We all know that the road to becoming a doctor or working in the medical profession is not easy. It can be even harder for minority and disadvantaged students.

Experts agree that in order to improve the health of Black and Hispanic residents and to reduce health care disparities, our efforts should be focused on getting more minority physicians and other health providers.

That's why Westchester County will host the Rx for Success: Dare to a Doctor conference on October 18 at the County Center to introduce middle and high school students to the medical field and motivate them to pursue a career in medicine.

Attendees can expect to:

• Be inspired by three African-Americans who left the city streets, followed their dreams and became nationally renowned doctors. Drs. Sampson Davis, Rameck Hunt and George Jenkins, who are known as "The Three Doctors," will be the keynote speakers. Learn more about their road to success. 
• Get an insider’s view from dozens of minority doctors, who share their passion for healing and offer advice to help you reach your goals
• Take home tips and tools to help you chart your path to med school from middle and high school
• Learn about internships, mentoring opportunities and financial aid you may qualify for
• Visit the exhibit hall to see how science and technology intersect in 21st century medicine

Breakfast, lunch and a round-trip MetroCard for the Bee-Line bus service will be provided to every minority student who participates. Parents are also welcome to attend.

Registering in advance through students' schools will be required. However, you may pre-register now to hold your spot and receive final registration materials in the fall.

We are currently seeking exhibitors to support this worthwhile event. Exhibitor registration forms must be completed and sent with payment by September 5.

The conference is part of a countywide Mentoring Initiative recommended last year by the Blue Ribbon Task Force on Health Care Disparities. It's being made possible through the generous donations from our sponsors:

• Westchester Medical Center
• Hudson Health Plan
• Affinity Health Plan
• Sound Shore Medical Center
• Lower Hudson Valley Perinatal Network
• Phelps Memorial Hospital Center
• United Way of Westchester and Putnam

We thank these sponsors for their support and for helping Westchester County inspire hundred of African-American and Hispanic children to consider a career in medicine and reduce health care disparities. For information on how to become a sponsor, call (914) 995-2951. Donations help pay for transportation, food for attendees and other expenses. Sponsorship levels range from $1,000 to $5,000.

The Westchester County Center is located at the junction of Tarrytown Road, Central Avenue and the Bronx River Parkway in White Plains. Get directions from the County Center Web site.