20 Years of Impact: Building the Future of Medicine in Tampa

For more than two decades, B.E.S.T. (Brain Expansions Scholastic Training) has been on a mission to close the diversity gap in medicine by opening doors and expanding minds.

Recently featured on ABC Action News, our program was recognized for its long-standing commitment to inspiring, educating, and equipping underrepresented youth with the tools to pursue careers in healthcare. The spotlight celebrated the impact of B.E.S.T.'s Summer Medical Academy, where students don scrubs, work side-by-side with professionals, and get real-world exposure to careers in the medical field.

> “There are many programs out there that support students. What makes B.E.S.T. unique is the depth of hands-on experiences, long-term mentorship, and the belief we instill in our youth,” said Executive Director Dr. Kevin Sneed during the segment.

The coverage highlights the critical importance of early exposure. For students who may never have seen a doctor who looks like them or thought a stethoscope could belong to them, B.E.S.T. becomes a turning point. Whether it's dissecting in a lab or walking the halls of a hospital, students are not just learning; they're seeing themselves in the future of healthcare.

Over the years, B.E.S.T. has proudly supported hundreds of students, many of whom go on to become nurses, physicians, researchers, and leaders in health equity.

As we reflect on 20 years of meaningful work, we’re not slowing down. In fact, we’re expandig, offering new opportunities, growing our alumni network, and gearing up for our 2025 Diamonds in the Rough Gala, where we’ll celebrate our past and build toward our future.

Watch the full ABC Action News feature here:

🎥 Tampa youth medical academy has spent 20 years working to improve diversity in medicine