Honor Renee McDonald-Fleming

Senate Resolution No. 5766 BY: Senator PARKER HONORING Renee McDonald-Fleming upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by the Daniel Hale Williams Society on May 11, 2018 WHEREAS, The unity of our State and Nation is built upon the compassion of individuals such as Renee McDonald-Fleming who uphold the values of community life and who, through their great actions, epitomize the best of humanity; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Renee McDonald-Fleming upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by the Daniel Hale Williams Society on Friday, May 11, 2018; and WHEREAS, The Daniel Hale Williams Society is SUNY Downstate Medical Center's Chapter of the Student National Medical Association (SNMA), an organization committed to supporting current and future underrepresented minority medical students, addressing the needs of underserved communities, and increasing the number of clinically excellent, culturally competent and socially conscious physicians; and WHEREAS, A fourth year medical school student, Renee McDonald-Fleming is committed to addressing health disparities, minority education and advancement, and working with the underserved as a physician advocate; and WHEREAS, An experienced researcher, Renee McDonald-Fleming has taken several strides to integrate health disparities research into her long-term career aspirations; this is highlighted by her work on the truck and bus driver study at Yale and her participation in the NIH Academy Fellows Program; and WHEREAS, Renee McDonald-Fleming's commitment is further demonstrated by her ongoing study examining whether the USPSTF recommendation against the use of PSA in screening for prostate cancer (PC) has had impacts on PC diagnosis, stage of detection, and use of PSA as a screening tool in African American men; and WHEREAS, Additionally, in partnership with the New York City Department of Health, Renee McDonald-Fleming is currently performing Narcan training in churches throughout Staten Island in an effort to help residents combat death tolls associated with accidental opioid overdose; and WHEREAS, Understanding the profound impact foundational educational gaps can have on minority societal advancement, Renee McDonald-Fleming has been actively involved in mentoring minority students; and WHEREAS, During her undergraduate study at CUNY Medgar Evers College, Renee McDonald-Fleming tutored ex-convicts and single mothers, emphasizing and addressing foundational gaps and study skills; and WHEREAS, Renee McDonald-Fleming also mentors minority students who hope to apply to medical school, discussing essays, MCAT, and interview topics; furthermore, she works with the first year minority students, giving them study tips and advice on how to navigate SUNY Downstate COM's new curriculum; and WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to her campus community, Renee McDonald-Fleming is President of the Daniel Hale Williams Society, SUNY Downstate COM's chapter of the Student National Medical Association; and WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of Renee McDonald-Fleming, this vital organization is committed to meeting the challenges of students of color through their medical school education, internship and beyond; and WHEREAS, In addition, she works as Brooklyn Free Clinic RISE Counselor, offering STD testing and counseling to uninsured Brooklyn residents at the student run free clinic; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which Renee McDonald-Fleming has displayed throughout her life; and WHEREAS, It has always been the objective of this Legislative Body to honor and support those individuals who have displayed their commitment to the betterment of their communities, and it is the intent of this Legislative Body to inscribe upon its records, this tribute to Renee McDonald-Fleming, that future generations may know and appreciate her admirable character, her many benevolent deeds, and the respect and esteem in which she is held by her peers; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Renee McDonald-Fleming upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by the Daniel Hale Williams Society on May 11, 2018; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Renee McDonald-Fleming.