November 29th, 2006
Medical Business, Where Are the Black Folk?
On a raining gloomy Wednesday, I went to a medical convention in Chicago. This show is called “RSNA”, which I presume stands for Radiology Society National Association. The show is very large and the estimates of attendance is in the 10’s of thousands and nearly 100,000 people.
This is the largest medical show in the United States. Some of the biggest corporations in the world show their radiology products in elaborated and large booths. The technology has grown leaps and bounds. Not only is the automation what you would expect, but the clarity of the images from the body, are incredible. Do you remember the term exploratory surgery? This business has put that term out of business.
The attendees are M.D Radiologists Technologists, some hospital administration, corporate executives, sales people, technical support service people, company event planners and job seekers.
My reason for going this year is my role as managing partner for Global Recruiters of Oak Park, www.grnoakpark.com. I am always on the hunt for exceptional talent and great companies that need talent to help their growth plan success.
In this blog we have discussed diversity, reverse discrimination, affirmative action and fast track promotions.
I witness aspects of affirmative action at work. There were many white women in attendance and some Asians as well. I did not notice dynamics of reverse discrimination because white males were in abundance. I am wondering the same thing I wonder in many nice restaurants, where are the black folks. Do you remember Eddie Murphy the actor, in a movie scene where he exclaims to Nick Nolte, “Not a real popular place with the brothers.”
In conclusion we are missing opportunities in a great and important business, the medical field. On a positive note, I did see several black M.D’s at the show, mostly women.
Few tips on preparing for aposition in the medical field…
1) In school take as many science and math courses as you can handle.
2) Perform at an A level for all classes
3) Be active in extracurricular activities
4) Find opportunities to show leadership skills
5) Develop communication skills both verbal and written
6) Keep up with technology
7) Graduate from a good college with a degree that can support proof of critical thinking ability.
Become fascinated with science and medicine. If you learn to love it you will want it more.
9) Find a mentor in the field. Someone that can give you advice and council.
10) Establish a plan with incremental goals and time frames for achievement of steps necessary.
The demographics indicate, this field will continue to grow. Let’s encourage our young to strongly consider the medical field as a career option.
By the way my specialty field in my recruitment is medical. If I can help anyone find a medical position please contact me or visit www.grnoakpark.com
December 2nd, 2006 at 7:47 pm
You do a good thing here and it makes for very interesting stuff. I am not sure on demographics, but in our Military most of the guys coming out tend to look toward medical or IT positions as that is what all their training went into. I only know that because I work for a Military job placement ad agency. My question is if there are there less african american’s in the military these days? Also, if anyone was interested in a position in the medical field you should check out the listings on th DOD website we post tons of job requests there that need filling asap.
December 5th, 2006 at 2:18 pm
Kat, thank you for your comment.My older brother was in the Army at a time when the Army had 3 million troops. Today all the branches have less than 3 million, so in that regard there are less. The military has the largest number of black managers of any institution. Many of the medical jobs would be for JMO’s I will check the dod web site. Please comment again in the future