2022 - 2023 Diversity & Inclusion Committee Leader Spotlight

Sandra Coker, MD, Chair of the EMRA Diversity & Inclusion Committee, 2022-2023

Program: University of Chicago

Your goal as an EMRA leader: My goal as EMRA Diversity and Inclusion Chair is to make our specialty one that advocates for and continuously celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion. We hope to do so by developing programs, gathering resources, and creating support systems for our student learners and residents.

Why get involved in a professional society? Getting involved in a professional society allows you to effect change and have your voice heard.

What is something people don't know about you? I created Black Girl White Coat, a nonprofit organization that provides guidance, mentorship, scholarship, and representation for Black and Latinx students looking to pursue healthcare careers.

If I weren't an emergency physician, I would be: Devoted to nonprofit organizations and in the real estate business.

Favorite life hack for night shifts: Music & Coffee!

What's on your playlist? Megan Thee Stallion, duh!

Tanesha Beckford, MD, Chair-Elect of the EMRA Diversity & Inclusion Committee, 2022-2023

Program: Boston Medical Center

Your goal as an EMRA leader: As an EMRA leader I look forward to the continued growth that comes with educating professionals about structural inequities in our healthcare systems and their negative impact on patient treatment and outcomes. Adopting a more inclusive framework gives healthcare professionals the tools to work towards creating an equitable future and fostering progressive thinking amongst all trainees.

Top 3 traits of a great leader:
1. A Team Player
2. Adaptable
3. Dependable

What's the last non-textbook you read? The Obstable is the Way - Ryan Holiday

What's on your playlist? Blessed - Wizkid ft. Damian Marley

Daniel Ayorinde, MD, Vice Chair of the EMRA Diversity & Inclusion Committee, 2022-2023

Program: Loma Linda University Medical Center

Your goal as an EMRA leader:
1. To encourage and support current medical students and residents in their journey through medicine.
2. To continue to leverage my position within EMRA to create more opportunities to connect individuals in the pre-health pipeline with mentors who can support their growth and development, with particular emphasis on our underrepresented populations

What is the best advice you've ever received? The best way to eat an elephant is ONE PIECE AT A TIME

Number of apps on my phone: Too many to count (and the list WILL keep growing as long as my memory allows)

What's the last non-textbook you read? The little Book of Common Sense Investing by John C. Bogle

Favorite Twitter feed: NBA Twitter

What's on your playlist? Real Life - Burna Boy

Biosha Jones, MD, Vice Chair of the EMRA Diversity & Inclusion Committee, 2022-2023

Program: Loma Linda University Medical Center

Your goal as an EMRA leader: My goal as an EMRA leader is to further expand our platform to facilitate initiatives and discussions on how continue making medicine a more inclusive space for all people.
Why get involved in a professional society? : Being involved in a professional society allows for camaraderie to explore different interests, collaborations and ideas to ensure that inclusion and accessibility is being talked about and implemented across the nation. I'm also in it for the friends!

What is the best advice you've ever received? "Clear your mind so that you may listen to your heart."

What is something people don't know about you? That I have a homestay family in Italy that I've known for over 10 years now. We still keep in touch!

If I weren't an emergency physician, I would be: A band director.

What's the last non-textbook you read? The Undocumented Americans by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio - an amazing read!

Favorite Twitter feed: @uche_blackstock - constantly enlightening others regarding racism in medicine, speaking her truth and being Black girl magic career goals!

What's on your playlist? Just about anything depending on the circumstance. But I do love me some Luther Vandross.