Eric Ayers, M.D., FACP, FAAP, Class of 1989

Wayne State University has benefitted from having a heart and belief in assisting the educational pursuits of underrepresented in medicine students either through direct admission or through the Post Baccalaureate Program. You will have the unique opportunity to be involved in a community that accepts you, encourages you, and will help and assist in your education.

Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics
Wayne State University School of Medicine

I chose Wayne State University as my medical school based on the Dean of Admissions Charles Vincent, whose vision at that time was to increase the number of underrepresented in medicine students. It was also important to me that I would be able to care for patients with extensive medical issues that would challenge and complement the medical knowledge available at Wayne. A bonus to my selection was the fact that there were other notable faculty of color from whom I would be able to learn the art of medicine. I was impressed not only in the location, patient population and history of change in the central campus of the medical center, but by the numerous first accomplishments by the School of Medicine faculty -- hematology, heart surgery, acclamation of physicians of color with hospital privileges, and an emerging community involvement beyond the classroom.

I enjoyed my experience, from the classroom to community service to leadership opportunities, Wayne allowed me to grow and perfect not only in medicine but as a student leader. I was blessed with physical diagnosis instructors who challenged me but also stressed the importance of being humanistic and professional in every patient encounter. They also taught me the importance of asking the right questions and not taking any shortcuts when it came to patient care and well-being. The friendships that I established in medical school from my class through the Black Medical Association/Student National Medical Association and community involvement have been lasting. The support I received from the ancillary staff in the clinic to the inpatient wards was also very beneficial and important in my success. I am forever grateful to all who assisted and cared for me then and even now. I have been blessed to care for patients from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds, which has added to my ability to understand the importance of culture and community. They have humbled me at times by caring and teaching me about life’s struggles through their eyes in the hope of being able to assist others in my medical journey.

Wayne State University has benefitted from having a heart and belief in assisting the educational pursuits of underrepresented in medicine students either through direct admission or through the Post Baccalaureate Program. You will have the unique opportunity to be involved in a community that accepts you, encourages you, and will help and assist in your education. You will follow in a long line of successful and passionate driven physicians who embodied the respect of the professional community and leaders of all fields. You will develop lasting friendships that extend beyond your medical school years that will be uplifting and grounded. You will be blessed by patients who educate you through their health and life experiences. For these and other reasons, Wayne State University School of Medicine is the place to be if you want to be a well-trained clinician who understands urban health and therefore health care for all. Because the urban mission of health encompasses all health issues, along with socio-economic injustice, incarceration, diversity, cultural differences, health disparities and biases, along with the business of medicine.