BIDMC Partnership Alum Give Back

Members of BIDMC's Partnership alumni recently hosted a professional networking event for college students interested in medical careers.

In "speed dating" style, students from Bunker Hill Community College and Roxbury Community College signed up for 15 minute information sessions. Each student met with three different medical professionals and got a chance to hone their interview skills while asking questions to help guide them as they move through their college careers.

"Being a part of this program is a way to give back and to give of our time and talent to the future generations," said Margie Stuppard, Practice Manager, Surgical Specialties and Partnership 2000 alumna. Stuppard helped organize the event with help from the Private Industry Council (PIC). "Being able to impact a college student's life by mentoring, developing, or coaching them about a career in healthcare is exciting. It allows us the opportunity to prepare and train the next generation."

The Partnership, Inc. is a year long leadership program with the mission of cultivating, supporting and retaining professionals of color in greater Boston. The Partnership's programs involve interactive discussion, hands-on learning, networking, personal brand evaluation, and small group discussions that cross industry, racial, cultural and ethnic lines.

BIDMC has sponsored employees in the Partnership program since 1987.

Partnership alumni at BIDMC have continued to gather even after their one year commitment is complete. "The alumni work as a group here at BIDMC to try to translate the skills that we've acquired through the Partnership into practical approaches that can help us and help the medical center be stronger," said Vincent C. Smith, MD, Neonatologist and 2007 Partnership Alumni.

Smith was joined at the networking event by fellow Partnership alums, Astrid Joseph, IRB Administrator (2011) and Nebiye Woldehaimanot, Manager of Patient Transport (2010). "I think we all agree that one of the goals of the Partnership is to help nurture others to advance in their careers," said Smith. "Even if all we do is alter what they think their potential is, then we consider that a success."