical research, including hands-on demonstrations in anesthesiology, artificial intelligence (AI), and a simulated ambulance experience called a Simbulance.
Additional stations showcased CPR skills, gastroenterology, imaging, OB-GYN, respiratory therapy, germ identification using black light technology, and some of the on-site mentors and participants who shared career insights.
A Community Effort to Strengthen Representation in Medicine
“Cedars-Sinai is one of the largest employers in Los Angeles County,” said Peter L. Slavin, MD, president and CEO of Cedars-Sinai. “That comes with a responsibility not only to provide exceptional healthcare, but also to support the overall wellbeing of our community. Education plays a critical role in that. Introducing talented young people to careers in medicine and healthcare aligns perfectly with our mission and is something we’re proud to support.”
The youth summits are held in major U.S. cities in partnership with medical schools and health organizations. The Los Angeles event included representatives from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, UNITE-LA, Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University and Cedars-Sinai Chuck Lorre Allied Health School.
For many students, the event was an eye-opening experience that reinforced their aspirations in healthcare.
“I feel like the medical field is really underrepresented in my community,” said Brandon Parrott, a University of La Verne student interested in anesthesiology or dentistry. “When I go to the hospital, I don’t see many Black doctors or nurses. I think it’s important that we start filling those roles—to help future patients feel seen, understood and comfortable.”
The Black Men in White Coats Youth Summit is part of a larger movement to reverse the decline in Black men applying to medical school and to build more inclusive, accessible pathways into healthcare careers.
“I always say, my white coat just happens to represent medicine, but your white coat might look different,” said Dale Okorodudu, MD, founder of Black Men in White Coats. “Our mission is to ignite a sense of purpose in young people—to let them know they’re built for greatness and don’t need anyone’s permission to achieve it.”
