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PHYSICIANS MEDICAL FORUM HOSTS DAY-LONG CONFERENCE TO RECRUIT AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENTS TO ATTEND MEDICAL SCHOOL AND PRACTICE IN THE OAKLAND/SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA AND NORTHERN CA

Pre-med, University/College & Post-baccalaureate Students and High School Seniors Invited to Take Part Saturday, Feb. 18th

The number of African American students applying to medical school is increasing. First-time applicants to medical school reached an all-time high in 2011, increasing nationally by 2.6 percent over last year, according to new data released in October, 2011 by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). Total applicants rose by 2.8 percent with gains across most major racial and ethnic groups for a second year in a row... African American applicants increased by 4.8 percent.

2011 DOB Program students wear doctor's coats and stethoscopes preparing to experience ‘mock’ medical clinic

Oakland/ San Francisco Bay Area (BlackNews.com) -- The Physicians Medical Forum (PMF) aims to increase the number of African American physicians, residents and medical students in the Oakland/San Francisco Bay and Northern California, while helping to improve the delivery of culturally competent medical care to better meet the health care needs of African Americans and community at-large. To that end, on February 18th, the non-profit organization will host its annual "Doctors on Board Program - a day-long, tuition-free, information-filled series of seminars, workshops and case studies to encourage the increase of black students attending medical school.

"The October 2011 AAMC report is encouraging," said J. Renee Navarro, PharmD, M.D., Vice-Chancellor for Diversity & Outreach at the University of California, San Francisco. "This is truly a sign that the pipeline programs are successful and beginning to reach black and other minority students. Programs like "Doctors On Board" are essential in providing mentorship, linkages and networks for students interested in becoming physicians."

Several of the Bay Area's most prominent physicians and medical school representatives will provide students with an innovative and exciting opportunity to explore varied facets of medicine and provide information about medical school preparation, medical specialties, and life as a physician. Segments of the "Doctors on Board Program" will include: a workshop on admissions & financial aid; a seminar with currently-enrolled medical students and residents; a "mock" Ethicon Knot Tying Basic Skills Training Session; "mock" medical clinics with real patients; and a workshop for parents of future doctors. Upon completion of the program, students will be awarded certificates with a reception immediately following.

There is no cost for students to attend the conference sponsored by Physicians Medical Forum. Students who wish to take part in this groundbreaking, one-day program must submit the Student Application by Monday, February 6, 2012.

WHO: Physicians Medical Forum (PMF)

WHAT: "Doctors on Board Program" (Pre-Medical School Recruitment Conference)

WHEN: Saturday, February 18, 2012 | 6:30 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.
Registration & breakfast (6:30 A.M. - 8:00 A.M.)
Workshops, lunch, mock training & medical clinics (8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.)
Award ceremony and networking reception (4:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.)

WHERE: Oakland Marriott City Center | 10th and Broadway, downtown Oakland

Dr. Albert L. Brooks, PMF President and Chief of Medical Services at Washington Hospital in Fremont, California said, "I am proud to be a part of the Physician's Medical Forum, and look forward to meeting and mentoring young African American students who aspire to become doctors. It is rewarding to know that so many physicians from throughout Northern California are donating their time to encourage young minds to consider attending medical school."

Members of the PMF Board of Directors, Sinkler Miller Medical Association (SMMA), and Student National Medical Association (SNMA) Region 1; students from UCSF, UC Davis, and Stanford University Schools of Medicine; and numerous other prominent physicians, faculty, residents, administrators, and business professionals will instruct, mentor, and network with student participants.

PMF Executive Director Stalfana Bello said, "PMF understands that an active, viable, diverse and thriving medical community is key to retaining physicians. The "Doctors On Board Program" is vital in its effort to encourage students to pursue careers in medicine, which is so imperative to maintaining healthy inner-city communities."

The "Doctors on Board Program" is supported by Alta Bates Summit Medical Center. Physicians Medical Forum has also received grants from Wells Fargo, California Healthcare Foundation, California Endowment, Safeway, Inc., SGC Financial & Insurance Services, and Kaplan Test Prep.

ABOUT PHYSICIANS MEDICAL FORUM (PMF):
The Physicians Medical Forum is an Oakland, CA-based non-profit 501(c) (3) supported by a grant from Alta Bates Summit Medical Center. The organization's mission is to recruit and retain African American physicians to eliminate health disparities; improve access to care; and maintain diversity within the profession, thereby improving the quality of life for people of color.

One of PMF's primary goals is to partner with medical schools and universities to develop and maintain sustainable initiatives, programs, events, mentoring, and organizational support that serves to encourage residents and medical students to practice in the Northern California area.

Other PMF programs and initiatives include: African American Physicians Directory; studies on physicians retention and recruitment; providing workshops for physicians training, education and development; providing scholarships for medical students and residents; networking with legislators and medical organizations; and community outreach programs.

Physicians Medical Forum
2201 Broadway, Suite 212 • Oakland, CA 94612
510-562-5560 (phone) | 510-874-7701 (fax) | www.pmfmd.com

EDITORS:
The following "Doctors on Board Program" participants are immediately available for pre-event interviews:

* Albert L. Brooks, M.D., PMF President
* Stalfana Bello, M.P.A, PMF Executive Director
* Willie Natt, Senior Vice-President & Regional Sales Manager, Wells Fargo
* Kathryn E. Malone, M.D., PMF Recruitment Committee Chair
* Uchenna Okoye, UCSF Medical Student and PMF Program Coordinator
* Zealous D. Wiley, M.D., PMF Retention Committee Chair

To arrange interviews, contact:
Toni Beckham | 209-832-8020 / 408-499-3664c | Toni@PRetCetera.com