The inaugural MOI Bridging the Gaps Outreach Day held in February received the “Outstanding Diversity/Multicultural Program of the Year Award.” The award is given by the MU Office of Student Engagement, which aims to promote involvement, leadership development, practice active citizenship and transition involvement to career.
The event was a collaboration between the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and School of Medicine aimed at bringing more diversity into medicine. The day hosted more than 50 middle- and high-school students and helped them gain exposure to the field of orthopaedic surgery. Event organizer Abdoulie Njai, incoming orthopaedic surgery resident, said all participants of the event would recommend it to a friend in the future.
“This event highlights the ability of K-12 pipeline programs to foster a love of medicine among young students who may not get that early exposure elsewhere,” Njai said. “By providing hands-on experiences and opportunities to connect with orthopaedic surgeons, students can develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for medicine, which can inspire them to pursue further education and possibly a career in orthopaedics.”
