California State University, Fresno is one of four universities in the United States selected for a pilot campaign to increase diversity in medicine by ensuring students from varied racial and ethnic backgrounds have support needed to become aspiring doctors.

The AspiringDocs.org campaign was developed by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) as a comprehensive resource for college students of color interested in learning more about medical school. The site should also be useful to parents, teachers and advisers.

At 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 23, the Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP) at Fresno State and the AAMC will hold a joint press conference to discuss campaign goals and the wide variety of resources that it has to offer. The event will take place in Fresno State’s old Science Building near the Satellite Student Union (Basement Level — Science Lab).

At the press conference, HCOP students will conduct research in the lab as part of learning some of the essential tools for becoming a doctor.

Speakers include:

Dr. Charles Terrell, vice president, Division of Diversity Policy and Programs, AAMC

Dr. Lenore Yousef, premedical advisor and professor, College of Science and Mathematics, Fresno State

Lilia De LaCerda, director, Health Careers Opportunity Program, Fresno State

Dr. Adrianna Padilla, family practice physician in Fresno and former HCOP student.

Special note to Spanish-language media: Speakers will be available for interviews in Spanish.

For more information, please contact Brandie Campbell at: 559.278.7940 or 559.994.3189.