Evans Osuji

Diversity is what drew me to Ohio State.

The Ohio State University College of Medicine stands tall and proud among other academic institutions with its commitment to diversity and representation. A lot of effort goes into assembling cohorts of students with diverse backgrounds, both in thought and experiences, which ultimately leads to dynamic learning environments. We feel that here, and are surrounded by an immediate community that cares and has our interests and success at heart.

I often check in with students both above and below my class to seek support or lend advice. Faculty check in routinely with students to provide assistance with our professional needs, our career aspirations, as well as our emotional needs when we encounter trials and tribulations. Intentional steps like these go a long way in making students like me feel more comfortable and confident as we traverse the rigors of medical school.

Medicine is a rapidly evolving field. I value the diversity of thought that’s shared in the classroom and the clinic because it directly influences our consideration of appropriate care for patients. Many of us volunteer at local free health clinics as a means of providing care for our communities, while sharpening our clinical skills. I’m constantly learning from others and through my interactions with my peers, patients and faculty. As students, we engage in fellowship frequently between classes in our learning communities, which are small groups that meet once a month. Action items in the groups range widely from sharing study hacks to creating new inclusion initiatives and advocacy.

Ohio State does an incredible job of supporting historically excluded and underrepresented populations of students through mentorship and student involvement. All minority students at Ohio State can receive a minority student faculty mentor, whom they can meet with as often as they request. I proudly serve on our student council as the executive chair for diversity and inclusion. Recently we created an alliance for all affinity groups whose titles fall under diversity and inclusion.

I also served as president of the Ohio State student-run organization called Health Education and Development Services for Underprivileged Populations, also known as HEADS-UP, which works with local nonprofits and schools to develop health literacy curriculums for students interested in medicine, improve health care literacy through education, provide mentorship and offer resource support for children who are in educationally, socially and economically disadvantaged positions. Additionally, I serve as president of Black Men in Medicine, an organization that provides outreach to young men who may lack exposure to the field of medicine. We provide presentations, resources and mentorship, while also highlighting the achievements of Black men in medicine now and throughout history.

Having played college football, my keen interest in sports has followed me through my career in medicine. Safe to say, I have a soft spot for athletes. Through Athletes in Medicine, I have the privilege of collaborating with the Athletics Department here at Ohio State to offer shadowing opportunities and mentoring for athletes considering studying medicine.

I’m very happy with my decision to come here to Ohio State. Overall, my portfolio of collaboration within the college has afforded me the opportunity to give back directly to the community I look forward to one day serving. I’m really proud to be part of this effort to bring access to health care to underserved and diverse populations.