The Greater Norfolk Medical Society of South Hampton Roads

The 5th Annual Mentoring Match was held on February 10, 2018 at EVMS. Similar to last year’s format there was a panel composed of practicing physicians that discussed career planning and each panelist discussed their individual paths toward becoming a physician. The panelist were Dr. Katrina Carter, Dr. Angela Mercer, Dr. Fred Quarles, Dr. Derwin Gray, and Dr. Imhotep Carter. Unlike last year and previous years, there was a second panel.

This panel was comprised of senior minority medical students. Words of wisdom were imparted to the premedical college students that wee in attendance.

Following the panel discussion, all of the attendees and participants formed smaller groups which were called “families”. Each family consisted of premedical students, medical students, residents and/or participating physicians.

Its is hoped that these families will communicate on a regular basis. Thus the line of communication and availability of mentoring would span from the college student to the practicing physician.

In November, the Medical Society, in conjunction with the Student National Medical Association (SNMA) at EVMS, held a holiday reception. All minority medical students and Medical Master’s students at EVMS and Hampton University were invited.

Our kind and generous cosponsors within the society were Dr. Donna Lapeyrolerie and Dr. Brian Johnson. Dr. Johnson offered to have the event at his new building on Lowery Road in Norfolk, the Virginia Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center.

There was a great turn out and ample opportunities for the doctors to give their inspirational stories as well as mingle and chat with the medical and pre medical students.

On September 19, 2017, there was a reception co-sponsored by The Department of Diversity and Inclusion, The Student National Medical Association Chapter of EVMS and The Greater Norfolk Medical Society of South Hampton Roads. The goal was to provide a venue conducive to socializing between established minority physicians and the minority medical students at EVMS. Notably, there was an increase in the number of minority students accepted into the first year for the class of 2021, including seven African American males.

Everybody enjoyed meeting the new students and we had new minority faculty members and practitioners in attendance as well.

A reception to honor the graduating minority medical students was held at Town Point Club on March 27th in the evening. This event was held after the match program so that all of the students in attendence knew which residency program they would be attending in July. This event was a fun time for all involved.

One February 18, 2017 the 4th Annual Mentoring Match event was held at EVMS. Once again, GNMS cosponsored the activity. Many minority medical students and physicians were in attendance. A few of our members participated on a panel discussing pertinent issues that related to minorities in medicine. The event provided ample time for mingling and mentoring as well.

The members of region 6 of the SNMA solicited support of it’s regional meeting by asking local medical societies to submit a “SOS” (story of success) of one of our members for their conference bulletin. The story would be placed as an ad that was purchased by the society. The “SOS” representing our medical society was submitted by our own Dr. Adrienne Coqueran. Please click here to read her story. 

In order to solicit more members the medical society decided to have a membership drive activity. The Town Point Club in Norfolk was the perfect setting. There were 40 plus in attendance which included medical students from EVMS, local physicians and members of the medical society. Dr. Stafford Brown planned and executed this worthwhile social activity that occurred on October 13, 2016  and our membership was increased.

September 11, 2016 was the date of a “Healthcare Update”panel presentation.The event was cosponsored by the medical society, Fort Norfolk Plaza Medical Associates and the James Newby Jr. M.D. Foundation. The activity was held at First Baptist Church South Hill under the leadership of Reverend Michael Tolliver. There were ten participating physicians representing multiple subspecialties.

Each physician gave a ten minute update on a particular topic within their respective specialty and the audience was encouraged to ask any questions they had. This was truly a beneficial event for all involved.

On March 19, 2016 some members of the medical society participated in a career day for  students at Booker T. Washington High School in Norfolk. This event was co-sponsored by EVMS M. Foscue Brock Institute for Community and Global Health. Dr. Angela Parson and Dr. Mark Innis participated on a panel during the opening session. The discussion was well received by the students. After the opening, students circulated to various stations including “Ask the Expert”,manned by Dr. Adrienne Coqueran, Dr. Richard Wright and Dr. Angela Mercer. EVMS medical students were in attendance as well and assisted as volunteers.