The Brown Minority Housestaff Association (BMHA) offers programs and resources to support housestaff through mentorship, networking, and advocacy. It was started in 2013 by four residents in the medicine, pediatrics, med-peds, and emergency medicine departments. The BMHA provides opportunities to explore issues related to the experiences of housestaff and faculty from backgrounds underrepresented in medicine with the goals of building community within Brown, fostering the development of professional and social connections that will increase retention, and using the strength of a diverse workforce to more effectively meet the needs of a diverse population. Housestaff from all backgrounds are welcome to join without regard to the resident's race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, and under University policies.

We are a very active group that holds quarterly general body meetings, hosts monthly social events, participates in volunteer opportunities, and sits on multiple hospital boards to help increase our visibility and influence on campus. We recognize the extent to which diversity enriches and expands our collective capabilities, so that we may serve our patients in an informed, appropriate, and ultimately meaningful way. We believe that it is incumbent upon us to promote a culture of inclusiveness, where a physician workforce can learn, thrive, and, most importantly, meet the needs of the communities for whom we care.

To achieve these ends, BMHA’s primary goals are:

1. To provide a social and professional support network for house staff at all member institutions.
2. To create an environment that encourages all residents to succeed in the workplace through networking and career development advice and support.
3. To create an inclusive environment at our member institutions.
4. To be a resource for the community at large through health education and outreach programs.

Shana Talbot, MD | Obstetrics & Gynecology | Co-President

Ntami Echeng, MD | Obstetrics & Gynecology | Co-President

Jennifer Okunbor, MD | Obstetrics & Gynecology | Treasurer

Alexandra Belzie, MD | Psychiatry | Secretary

Kiarra Mouzon, MD | Pediatrics | Social Chair

Perpetual Taylor, MD | Pediatrics | Social Media Chair

.

Shamara Battle, MD | Pediatrics | Medical Student Liaison

TBD

End of Year Celebration
June 2025

Graduation 
Early June 2024

Transition to M3 Panel 
April 2024

Second Look 
February 2024

For more information about the Brown Minority Housestaff Association (BMHA), follow us on our social media channels or email us directly at bmha-ams@brown.edu