Events:
Panel Discussion
Representation in Leadership Matters: 360 Degree Reflections Among Women Mentor and Mentees
Sunday
10:15 am - 11:15 am
Jodi-Ann Edwards, MD (PGY2 RY3)
General Surgery Resident Physician & Research Fellow, Department of Surgery, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University
Dr. Jodi-Ann Edwards was born in Jamaica and raised in South Florida. After earning her medical degree from the Florida Atlantic University Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine (FAU CESCOM), she joined SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University as a General Surgery resident in Brooklyn, NY. Dr. Edwards completed two clinical years and is currently concluding her third dedicated research year. Her basic science research
focuses on the molecular biology of acute pancreatitis, and clinical research focuses on surgical disease outcomes, quality improvement, and healthcare disparities.
Dr. Edwards is also a proud mother of her 18-year-old son, community advocate, mentor, and MPH student pursuing a career in academic surgery. Dr. Edwards is an Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society member and a 2021 Diversity in National Medical Fellowship (NMF) Clinical Trials Research Emerging Investigator Awardee. She helped create and direct the Surgery SEED (Summer Experience to Enhance Diversity) elective to recruit URMs into surgery. She volunteers with FAU CESCOM’s alumni mentorship program, Downstate’s Health Professions Recruitment Exposure Program (HPREP), and YoungLives Manhattan, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young mothers and expecting mothers.
Dr. Edwards believes that physician workforce diversity, inclusion, and equity (DEI) and mentorship enhance medical education quality and improve overall patient care. Dr. Edwards credits her mentors for providing opportunities to represent Downstate locally and nationally. She also serves as the Department of Surgery’s representative in various Downstate committees and projects. Dr. Edwards has recently received two nominations from her alma mater: the FAU Hall of Fame Award and Distinguished Alumni Award. She has received her COM’s 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award. Dr. Edwards is recognized for combining scholarship with service to medical students, patients, and the community while advancing the principles of DEI.