The Jose Candelario Show · Community & Healthcare

Black Men in White Coats: Inspiring the Next Generation of Doctors

Black Men in White Coats Youth Summit with Jose Candelario and Dr. Husnain Kermalli

The Jose Candelario Show | Community & Healthcare

What if meeting a doctor could change the direction of a child’s life?

That’s part of the inspiration behind the Black Men in White Coats Youth Summit, an initiative designed to introduce young people to careers in medicine and help them see opportunities they may never have imagined.

On this episode of The Jose Candelario Show, Jose Candelario sits down with Dr. Husnain Kermalli, Chief Medical Officer at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury, Connecticut, to discuss the upcoming summit and the importance of representation, mentorship, and opportunity in healthcare.

Opening Doors to the Next Generation

For many young people, becoming a physician can seem like a distant dream, especially when they have limited opportunities to meet medical professionals who share their backgrounds.

The Black Men in White Coats initiative works to change that by bringing students, families, educators, and healthcare professionals together.

Through mentorship, hands-on experiences, and meaningful conversations, the summit encourages students to explore careers in medicine and other healthcare fields.

It’s about more than choosing a profession. It’s about helping young people recognize their potential.

A Conversation Worth Watching

During this special interview, Jose and Dr. Kermalli explore the mission behind Black Men in White Coats and the importance of creating opportunities for future healthcare professionals.

The conversation also highlights the role hospitals, educators, families, and community leaders can play in encouraging young people to pursue their ambitions.

Watch the full interview below.

Black Men in White Coats Youth Summit — Event Details

Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: The Palace Theater & UConn Waterbury
City: Waterbury, Connecticut
Admission: Free

The summit welcomes students and families interested in learning more about careers in healthcare.

Register for the event:
https://TrinityHealthOfNE.org/BMWC

The Power of Representation

When children see people who look like them succeeding in careers they may never have considered, it can expand their understanding of what’s possible.

Events like the Black Men in White Coats Youth Summit help turn that inspiration into real-world connections, experiences, and opportunities.

Through The Jose Candelario Show, we remain committed to sharing conversations that inform, inspire, and bring attention to people and organizations making a difference in our communities.

Watch the interview, share the story, and help inspire the next generation.