Almost immediately after he joined the Student National Medical Association (SNMA), DaShawn Hickman knew he wanted to help lead it.
Four years later, he’s getting that opportunity. In January, the dual MD-PhD biomedical engineering student was named the national chair of SNMA, and he’ll officially take on that role next month. With more than 7,000 members, SNMA is the largest student medical organization in the country focused on supporting underrepresented minorities—both as medical students and as patients.
“Together we can all combat the systems that are in place perpetuating these health disparities and keeping the number of underrepresented minorities physicians low,” Hickman said.
The organization recognizes the challenges of being a minority and aims to put resources in place to correct them. Members of SNMA have an ever-growing system to support them in test preparation, advice on the everyday challenges of medical school, access to free leadership conferences, and constant mentorship.
“It’s hard just being ‘the only,’” he said. “When no looks like you, acts like you or relates to where you’ve come from, it’s hard to feel like you fit in, in addition to all of the other factors that are at play.”
It’s for this reason, among many, that Hickman, a South Carolina native, wanted to be a part of SNMA.
After graduating from Yale University, Hickman immediately got involved with the organization at Case Western Reserve. He steadily built his presence in the group, filling the role of chapter president for a year and then regional director for two years. When he takes over as chair next month, he will oversee the day-to-day operations of the organization and ensure that it will continue to thrive for years to come.
Though this may sound like a full-time job, remember: Hickman also is a full-time student earning two doctoral degrees, while also being active in the Case Western Reserve community. He’s a past director of the student-run variety show, “Doc Opera,” which raises about $20,000 for the Student-Run Free Clinic every year. As a student interviewer, he gives tours of the medical school. He’s mentored high school students who planned to enter the medical field and been the treasurer for the School of Medicine’s Committee of Student Representatives. He also helped found QGrad, the graduate and professional student LGBTA association, of which he is treasurer.
Plus, he’s doing research with Erin Lavik, the Elmer Lincoln Lindseth Associate Professor in Biomedical Engineering, creating nanoparticles with hopes of using them to stop internal bleeding in patients who have experienced trauma.
In the future, Hickman, who is obtaining a doctorate in biomedical engineering along with his medical degree, hopes to work in translational research, similar to what he is doing in Lavik’s lab.
“Being able to see something from the beginning to the end is very gratifying,” he said. “You know you’re doing some sort of good. You can see the impact.”
Seeing that positive impact is what drives Hickman, whether in his medical career or as a leader of the SNMA. Find out what else drives him—and much more—in this week’s five questions.
1. What is your favorite city? Why?
I think my favorite city is Los Angeles because of the memories I’ve had there. I have always been able to have a great time there. It has everything you’re looking for—great weather, great beaches and a great scene. My brother just moved there, so now it has family, too.
2. In all of your education, who of your teachers had the greatest impact on you?
My high school theater teacher, Miss McKenna Crook. She encouraged me to be who I am, to be open, to not be afraid.
3. When it comes to music, what artist is one of your “guilty pleasures?” Why?
Broadway show tunes. They’re so much fun! I feel like not everyone likes to listen to Broadway show tunes, so that’s why I feel guilty when I listen to it. I love to dance, and normally when people think of me dancing, they [think of hip-hop because they] know I like it, but I like to do a little bit of Broadway dancing, too.
4. What one word would you use to describe yourself, and what one word would your friends use to describe you?
I would describe myself as a “leader.” I think my friends would describe me as “busy.” They’re always inviting me to things and I often have to pass. I feel bad about that.
5. What is your favorite thing about Case Western Reserve?
I’ve met some of my best friends here. I think everyone’s outgoing. It’s a great environment to work and have fun.