JACKSON, MS., January 16, 2024 – According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, only 8% of medical students and 5% of physicians are Black and/or African American. In an effort to address this disparity, the American Heart Association, the leading public health nonprofit organization dedicated to building a world of longer, healthier lives for all, has announced that four local students have been selected to participate in its Historically Black College and Universities (HBCU) Scholars program.

Local awardees are:

Ané Scott- Senior English major at Tougaloo College.  She is a native of Jackson, MS. Member of Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society Spring and Jackson Heart Study Scholar. Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Tougaloo Womanhood of Womanhood International, Inc., and Tougaloo College (NAACP) National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Ané has a personal mission of using linguistics and public health to bridge AAVE speakers to their providers in an effort to address African American medical outcomes.

Mentor: Clifton Addison, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Senior Research Scientist, Jackson Heart Study Graduate Training and Education Center, Jackson State University School of Public Health.

Madison Patterson- Sophomore biology major at Tougaloo College.  She is a native of Leland, MS. Alpha Lambda Delta scholar and Lindy Callahan MHSAA Scholarship recipient. Volunteer for the Washington County Clean Up, Read Across America, Mississippi Votes, and Lucy Webb field day. Madison is excited to have the opportunity to collaborate with accomplished faculty and fellow scholars from diverse backgrounds will enrich her learning experience and foster a supportive community dedicated to making a difference.

Mentor: Marinelle Payton, MD, PhD, MS, MPH, Chair and Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Director, Center of Excellence in Minority Health and Disparities, Director, Jackson Heart Study Graduate Training and Education Center, Jackson State University School of Public Health.

Aspen Treadwell-Junior biology major at Jackson State University.  She is a native of Independence, MO. President’s list scholar, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. State Scholarship recipient, Bennye Simmons Henderson Biology Book Award winner, Juanita Stubbs-Bluntson Endowed Book Award winner, Sigma Epsilon Chapter of Beta member and W.E.B Du Bois Honors College. Member of Blue Streak, Blue Ambassadors, TRIO STEM SSS, Thee Aristocrats, Pre-Health Society, Biological Society, National Society of Leadership and Success, and Student Government Association. Jackson State Jackson Free Clinic Ambassador President, Tri Beta Biological Honor Society Secretary, and W.E.B Du Bois Honors College Treasurer. Aspen is eager to collaborate with her mentor and gain new knowledge around the research process.

Mentor: Junie Paula Warrington, PhD, FAHA, FANA, Associate Professor, Department of Neurology and Associate Director, Program in Neuroscience, Translational Research Center, University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Raegyn Phillips - Senior biology major at Jackson State University. She is a native of Carthage, MS. President's list scholar and Jackson State University Tiger Tuition Scholar. Secretary for Jackson State University Transfer Ambassadors and Public Relations Coordinator for Jackson State University Biological Society. Raegyn is looking forward to collaborating with like-minded peers, working with her mentor, and building a lifelong network of professionals who share a common goal., Jackson State University.

Mentor: Lorena Amaral, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology/Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center. 

The Association’s HBCU Scholars are enrolled in biomedical or other health sciences programs at their respective institutions. Through their participation in the Scholars program, they will study how the social determinants of health and other health disparities impact underserved communities. They will also participate in scientific research projects and present their findings at the end of the program.

“Since 2015, the American Heart Association HBCU Scholars program has helped change the trajectory of dozens of under-represented students in science and medicine by fostering their talent, preparedness and growth to pursue careers in biomedical science” said American Heart Association volunteer president Michelle A. Albert, M.D., M.P.H., FAHA, who is the Walter A. Haas-Lucie Stern endowed chair in Cardiology, professor of medicine and admissions dean at University of California-San Francisco School of Medicine. “As champions for health care quality and access for all, the American Heart Association is committed to building the pipeline of diverse persons in medicine and empowering the next generation of research and health care professionals.”

The program is funded nationally by a grant provided by the Quest Diagnostics Foundation, which also supports the American Heart Association’s Hispanic Serving Institutes (HSI) Scholars Program.

Accepted students are selected based on their GPA, completion of a formal application which includes an essay, and an official recommendation from their school. During the program, scholars are paired with a mentor who works in health care or is currently performing their own relevant scientific research. They will also participate in a leadership development program and are awarded a financial stipend to help cover education-related expenses. More about the American Heart Association’s HBCU Scholars initiative can be found here.

Clinical research studies published in the American Journal of Public Health suggest that patients of color may experience uncomfortable interactions and communication barriers with their health care providers due to lack of diversity and face implicit and unconscious bias from physicians and other health care professionals. These barriers, in turn, can lower patients’ trust in the overall health care system and as a result, these patients may not complete prescribed treatments or follow-up on recommended care. Addressing this issue is a vital component of the HBCU Scholars program.

Each year, the Association seeks applications from sophomores, juniors and seniors from historically underrepresented communities who are currently enrolled in an HBCU and are interested in pursuing a professional degree in biomedical and health sciences.

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

 

For Media Inquiries:

Mary Brinson; mary.brinson@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org