Historically black medical school works to inspire youth

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The number of African-American men entering medical school hasn't budged since the late 1970s, and Dr. James Hildreth wants to change that.

Hildreth is president and CEO of Nashville's Meharry Medical College. It's the oldest historically black medical school in the country.

On Friday, about 200 Meharry faculty and medical students spent the day at a public middle school in Nashville. They dissected frogs and conducted a mock dental clinic. The activities were designed to be fun and educational. But Hildreth said part of the value simply lies in the children, most of whom are African-American, interacting with black doctors and medical students.

Hildreth said he wants the experience to challenge the children's assumptions and "show them they can do things other than professional sports."