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.