ABAP was founded six years ago, based on the observation that the lack of Black students in medicine could be attributed to the lack of Black role models in the field, lack of awareness of opportunities available and misunderstandings about what it takes to be a medical doctor.
The co-presidents of ABAP, Abby Cherinet and Munira Adan, are both students in disciplines related to medicine. Abby is in third year of translational and molecular medicine and Munira is in second year of health sciences. They’ve been co-presidents for the past year.
Abby works to fulfil her club’s mission by organizing events to make members aware of available opportunities available, such as research and job shadowing, which can help with their med school applications.
ABAP supports all pre-med people of colour, primarily undergraduate students, rather than just current medical students or those currently practicing medicine. The club assists students throughout the process of applying to medical school or finding volunteer opportunities.
Abby first got involved with ABAP in second year, when she was vice president of outreach. Her main responsibilities consisted of reaching out to panelists and sending promotional marketing emails.
“I heard about ABAP in high school, when the club was newly founded, and I was always interested in it and was looking forward to becoming a member as soon as I joined the University,” she says.
Building a community where you can meet other people of colour interested in studying medicine has been satisfying for the co-presidents and the executive team. Hearing positive feedback about their work makes them want to organize more events.
“Representation is not just inspiring but consequential, because it allows you to be more ambitious about yourself and give back more and more.”
Abby Cherinet
ABAP has led Abby to want to do something related to mentorship, teaching or hosting events, in addition to practicing medicine. Being in a position of leadership should translate well to her future career and teach her more about responsibility.
Hearing about people’s stories has led Abby to be more interested in specialties like psychiatry. She aims to use her skills and experience with ABAP to help remove the stigma around mental illness.
Abby believes that engaging with your community means contributing to your environment, not only as part of a club or a university, but through active involvement.
“Regarding ABAP, it’s not just about joining a club. It’s about putting effort into contributing to everything your role demands and aiming to produce everything in high quality.”
Abby Cherinet
ABAP gives its leaders a sense of responsibility, a reason to push their team to make a difference and a sense of the benefits of making fellow students feel that they belong.
“Joining a club should not be just about having something to put in your resumé. It should be about making a difference, which only comes when you are genuinely interested in what you are part of.”
Abby Cherinet