Jade Anderson, MD and Jason Stephenson, MD encouraged children to pursue careers in medicine at the Wisconsin Black Doctors’ Symposium. The symposium was coordinated by the South-Central chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., a national organization dedicated to providing quality programming for children to stimulate their growth and development.
Children start thinking about their careers as early as middle school, so reaching them at the elementary age can have a crucial impact on what fields they will consider for their livelihood. Dr. Anderson attributes early exposure to her pursuit of a medical career. Her area of specialty evolved over the years, but the interest was sparked at a young age. “Exposure is key – this is the only reason I decided to become a physician at the young age of four years old, and then an orthopedic surgeon at the age of ten years old.”
During the panel discussion at the symposium, Drs. Anderson and Stephenson were joined by colleagues from many specialties in the field of medicine, showcasing the vast opportunities that the children could pursue.
After the panel, the children were eager to undergo their white coat ceremony where they received a play medical kit bag, stethoscope, and plaque. Many expressed a newfound interest in medical careers, reaffirming the profound impact of early career exposure.