Alumni reunion marks strides in race relations

by Cindy A. Abole, Public Relations

The first alumni reunion of MUSC’s African American medical graduates on Feb. 6 was a unique gathering of past meets present.

Alumni representing medical classes between 1970-1980 met with Layton McCurdy, MD., dean of the College of Medicine, Thaddeus J. Bell, MD., associate dean for Diversity in the College of Medicine and director of University Diversity, other MUSC officials, and students at a luncheon held at the Wickliffe House.

Besides gathering the 10 alumni from locations throughout South Carolina and other areas of the country, individuals were recognized for their primary accomplishments at the university. They included R. Delores Gibbs, class of 1973, who became the school’s first African American female graduate. Also recognized was the first African American male graduate, Bernard Deas, class of 1971. Deas, a retired Air Force physician now living in El Paso, Texas, was the recipient of the College of Medicine’s Distinctive Alumnus Award in 1996.

Walking around a modern MUSC campus, Meada McAllister, class of 1979, was pleased to see many changes and improvements. “In my days, students could only attend classes and study together. That’s all we had,” recalls McAllister, a practicing physician in Harrisburg, Pa. McAllister was referring to the absence of a student center and other facilities. “We relied on each other for support and socializing inside and outside of class.”

The road combining academics with competent patient care was not always easy for minority medical students during the 1970s and 1980s. Gibbs, who is a physician practicing in Moncks Corner, remembers her clinical years as a time of change and acceptance. She recalls a time during clinical rounds when she was performing a routine examination with a patient. During the procedure, a resident mistakenly identified Gibbs as a nurse or nursing assistant. Gibbs had a difficult time convincing him that she was a medical student. Later, Gibbs found herself working again with the resident in a different situation. He devoted extra attention to Gibbs regarding discharge procedures in the discharge of an ambulatory patient. Gibbs believes his response was his way of providing an apology for singling her out.

Working through these early years of diversity has helped in the progression of cultural competency at MUSC. Significant strides have been made to improve and implement programs through the establishment of the Office of Minority Affairs in 1976. In 1989, Earl Higgins, EdD., was charged with guiding and establishing the university’s affirmative action programs through the Office of Diversity and Minority Affairs until his death in 1992. Today, the Office of Diversity is led by Bell, appointed in 1995.

At a luncheon sponsored by the College of Medicine and Office of Diversity, alumni met with African American students representing various classes at the College of Medicine. The group discussed diversity issues and other minority challenges facing students then and now. In closing, participants were introduced to the 1998 College of Medicine’s current class leader Herbert Myles. A native of Rock Hill, SC, Myles will carry the distinction of being the college’s first African American valedictorian. Following the luncheon, alumni were invited to tour the university campus. The group visited the Harper Student Center and Wellness Center, Gazes Cardiac Research Institute and Hollings Cancer Center.

Today, it is estimated that more than 17 percent of the College of Medicine’s 1998 graduating class will consist of minority students—the largest number in the history of MUSC. In comparison, African American students made up less than one percent of the 1978 graduating class receiving medical degrees.

“The quality of minority applicants has improved over the years,” said Bell. “We’re not only meeting the bar, but crossing it with ease.”

Contrasting with campus life in the 1970s and 1980s, minority students have become more active than ever in student activities through interaction with student activities and sharing greater roles within student government.

“For students, there’s been a wave to be more proactive,” said Susan Edwards, a second-year medical student who attended the luncheon. “All of us, no matter what color, have to make an effort to be involved.” In the current MUSC student administration, second-year medical student Stephanie Wise serves as SGA secretary and is a member of the board of executive officers. Karen Prioleau, a third-year medical student, is no stranger to student government activities and currently represents the Minority Student Union. Other minority students also hold various offices in class positions within the six colleges.

Minority students also participate with other campus organizations and fraternities including the Student National Medical Association of MUSC, a group which has been recognized with three national awards for their outreach efforts in 1997. Distinguished students are also invited to join Alpha Omega Alpha(AOA), the national honor medical society. In 1997, two African American students were nominated for membership in AOA.

Growth in student participation has also sparked interests in alumni activities. Organizations such as the Black Alumni Council (BAC) was established by the Office of Alumni Affairs and first chaired by Gibbs in 1992. Students are encouraged to join the Student Alumni Council for the colleges of Dental Medicine and Medicine. Both groups participate in various fund-raising events and alumni support.

Students and alumni brought an overall favorable response towards the reunion event. “It’s important for the dean and alumni to spend time with students in opportunities like this,” said Gerald A. Wilson, MD., class of 1975, “It makes a difference in the delivery of health care to patients who can identify with their physicians. There’s a degree of comfort and concern when you look at somebody who looks just like you.” Wilson, who serves as chief of staff of Providence Hospital in Columbia and is a board member for the South Carolina Medical Association, is active in alumni activities which assist minority students.

“I’m hoping for more of this type of interaction,” said Edwards. “As a medical student, I haven’t experienced a lot of the same things these alumni have experienced. This exchange has helped me to know where I come from.”

Progress continues to march forward regarding diversity and affirmative action issues throughout the campus thanks to the support of McCurdy and university president James B. Edwards, DMD, said Bell. MUSC has improved the recruitment of minority students at the College of Medicine. Programs like the Summer Health Career Opportunity Program and PREP are offered to support minority students as a means to prepare for admission to the college. The establishment of minority alumni relationships have also added to that success. “We have been inviting our graduates back, soliciting and implementing their recommendations,” said Bell. “These respected medical professionals return to their communities as goodwill ambassadors and have encouraged talented young African Americans to come to MUSC for their medical education.”

Bell said he hopes that other colleges at MUSC will follow suit in designing and implementing innovative programs for recruitment and retention of minority students.

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