photo of McClennan Banks officers

Resident & Fellows Diversity

The College of Medicine launched a major recruitment effort for under-represented in medicine (URiM) residents in 2003, at which time URiM residents comprised of 3 percent (16 out of 522) of our total residents. The efforts of the Graduate Medical Education (GME) office, residency training directors and faculty have directly impacted our recruitment. Today, our resident house-staff is comprised of 12 percent URiM individuals with representation in more than 75 percent of the clinical departments.

McClennan-Banks Residents & Fellows Networking Group

The College of Medicine’s under-represented in medicine residents initiated the McClennan-Banks Resident Society, naming the organization for Dr. Alonzo C. McClennan and Nurse Anna DeCosta Banks, who were known for the operation of the first minority hospital in Charleston, SC. The purpose for the society was to enhance diversity within the College of Medicine and connect with the Greater Charleston, SC community through service. The society was recently renamed the McClennan-Banks Residents and Fellows Networking Group to include under-represented in medicine fellows, networking opportunities with community physicians, and community service projects. The group also serves as mentors to College of Medicine under-represented in medicine students.

Organizational Objectives:

  • Provide an opportunity for campus and community based networking.
  • Provide mentorship of under-represented students, residents, and fellows
  • Develop residents’ teaching skillsIncrease minority resident recruitment to the Medical University of South Carolina
  • Cultivate interest in academic medicine
  • Engage in community service

Resident Ambassadors

Several under-represented in medicine residents have volunteered to serve as Resident Ambassadors for the College of Medicine. These resident physicians are available to answer questions of potential resident applicants and to share their experiences at MUSC. Interested individuals may contact them by email. For a list of Resident Ambassadors and other MUSC Graduate Medical Education Diversity Programs, please visit their website: Diversity

Resident Diversity Transition Forum

Incoming Underrepresented in medicine residents are invited to a transition forum during their first week of residency. During this forum, residents meet the Diversity Team, Residency Program Directors and current residents. Information regarding the McClennan-Banks Residents and Fellows Networking Group and support services is provided.

Dr Hood Watson