Torrance, CA (July 1, 2019): Recently, Bishop Montgomery alumnus Aaron Dotson '11 was featured in a live interview on NBC's Today Show. Dotson accompanied his mentor, Dr. Dale Okorodudu, to discuss the "Black Men in White Coats" foundation and their soon-to-be-released documentary.
Black Men in White Coats is an organization that seeks to increase the number of black men in the field of medicine by exposure, inspiration, and mentoring. To accomplish this, they partner with various medical schools across the United States to produce short documentary videos that bring awareness to the decreasing numbers of black men in medical schools and the medical field. Through their outreach, Black Men in White coats helps young students, who otherwise would have no guidance, receive one-on-one mentoring to achieve their goals and gain the much needed insights to pursue careers in medicine.
Dotson, who completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Texas, Dallas, is currently in his fourth and final year of medical school at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. Discussing his participation in Black Men in White Coats program with Al Roker and Craig Melvin, Dotson acknowledged the power of the organization and how it helped him through his medical school journey, especially when he lost his father in his second year at St. Louis University: "Dr. Dale was there for me, in addition to my other mentors, to help coach me through that very difficult time there and with his help... I was able to continue on... I understand that this mission truly is bigger than just myself."
With the support of Black Men in White Coats, Dotson looks forward to continuing his education at St. Louis and pursuing a specialty in ophthalmology after graduation in Spring 2020. In the meantime, he will continue to assist the organization with the production of their documentary, as well as enjoy the mentor/mentee relationship he has with Dr. Dale.
Click here to watch the full Today show interview featuring Dotson: https://www.today.com/video/black-men-in-white-coats-founder-aims-to-shape-next-generation-of-doctors-62785093586