When 17-year-old Shawn Deudor began a summer internship with Mentoring in Medicine and Science, he already had an interest in physical therapy. Within weeks, hands-on training, field trips, and exposure to health professionals had expanded his sense of what was possible.
“I’ve learned more about different careers where I can connect movement to helping people, but in creative ways,” said Deudor, a rising senior at Oakland Technical High School with a 4.4 GPA.
Oakland-based nonprofit MIMS celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Since its founding in 2006, MIMS has connected young people from communities underrepresented in health care with mentorship, training and careers in medicine, nursing, and other health sciences.
Exposing students to careers in health care
Dr. Jocelyn Freeman founded MIMS. An emergency medicine physician, the organization was born from her experiences as a first-generation medical student. During her training, Freeman realized many students had never been exposed to the wide range of careers available in health care and that too few professionals reflected the communities they served.
“I was in medical school before I fully understood how many meaningful health careers existed,” Freeman said. “As a first-generation medical student, I saw firsthand how representation and mentorship could change a person’s path.”
“Twenty years later, our vision remains the same—to diversify the health workforce through mentorship, career exposure and leadership development,” she added.
Deudor first learned about MIMS when a program coordinator visited one of his classes during his sophomore year. The coordinator, an Oakland Tech alumna, encouraged more Black male students to apply.
At first, Deudor chose to focus on sports. But the coordinator returned to his school several times.
“By the third time, the idea was planted,” he said. “This was an option.”
Summer program provides practical health training
Deudor eventually applied for the summer program. Since beginning the internship in June, he has learned about patient privacy and bloodborne pathogens and earned a basic life support certification. He and other interns have practiced CPR, bleeding control, suturing, and taking vital signs using artificial skin and medical simulation mannequins.
Deudor also learned about occupational therapy, a career he had not previously considered. His interest in movement and rehabilitation began when he received physical therapy for a knee injury at age 12. He now hopes to study kinesiology or exercise science in college.
While MIMS’ mission has remained constant, its programs have evolved to meet changing community needs. In addition to introducing students to health professions, the organization teaches young people how to navigate the health care system and understand chronic diseases that disproportionately affect underserved communities.
Freeman said some participants are inspired to pursue health careers after spending years helping parents or grandparents understand medical information and manage chronic illnesses.
“They’ve been helping their families navigate the health care system since they were children,” she said. “They see the gaps and want to be part of the solution.”
Medicine, mentoring, and belonging
For Deudor, meeting professionals with different paths into the health care field has made his own goals feel more attainable.
“Seeing all these doctors telling us everyone’s road is different—they’re really making the goal of being a health care professional achievable, because not everyone gets there the same way,” he said.
Deudor also said he’s found a community among students with similar ambitions.
“It’s been nice to be around a group of people who want to become doctors, physician assistants and nurses,” Deudor said. “It’s been a great experience. I’m thankful for the coordinator who pushed me to join.”
20th anniversary celebration on July 24
MIMS is raising money to purchase a van and additional medical simulation equipment. The organization says the equipment would help it bring CPR, first aid, mental health and other certification programs directly to schools throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties.
MIMS will mark its anniversary with a community celebration July 24 at 6 p.m. at Block 15 in Oakland’s Jack London Square. The event is open to the public, including students, educators, health professionals, and local leaders who share a commitment to expanding opportunities in health care, organizers said.
Registration and additional information are available at mimscience.org.
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