Young Doctors Project Cultivates Future Black Medical Leaders

As Black physicians remain significantly underrepresented in the U.S. healthcare landscape, an initiative in Southeast D.C. is striving to bridge this disparity. The Young Doctors Project (YDP), a mentorship and training scheme aimed at Black youth, assists students in their pursuit of medical careers while confronting health inequities within their communities. Founded in 2012 by Drs. Malcolm Woodland and Torian Easterling, YDP seeks to increase the presence of Black men in healthcare.Approximately 13 percent of the U.S. population is Black, yet only 5.7 percent of practicing doctors belong to this demographic, as per a KFF and Association of American Medical Colleges analysis. This underrepresentation correlates with adverse health outcomes in Black communities, where access to culturally relevant care remains constrained. Supported by Howard University's College of Medicine, YDP conducts a Summer Health Academy for high schoolers, combining theoretical knowledge with practical service learning at free clinics, fostering leadership and medical expertise. Dr. Woodland emphasizes the transformative potential of nurturing local health ambassadors.