Leveling the Playing Field: Naomi Coles on Mentorship, Medicine and Mission
For Naomi Coles Strickland, the path to becoming a physician has been defined by determination,
discovery and a deep commitment to serving others.
A graduating fourth-year MD student at 91短视频APP, Naomi recently matched into internal medicine at Emory University, where she plans to pursue a career in cardiology. As a first-generation physician, her journey into medicine has required navigating unfamiliar spaces with resilience and intention.
鈥淚鈥檝e always known that I wanted to pursue medicine,鈥� said Naomi. 鈥淏ut I didn鈥檛 have the luxury of having family members who could guide me through the process.鈥�
Without a clear roadmap, Naomi relied on persistence to move forward. After graduating from undergrad, she spent three gap years strengthening her application before enrolling in the Master of Science in Medical Sciences program at 91短视频APP, a pivotal step that helped prepare her for the MD program.
Her experience at 91短视频APP provided a strong academic and leadership foundation, but it was her involvement with ElevateMeD that helped shape how she navigated the broader realities of medicine.
An ElevateMeD Scholar, Naomi describes the organization as a transformative resource that goes beyond financial support to address the often-overlooked challenges of transitioning from medical school into residency and beyond.
鈥淓levateMeD gives you that edge that most institutions don鈥檛 provide,鈥� she said. 鈥淔rom financial literacy to mentorship to networking, it helps you understand how to navigate the real world of medicine.鈥�
Through the program, Naomi gained access to mentorship that reflected her lived experiences 鈥� something she says made a lasting impact.
鈥淭his was my first time having a mentor who looked like me and had a similar journey,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 been invaluable, not just for where I am now, but for where I鈥檓 going.鈥�
This spring, Naomi took the stage as a speaker at Ignite Atlanta, ElevateMeD鈥檚 annual fundraising event, where she joined fellow scholars to share their experiences and advocate for continued investment in future physicians.
鈥淎t first, I thought, 鈥榃ho, me?鈥�,鈥� she recalled. 鈥淏ut it became an opportunity to really highlight the impact ElevateMeD has had on my journey and why programs like this are so important.鈥�
During the panel, Naomi emphasized the urgent need to expand representation in medicine and address the disparities that continue to impact underserved communities.
鈥淭here鈥檚 a direct correlation between representation in medicine and the health outcomes we see in our communities,鈥� she said.
She also highlighted how financial barriers continue to shape who can enter and remain in the field, making support systems like ElevateMeD more critical than ever.
鈥淟eveling the playing field is essential,鈥� she said. 鈥淧rograms like ElevateMeD help ensure that students not only get into medicine but can thrive in it.鈥�
For Naomi, the impact of ElevateMeD extends beyond her own experience. It has reshaped how she views leadership, service and sustainability in a demanding profession.
鈥淏eing a great physician is important, but so is being well as a person,鈥� she said. 鈥淯nderstanding finances, building networks and having mentorship all play a role in how you lead and serve.鈥�
As she prepares to transition into residency, Naomi is focused on carrying that perspective forward 鈥� both in how she cares for patients and how she supports those coming behind her.
She sees events like Ignite Atlanta as more than a moment of recognition. They are a call to action.
鈥淚t鈥檚 about bringing people into the mission,鈥� she said. 鈥淢aking sure that we鈥檙e not just diversifying the workforce but also creating physicians who can truly serve and connect with the communities that need it most.鈥�
For Naomi, the journey has always been about more than personal achievement. It is about opening doors, building pathways and ensuring that the future of medicine reflects the communities it serves.
To learn more about ElevateMeD, visit
Check out a recap of ElevateMeD's Ignite Atlanta event here:
About the Author
Michael Martin is a content strategist who believes in crafting compelling stories that inspire and connect. With a pen for storytelling, he brings the journeys of students, faculty and staff to life, highlighting their impact and dedication to healthcare.
Contact
Michael Martin
Digital Content Strategist
Office of Marketing & Communications
mamartin@msm.edu