Medical students, residents and physicians participated in a demonstration June 6 to advocate for culturally sensitive healthcare services and education for underserved populations. UNC’s Student National Medical Association (SNMA), played an integral role in planning the event. As a former SNMA member, Emily Chang, MD, associate professor in the division of nephrology, said she was happy to hear about an opportunity to show her support for underserved populations and the black lives matter movement.
“The event was incredibly moving, and offered a small way to show my support for the work SNMA has always done and continues to do,” Chang said. “Organizers shared stories and suggested changes for the community. They also asked us to lay on the ground for 8:46 minutes, something I had not done at previous demonstrations, but which was quite fitting.”
Two medical students from the School of Medicine were featured in the News and Observer, sharing their experiences with race as medical students.
The SNMA presented a statement to the community, supported by the UNC School of Medicine Student Government, and chapters of the Latino Medical Student Association, the Medical Student Pride Alliance, and the Islamic Medical Association. A guide to protesting safely was also provided.
Learn more about SNMA here.