The Doctor for a Day program at UW Medicine is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging middle and high school students from diverse backgrounds to explore careers in medicine and healthcare. This impactful outreach initiative, primarily organized by passionate students from the UW School of Medicine, offers hands-on experiences designed to spark interest in the medical field. Through engaging stations, participants learn fundamental skills such as physical exam techniques, patient interviewing, and even basic suturing, providing a realistic glimpse into the life of a healthcare professional.
DFAD 24-25 Calendar (PDF)
Meet the Executive Director: Dr. Estell Williams
Dr. Estell Williams, the Executive Director of Doctor for a Day, brings a wealth of personal experience and passion to the program. Growing up in Oakland, California, as the youngest of seven and the first in her family to attend college, Dr. Williams’ journey is an inspiration in itself. She attended Xavier University of Louisiana, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), before transferring due to Hurricane Katrina. Ultimately, she found her path to the University of Washington for medical school, residency in general surgery, and now serves as Assistant Professor of Surgery. Her dedication to healthcare workforce diversity and creating pathways for underrepresented minority students in medicine drives the success and vital mission of Doctor For A Day.
Why Doctor for a Day Matters: Addressing Healthcare Disparities
Doctor for a Day plays a crucial role in broadening horizons for K-12 students from underrepresented and disadvantaged communities, showcasing the wide spectrum of healthcare careers available to them. By reaching students at a young age, the program addresses a critical need. Research indicates that without early intervention, underrepresented students may lose interest in STEM subjects like science and math as early as their teenage years, limiting their future academic and career aspirations.
This early exposure and positive experiences are fundamental not only for individual career paths but also for improving community health outcomes. A diverse healthcare workforce directly contributes to enhanced patient care, increased access to healthcare providers and facilities, and ultimately, greater health equity for all populations.
Leadership, Equity, Inclusiveness, and Anti-Racism: Core Values
Doctor for a Day is built upon a foundation of strong core values:
- Leadership: The program aims to lead in innovative approaches to engage, support, and retain K-12 students interested in healthcare careers, empowering them to become leaders in addressing health issues within their own communities.
- Equity: Striving for equitable representation of students of color within health professional programs both locally and nationally is a central goal.
- Inclusiveness: Championing the inclusion of all marginalized groups affected by healthcare disparities, Doctor for a Day seeks to amplify all voices, especially those often unheard and disproportionately impacted by unequal healthcare access.
- Anti-Racism: Recognizing the historical inequities within the medical field, the program is committed to building a new, anti-racist, and decolonized healthcare education framework. This approach encourages critical thinking and the development of innovative healthcare delivery methods that improve care for everyone.
Get Involved: Sponsor Doctor for a Day
If your school or program is interested in partnering to host a Doctor For A Day program, please reach out to learn more.
Doctor for a Day presents February Heart and Lungs Event.
February 22nd, 2025, 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Rainer Valley Leadership Academy
Stay updated on upcoming Doctor for a Day events near you by following the Student National Medical Association Facebook page.
Partners:
