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WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson will cloak former 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project student Joseph Dubery at the Howard University College of Medicine's Annual Long White Coat Ceremony on Friday, March 17, 2017. The ceremony marks an honored pre-graduation tradition as students move from a short coat to a long coat in their final year of medical school – a symbol of being equal clinicians to others who have earned the long coats. Students also will take the Hippocratic Oath and pledge their service to their patients and future communities.

"I am so proud to have witnessed Joseph's journey from a middle school student to doctor and am honored to cloak him as he embarks on his successful medical career," said Congresswoman Wilson. "The 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project is a program committed to guiding minority boys along a carefully chartered path to manhood and sending them to college. Joseph's road to success demonstrates that the program works."

Dubery joined the 5000 Role Models as a sixth grader at Parkway Middle School, in Miami Gardens. In 2005, he graduated from Miami Northwestern Senior High with aspirations of becoming a medical doctor. He received a four-year scholarship from the 5000 Role Models, which enabled him to earn a bachelor of arts degree in psychology with minors in English and chemistry from the University of Miami in 2010. In 2012, Dubery earned a master's degree in biomedical sciences from Barry University.

"My dream of becoming a medical doctor began many years ago as the child of immigrant parents from Antigua who came to America for opportunity," said Dubery. "My mother worked hard to ensure her three sons attended college, but there were some challenges. The 5000 Role Models of Excellence Program, founded by Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, filled the gaps. I thank Congresswoman Wilson and the Role Model mentors for being a source that I could always depend on."

"Though the program has produced many lawyers, Joseph is just our third doctor," said Congresswoman Wilson. "Our nation will face a doctor shortage by the year 2030, so I hope that he is the third in a long line of physicians."

"I am so proud to have witnessed Joseph's journey from a middle school student to doctor and am honored to cloak him as he embarks on his successful medical career," said Congresswoman Wilson. "The 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project is a program committed to guiding minority boys along a carefully chartered path to manhood and sending them to college. Joseph's road to success demonstrates that the program works."

Dubery joined the 5000 Role Models as a sixth grader at Parkway Middle School, in Miami Gardens. In 2005, he graduated from Miami Northwestern Senior High with aspirations of becoming a medical doctor. He received a four-year scholarship from the 5000 Role Models, which enabled him to earn a bachelor of arts degree in psychology with minors in English and chemistry from the University of Miami in 2010. In 2012, Dubery earned a master's degree in biomedical sciences from Barry University.

"My dream of becoming a medical doctor began many years ago as the child of immigrant parents from Antigua who came to America for opportunity," said Dubery. "My mother worked hard to ensure her three sons attended college, but there were some challenges. The 5000 Role Models of Excellence Program, founded by Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, filled the gaps. I thank Congresswoman Wilson and the Role Model mentors for being a source that I could always depend on."

"Though the program has produced many lawyers, Joseph is just our third doctor," said Congresswoman Wilson. "Our nation will face a doctor shortage by the year 2030, so I hope that he is the third in a long line of physicians."

What: Howard University's College of Medicine Annual Long White Coat CeremonyWho: Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24), Howard University Doctor of Medicine Candidate Joseph Dubery

When: Friday, March 17, 2017, 11:00 a.m.

Where: Cramton Auditorium Howard University 2455 6th St. NW Washington, DC