Fort Worth Medical Student Named Diversity Co-Chairperson for Student National Medical Association

FORT WORTH – Antonio Igbokidi, a second-year medical student at the TCU and UNTHSC School of Medicine, will be serving as the National Diversity Research Committee Co-Chairperson for the Student National Medical Association (SNMA).

“This is truly an honor to be able to represent the TCU and UNTHSC School of Medicine in this important role for the Student National Medical Association,” Igbokidi said. “True change comes from creating spaces and opportunities that are equitable for all. That change has to start from the community level and move upwards and that is what we are learning as Empathetic Scholars ® here at the school of medicine and I’m happy to be able to share that with my colleagues at the SNMA.”

The announcement came during the 2021 Virtual SNMA Annual Medical Education Conference (AMEC) in April. It is one of the largest gatherings of underrepresented minority medical students where they have access to a wide range of educational events and networking events.

“Antonio is a phenomenal leader noted collectively by his peers and the school of medicine faculty and staff,” said Danika Franks, M.D., assistant dean for Student Affairs at TCU and UNTHSC School of Medicine. “Undoubtedly, his voice, perspective and advocacy will support the mission of SNMA in addition to providing him exposure and connections with other like-minded individuals who will become the next generation of physician leaders in healthcare.”

The SNMA is the nation’s oldest and largest independent, student-run organization focused on the needs and concerns of students of color who are underrepresented in medicine. Boasting more than 150 chapters across the nation, the SNMA membership includes more than  7,000 medical students, pre-medical students, and physicians.

“This is truly a distinct honor,” said Adeiyewunmi (Ade) Osinubi, one of the National External Affairs Committee Co-Chairs for the SNMA.

The goal of the SNMA’s Diversity Research Committee (DRC) is to further the efforts of SNMA in addressing the need for increased support for and investment in underrepresented minority premedical students, medical students and future physicians.

Igbokidi’s role will be responsible for overseeing and ensuring the success of all of the subcommittees under the DRC, including the David E. Satcher Fellowship, Dr. Wilbert C. Jordan Research Forum, the Physician Research Initiative and the National Leadership Institute.

He will also be a part of research projects, medical scientists training programs and their Future Leadership Project.

“Since my post-baccalaureate program two years ago when I found out about SNMA, I have been enamored with and being part of its mission, which is a commitment to supporting current and future underrepresented minority medical students and increasing the number of clinically excellent, culturally competent, and socially conscious physicians,” Igbokidi said.

Before arriving at the school of medicine, Igbokidi graduated from the University of Arkansas with degrees in Biology and African American Studies. He received his master’s degree in Bioethics from Creighton University.