Q&A
"CHANTEL'S CONSIDERATIONS"
WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE NATIONAL PRESIDENT?
WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE NATIONAL PRESIDENT?
Sometimes, decisions aren't about what you want, but what you are called to do. I have always possessed a passion for increasing underrepresented minorities in medicine and decreasing disparities in health care. Naturally, this allowed me to become endeared to the SNMA, its mission, and its impact. My candidacy is due to a culmination and recognition of my abilities and successes in program innovation, leadership, and management. This is in addition to my vision for this organization as a continued pillar for diversity in medicine and equality in health-care. Therefore, it was with great humility, a sense of purpose and support of past and present leadership that run for the position of President-Elect.
WHY ARE
YOU RUNNING
"FROM THE FLOOR"?
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING "FROM THE FLOOR"?
In summary: because the opportunity was not available for me 4 weeks ago! During the call for candidate applications, I was in the midst of applying to my institution's dual-degree program in Public Health. Therefore, as a third-year medical student, I could not commit to the two-year responsibility of President-Elect and National President. After receiving acceptance into the program, consulting with leaders in the organization and taking personal consideration, I enthusiastically moved forward with my application for candidacy.
HOW DOES YOUR
LOCAL AND REGIONAL EXPERIENCE PREPARE YOU FOR A NATIONAL POSITION?
HOW DOES YOUR
LOCAL AND REGIONAL EXPERIENCE PREPARE YOU FOR A NATIONAL POSITION?
My chapter and regional experiences honed skills which I already possessed in my prior professional work as a supervisor and manager. As a chapter president, I truly understand the responsibilities and necessities of a chapter president and how to support them as they are a direct pipeline to engage membership. As Associate Regional Director, I have direct experience in providing simultaneous oversight to multiple committees and understand the importance of transparency, communication and constructive input in accomplishing our mission. Lastly, I understand the importance of the SNMA organizational structure and function while knowing to "always have my fingers on the pulse" of its members. With fresh local and regional insight and support of the national mission, I hope to strengthen the SNMA dogma: national <-> regional <-> local by ensuring that communication, ideas, and accountability effectively advance our organization.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SNMA MEMORY?
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SNMA MEMORY?
THERE ARE SO MANY! From meeting members of my community and introducing them to the SNMA, to events with our pipeline programs, allowing Philadelphia public school students to see future physicians of color for the first time. But my favorite will have to be those which brought the SNMA family together! Alumni mixers with my chapter. The post-RMEC game-night party. AMEC! It just brings me so much joy to look out to a room and see the faces of a generation of minority future doctors in all of its beauty, personality, and excellence!
WHAT IS THE FIRST THING THAT YOU WILL DO IF ELECTED?
WHAT IS THE FIRST THING THAT YOU WILL DO IF ELECTED?
Dance! As a certified dance fitness instructor, dance is my primary means of expression. Then, SLEEP! It may be the most sleep that I get in the next two years. Next, I will pray for humility and strength in this journey and in my position. And lastly, get excited for my first board meeting as President-Elect!