Black Physicians of Utah

Building a Community for Health Equity in Utah

Welcome to Black Physicians of Utah, where we are building a community of Black physicians, residents, interns, medical students, and aspiring physicians dedicated to achieving health equity for Black and underserved Utahns.

BPOU Mental Wellness Alliance Presents the Inaugural

Health & Wellness Summit and Expo

Join physicians, mental health professionals, community organizations, and families for a day deicated to wellness, education, resources, and community connection.

University of Utah Student Union Building

Open to the community - all are welcome!

Latest News at BPOU

BSTR Pipeline Overlook Hike

Please join us for our rescheduled Overlook Hike in Millcreek Canyon. Refreshments provided

BSTR Liberty Park Fun Run

A little mid-week heart-health fitness and community

All levels welcome!!

BSTR | Biking 17th South River Park

Join BSTR for a Fall ride at South River Park on Sept 20th! Enjoy a beginner-friendly trail ride for health and community.

BSTR South River Park Biking — September 20, 2026 (1)

September is Healthy Aging Awareness Month

Healthy aging is about more than adding years to life. It is about supporting the body, mind, and spirit so we can remain active, connected, and independent throughout every stage of life.

This September, Black Physicians of Utah (BPOU) is highlighting Aging Healthy & Strong and sharing practical ways older adults, families, and caregivers can support healthy aging.

Good health as we age is influenced by the choices and support systems surrounding us every day. Staying physically active, eating nourishing foods, getting quality sleep, maintaining social connections, keeping up with preventive health screenings, and caring for our mental and emotional health can all contribute to healthier aging.

This Month’s Focus: Healthy Sleep • Healthy Brain

Sleep is an important part of healthy aging. Older adults generally need 7–9 hours of sleep each night, and consistent, restorative sleep supports physical health, mental well-being, memory, and overall quality of life.

Kiese Mpongo, White Coat Ceremony!

Congratulations to our mentee, Kiese Mpongo, on her White Coat Ceremony! 🩺💜

We are so proud to celebrate this incredible milestone as Kiese begins her journey toward becoming a physician. A BYU Public Health graduate, Kiese hopes to pursue a career in Dermatology or OB/GYN and is passionate about making a difference in the lives of others.

This is why we do what we do. Supporting and mentoring future physicians is at the heart of BPOU’s mission, and moments like these remind us why it matters.

Congratulations, Kiese! Your BPOU family is cheering you on every step of the way

Join us for BPOU's 5th Annual Medicine Immersion Day

An inspiring day designed to introduce high school and college students to careers in medicine through hands-on activities, physician mentorship, and real-world healthcare experiences. Whether you’re exploring a future in medicine or looking to connect with healthcare professionals, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss!

🎓 Open to aspiring healthcare professionals
🩺 Interactive workshops & clinical experiences
🤝 Connect with physicians and mentors

BPOU September Newsletter is Here!

Stay up to date with the latest events, community programs, educational opportunities, and announcements from Black Physicians of Utah. Catch up on what’s happening across BPOU and see how we’re advancing health equity, supporting future healthcare professionals, and strengthening our community. Read the full newsletter today!

Member of the month spotlight

Dr. Jasmine M. Ogundipe, MD

Event Calendar

Oct 10, 2026

9:00 am

- 2:00 pm

Join us for BPOU’s 5th Annual Medicine Immersion Day

BPOU Event Archive

Community Testimonials

BPOU has been instrumental to my transition as a black, female, medical student in Utah. Their dedication to student success through invaluable resources and support has significantly impacted my journey into medicine by helping me feel more confident and prepared for my studies and future in medicine.

"As a parent, it’s incredibly important to me that my daughter grows up feeling seen, supported and understood. The Black Physicians of Utah has been a remarkable resource for our family, offering opportunities for us to find support for my daughter within a community that not only looks like her but also understands her healthcare needs. Their dedication to offering these services has given us peace of mind, knowing that she is receiving care from professionals who are attuned to her specific needs and background. We are deeply grateful to the Black Physicians of Utah for their commitment to fostering a supportive and empowering community for our children and families."

Black Physicians of Utah plays a critical role in the state to push for equitable representation and to encourage more Black youth to seek a career in providing health care. Speaking as a funding supporter, there are few organizations that Utah needs more than BPOU to address health disparities and ensure representation in health care.

As a member of the community, I stand in support with the Black Physicians of Utah and the impact they have in Utah. By providing mentorship, support networks, and opportunities for professional development, BPOU is not only nurturing the next generation of healthcare leaders but also fostering a sense of community and belonging with the medical field.

Since Ms. Betty Sawyer, the Executive Director of Project Success Coalition, introduced me to the Black Physicians of Utah in April 2023, my life has improved significantly. Upon arriving and interacting with Dr. Ferguson for the first time, he immediately invited me to become a facilitator once he discovered I was a mental health professional. I went from attending the monthly Salt Lake forums to helping launch our monthly forums in the Ogden area and coordinating our monthly forums in the Salt Lake area.

I’m honored to support the Black Physicians of Utah and the critical work they do to build a more equitable healthcare landscape in our community. BPOU’s commitment to mentorship, representation, and health equity resonates deeply not just for Black physicians and aspiring clinicians, but for every Utah resident who deserves compassionate, culturally aware care. Their efforts to foster opportunity, connection, and trust benefit our entire health ecosystem, and I’m grateful for their leadership in addressing disparities and strengthening community wellbeing.

Our New Mental Health Resources Page

Mental health is an essential component of overall wellness, and it’s important that everyone has access to resources and support to manage their mental health. However, the Black community often faces unique challenges when it comes to accessing mental health resources, including systemic racism, discrimination, and stigma. That’s why the Black Physicians of Utah have created a Mental Health Resource page, which aims to provide Black individuals and families in Utah with access to information, resources, and support for mental health, as well as a directory of licensed Black therapists in Utah. Our goal is to help Black Utahns prioritize their mental health and find the support they need to thrive.

Apply for the Mentorship Program

Are you a medical student looking for guidance and support on your path to becoming a physician? Look no further than the Black Physicians of Utah’s mentorship program! Our program connects students with experienced Black physicians who can provide invaluable insight and advice. Don’t miss this opportunity to take your career to the next level.

Apply today!

Community Resources

We believe that access to information and resources is essential to achieving health equity, and we’re committed to providing these resources to our community. We’ve gathered a wealth of information on a variety of health topics, to help you find the support and care you need.

Explore our community resources page today and take the first step towards better health and wellbeing.