2. SNMA Mission
Student National Medical Association (SNMA) is committed to sup-
porting current and future underrepresented minority medical stu-
dents, addressing the needs of underserved communities, and in-
creasing the number of clinically excellent, culturally competent and
socially conscious physicians.
SNMA chapters based at allopathic and osteopathic medical schools
throughout the nation, and some colleges, implement our programs
and activities locally. SNMA programs are designed to serve the health
needs of underserved communities and communities of color. In addi-
tion, SNMA is dedicated both to ensuring that medical education and
services are culturally sensitive to the needs of diverse populations
and to increasing the number of African-American, Latino, and other
students of color entering and completing medical school.
3. February 5, 2016
Dear Attendees,
On behalf of the UABSOM SNMA chapter, I would like to welcome each and every one of you to the
Annual Integrative Healthcare Summit. I am excited that each of you are considering careers in
healthcare, and I hope that you will find the conference informative, motivating, and enlightening. I
would also like to thank everyone who has assisted with the planning and organization of the con-
ference this year. First, I would like to recognize Brantley Judah, the Vice-President of SNMA, for
overseeing the organization and execution of the Annual Integrative Healthcare Summit as well as
the other officers for their contributions. I would like to sincerely thank all of the undergraduate,
graduate, and professional programs/schools who are participating this year.
Once again, thank you for coming and we wish each of you nothing but the best in all of your future
endeavors.
Thank you in advance,
Justin W. Lewis
MD Candidate, Class of 2018
University of Alabama School of Medicine
Student National Medical Association, President
4. February 5, 2016
Dear Students,
The Office of Diversity & Multicultural Affairs and the University of Alabama School of Medicine along
with Dean Selwyn Vickers, M.D., welcome you to our campus and our annual Alabama Statewide Pre-
Health Conference. All of us are excited that you have decided to take this important step in fulfilling
your dreams.
This program has been designed to inspire you to achieve your academic dreams, and we believe the
best way to do that is for you to interact with people who have already walked the path you have cho-
sen for yourself. Our Student National Medical Association (SNMA) members, composed of current
UASOM students, faculty and staff will be available all day to answer your questions. Please feel free
to ask anything that might be on your mind since no question is too trivial.
UASOM is one of the top medical school in the United States and we take pride in reaching out to those
who will one day be our colleagues. I hope you have an informative as well as inspiring day. Please
ask as many questions as you like. Lastly, it is my sincere hope that all of you will continue to strive
diligently toward the goals you have set.
Best of Luck!
Sincerely,
Carlton J. Young, M.D.
Assistant Dean for Medical Student Diversity and Inclusion
UASOM AAMC GDI Representative
Volker Hall Room 109A
1670 University Blvd.
Birmingham, Al 35294
Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs The University of
102K Volker Hall Alabama at Birmingham
1670 University Boulevard Mailing Address:
205.934.7975 VH 102K
205.996.2575 1530 3RD AVE S.
BIRMINGHAM AL 35294-0019
7. “Wherever the art of Medicine is loved, there is also a love
of Humanity.” -Hippocrates
Carlton Young, MD. Dr. Carlton Young serves as the Assistant Dean for Medical Stu-
dent Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Alabama School of Medicine (UASOM),
a step in UAB's ongoing commitment to combat health disparities by educating a health
care workforce that meets the needs of a diverse state and nation. As part of the Office
of Diversity & Multicultural Affairs, Young is responsible for developing partnerships
with undergraduate students and programs to help those students be more competi-
tive in applying to medical school. He has been and continues to serve as a professor in
the Department of Surgery since 1997, director of the pancreas transplant program
and director of pediatric renal transplantation. His research focuses on health dispari-
ties in transplantation, primarily in African Americans, an interest he says will dovetail
well with his new responsibilities.
Marquita Hicks, MD. Dr. Marquita Hicks is an Associate Professor for the UAB De-
partment of Emergency Medicine and serves as the Director of Community of Engage-
ment in the Office of Diversity & Multicultural Affairs. She was born in Pine Bluff, Ar-
kansas and completed her undergraduate education at Hendrix College in Conway, Ar-
kansas. She attended medical school at the University of Kansas School of Medicine, in
Kansas City, KS. She completed her internship at Howard University, in Washington,
D.C., and residency training at the University of Michigan, in Ann Arbor, MI. Dr. Hicks'
professional and community interests include communication skills, diversity educa-
tion and healthcare disparities. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her
husband and young son.
Brandon Wolfe, PhD. Dr. Brandon Wolfe serves as the Director of Minority En-
hancement in the Office of Diversity & Multicultural Affairs. He received his PhD in
Higher Education Administration from Auburn University and his research interests
include educational socialization, multicultural education, leadership, organizational
theory, and student development. Specifically, he explores how these variables inter-
sect and influence equity, access, and minority persistence in higher education. On a
more personal note, Dr. Wolfe is a native of Birmingham, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha
Fraternity, Incorporated, and a mentor. He enjoys teaching, reading, sports, and volun-
teering his time to causes that he cares about.
Office of Diversity & Multicultural Affairs
8. Office of Diversity & Multicultural Affairs
Nadia Richardson, PhD. Dr. Nadia Richardson serves as the Associate
Director of the Office of Diversity & Multicultural Affairs (ODMA). She re-
ceived her PhD in Higher Education Administration from the University of
Alabama. Her professional experience includes working with international
educational nonprofit organizations in Houston, TX, Washington, DC and
Fairfax, VA as well as various university student affairs departments. In her
position with the ODMA, Dr. Richardson is responsible for developing and
organizing diversity initiatives and programs throughout the University of
Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine (UABSOM). Her research inter-
ests include diversity, cultural competency and mental health advocacy in
higher education. When Dr. Richardson is not at the office, she enjoys
spending time with her husband and daughter.
Tamara Eason, MBA, MPH. Tamara Eason serves as Program Manager
in the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs (ODMA). She is a native
of Birmingham, AL and received her BS from The University of Alabama in
2002, and her MPH and MBA from The University of Alabama at Birming-
ham in 2005. Her professional experience includes program management,
case management, and research. Mrs. Eason assists in strengthening the
pipeline programs; Health Careers Opportunity Program and the Summer
Health Enrichment Program. When Mrs. Eason is not working, she enjoys
traveling and spending time with her husband and three children.
Alfreda Johnson. Alfreda Johnson serves as Office Service Specialist III
in the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs (ODMA). She is a native
of Birmingham, Alabama and attended the University of Alabama at Bir-
mingham. Mrs. Johnson assists the department in administering student
programs. her professional experience includes finance and management.
Mrs. Johnson's interests include community affairs, writing and research.
Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two
children.