The Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students (MAPS) hosted a Black Women in Medicine event where guest speakers discussed their career journeys, challenges and accomplishments.

In honor of Black History Month, MAPS provided food — including pizza, cheese dip and chips — for students and guest speakers. The organization also offered complimentary gifts to the guest speakers as a token of appreciation.

”We thought that this event would be a way to highlight incredible Black women medical professionals while also giving our students opportunities to learn, network and be inspired,” Kalayna King, MAPS president, said.

This event built upon last year’s “Black Men in Medicine” event by focusing on Black women in various medical fields. The goal was to provide students with role models and inspire them by showcasing the achievements of Black female medical professionals.

Lorna Scaife, academic adviser for the student support services and M.A.P.S, said the goal of the event was to emphasize the importance of representation in medicine.

“I think the medical field, both minority and majority professionals, now largely agree that having doctors and caregivers who reflect the patient population leads to better trust, better communication, and ultimately, better healthcare outcomes,” Scaife said. 

The event featured seven guest speakers, selected based on MAPS’ membership application and the career aspirations for active members. 

Guest speakers included: Amber Ray, a nurse practitioner; Kellie Turner, a general surgical oncologist; Chika Holder, the director of radiology at NEA Baptist; Tasha Starks, family medicine; April Shepard, radiology manager at the Arkansas Children’s Hospital; Deidre Sparks, a physical therapist and Adrienne Loftis, an OB-GYN.

After introductions, attendees had the opportunity to network with the speakers, gaining insights into shadowing opportunities, internships and career advice. 

King, a junior biology major with a pre-professional emphasis from Conway, said they started planning the event in October 2024. She said she hoped attendees were able to see someone who looks like them within the field of medicine they aspired to enter.  

“Sometimes certain professions or goals can feel out of reach, but I hope that getting to see these professionals and hear about their experiences will inspire them to stick to their path,” King said.

Additionally, she said she hoped events like this could change students’ lives.

“I know that there are multiple testimonies of students who didn’t know exactly what they wanted to do, but they met or heard someone speak about something and it really sparked their interest,” King said.

She also said events like these helped her and gave her a “newfound sense of determination and drive” because of the opportunity to meet medical professionals who looked like her.

“Only an estimated 2.8% of physicians are black women in the United States. I did not meet a black physician until I joined MAPSat the age of 19,” King said. “I did not realize how important it was to have representation until I was like, ‘Wow, how have I not met a Black doctor before?’” 

Timia Starks, a junior biological sciences major from Jonesboro and MAPSpublic relations director, said the event was especially meaningful because her mother was one of the guest speakers.

“Of course, I get a more in-depth version than you all did, but it’s really inspiring,” Starks said. “I know she went through a lot, and she always makes sure I’m prepared for whatever comes next. That’s an advantage not everyone has, and I feel lucky to have her and the connections she’s built.”

Starks said it’s personally important to see women, especially Black women, in medicine.

“I think it’s so important to see people like you in the medical field because it’s a male-dominated profession,” Starks said. “You don’t see a lot of women, but when you do, it really makes you feel something. And when you see Black women or women of color, it’s even more special. It makes you feel seen.”

Starks said the most impactful part of the event was hearing the panelists share their experiences as Black women in medicine, particularly their encounters with racial challenges.  

“Especially in the political climate we’re in right now, it’s really important to know that there are people like us out there—people we can go to and reach out to when we’re feeling discouraged,” Starks said. “Their stories empower us.”

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