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The 15 White Coats® is a physician-led organization of change makers advancing the next generation of physician leaders through visible inspiration, structured mentorship, economic support, and university-based pathway partnerships — strengthening access to medical careers and the healthcare workforce nationwide.

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Next Stop!

Spelman College

Morehouse College & Clark Atlanta University

12th Annual HCP Health Professions Conference

February 28, 2026

Upcoming Stops

Alabama A&M University

April 10

Grambling State University

April 11

Southern University

TBA

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Change the Face of Medicine Together!​

Who Is This For?

  • As early as 2nd semester freshman Pre-health and Pre-med students

  • Preparing for the MCAT or planning to apply to medical school

  • Seeking structure, community, mentorship, and insight — without overwhelming commitments

Dr. Russell Ledet, MD, PhD, MBA

Co-Founder & President

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Why This Matters

Too many talented students fall off the path — not because they aren’t capable, but because they lack access, guidance, and timely support! FTFP-UP exists to change that!

Talent is everywhere... Opportunity is NOT

The biggest barriers to becoming a physcian are not ability - they are access, resources, and opportunity.
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UnderRepresented In Medicine

URiM

$5,000

Average Cost to Apply for Medical School

Only 24%

Medical students are first-generation college graduates - despite nearly half of U.S. College students being first-gen.

Over 50%

Of medical students' families are top income quintile. Socioeconomic resources strongly shape acess to medical careers

8.9%

U.S. Hispanic Physician Representation

8.9%

U.S. Black Physician Representation

Mentorship improves readiness by 70%

Mentorship programs improve student confidence and readiness.

38% of U.S. physicians are women

Women make up over 50% of the U.S. population and nearly 50% of medical school students, yet remain underrepresented in the workforce.
Underrepresentation in medicine reflects gaps in access, not gaps in talent.
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Our Impact

Amount Given in Scholarships

 +$450K

Universities on Tethered Tour

20

What We’ve Raised to Strengthen the Physician Pathway

+$990K

Check out our past scholarships
Get The15 White Coats® Merch!

Donate Today

It is important to note that EVERY dollar spent with The 15 White Coats® goes back to the community. Not one dollar goes into our pockets.

It takes a community to raise a doctor – and your support makes all the difference.

Donate Today to join us in lifting up the next generation of physicians. Together, we can ensure no dream is denied!

How you can help?

Hear From Our Current Scholars

Every dollar donated to the 15 White Coats is used for scholarships and cultural imagery. We don't take one dollar home.

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Kelsey Lewis

Kelsey Louis was part of the first FTFP Cohort with 15 White Coats and now serves as a Legacy Brand Ambassador. Today, she is a first-year medical student at the UNC Chapel Hill School of Medicine, pursuing a career in surgery.

“Proud to share that I was part of the first cohort of 15 White Coats FTFP Program and am now a first-year medical student, pursuing a career in surgery. Grateful for the mentorship, community, and early exposure that helped shape my path to medicine.”

Kelsey’s journey reflects the lasting impact of mentorship, exposure, and community support.

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FTFP-UP connects pre-health students with guidance, strategy, and support designed to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Scholarships

This is the space to introduce the scholarship section and showcase the types of scholarship available. 

2025 Future Physician Scholarship

Award Amount:

$200 per recipient

Deadline:

July - August 

2025 Reflective Visionary Scholarship

Award Amount:

$200 per recipient

Deadline:

July - August 

2025 Future Physician Scholarship

Award Amount:

$200 per recipient

Deadline:

July - August 

And more!

Check our other scholarships

Featured On:

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More Media Coverage

How You Can Help

Image by Pawel Czerwinski

HBCU TT Volunteer

Volunteer to support our HBCU Tethered Tour.

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Image by Pawel Czerwinski

Mentor a Student

Commit to one hour per month for virtual mentorship.

Share insights, provide encouragement, and help shape the future of medicine.

Alumni Testimonial

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Astrid Quirarte

“Getting encouragement from peers who look like me was the validation I needed to keep going. FTFP’s community is powerful.”

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Cameron Hudson

"I started this program with a lot of doubt and frustration about my future. The affirmations, encouragement, and conversations along the way have been incredibly helpful, and I'm truly grateful."

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Emira Wideman

“FTFP 2.0 means lifting up people who are often told they can’t succeed. This support network changed my outlook—and my future.”

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Giovanna Sanchez Cisneros

“The program laid out a clear roadmap, paired me with mentors, and turned a daunting process into an achievable goal. Future physicians, you’re in good hands!”

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Haftah Choute

“Quarterly check-ins force me to pause, reflect, and celebrate progress. Thank you for that.”

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Jhordan Buckley

"15 WC allowed me to find a foundation towards my MCAT studying journey which is important because beforehand, I often clicked on random links and flashcards and just went through those and thought that would be enough. This program also allowed my confidence towards the next cycle to increase immensely."

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Jorge Ochoa

“From MCAT strategy to secondaries, the FTFP team gave me clarity, confidence, and all the resources I needed to present as a truly competitive applicant.”

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Kelsey Lewis

“FTFP gave me a roadmap and the accountability to follow it. Now I’m holding three med-school acceptances and a scholarship nomination.”

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Kimberly Ontiveros Gomez

“Because of FTFP I opened three acceptance emails in one week. The program equips you—and believes in you—until the wins start rolling in.”

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Kylie Vignaud

“My cohort became a family that grounded me in my responsibilities and pushed me forward whenever I felt overwhelmed. The bond we built is like no other.”

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Nadia Parker

"I am Nadia Parker, a senior majoring in Organismal Biology at Fayetteville State University. I aspire to become a pediatrician, and I love seeing people happy and healthy. I am 21 years old and I enjoy traveling and spending time with my family."

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Nkalipho Dube

“FTFP helped me turn challenges into opportunities and prepared me for the realities of becoming a physician. I’d encourage any future doc to apply.”

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Romae Hylton-Gordon

"Throughout this transformative journey, I've embraced adaptability and proven to myself that dreams are within reach with dedication. The 15WC Funding the Future Physician Initiative program provided me with invaluable resources and insight. It ensured that I began drafting my personal statement promptly, requested letters of recommendation on time, and attended classes to prepare for the MCAT."

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Sophia Braithwaite

“FTFP kept me accountable and supported at every step of the med-school journey. The community uplifts you and walks beside you the whole way.”

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Amy Sariles

"The 15WC offered us invaluable resources to navigate the medical school application process. Our peers fostered a welcoming and supportive environment, making this shared medical journey both enriching and collaborative. Additionally, we were connected with amazing mentors who provided invaluable insights and support."

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