REACH
Surgery Reach Youth Program
Graduation Ceremony
Saturday May 9, 2026
9 a.m.
Morehouse School of Medicine
NCPC Auditorium
720 Westview Dr. SW
Atlanta, GA 30310
Agenda
Welcome & Words of Wisdom
Brandon V. Henry, MD, MPH
Associate Professor of Surgery, Assistant Dean, UME Clinical Curriculum, Program Director, Reach Program, Department of Surgery, Morehouse School of Medicine
Chairman’s Greetings
John H. Stewart, IV, MD, MBA, FACS
Professor and Chair, Department of Surgery, Morehouse School of Medicine, Associate Dean, Oncology Programs
Introduction of Keynote Speaker
Brandon V. Henry, MD, MPH
Associate Professor of Surgery, Assistant Dean, UME Clinical Curriculum, Program Director, Reach Program, Department of Surgery, Morehouse School of Medicine
Keynote Speaker
Aaron Alford, MD, FACS
Division Chief, General and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Chair, Clinical Competency Committee, Director of Clerkship, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Co-Chair, Grady OR Operations Subcommittee, Department of Surgery
Presentation of Reach Graduates
Student Reflections & Closing Remarks
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Aaron Alford
Division Chief, General and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Chair, Clinical Competency Committee, Director of Clerkship, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Co-Chair, Grady OR Operations Subcommittee, Department of Surgery
Aaron M. Alford, MD, FACS is an Assistant Professor of Surgery at Morehouse School of Medicine, where he serves as Division Chief of General and Minimally Invasive Surgery and Surgical Clerkship Director. A Phi Beta Kappa and magna cum laude graduate of Morehouse College, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology before obtaining his medical degree from the Emory University School of Medicine. Dr. Alford is a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society and completed his General Surgery residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Mercy Hospital. He is a board-certified general surgeon with expertise in minimally invasive and robotic surgery.
Dr. Alford began his surgical career in Atlanta in 2005, co-founding a successful private surgical practice before joining The Southeast Permanente Medical Group (Kaiser Permanente), where he practiced for more than 15 years. During this time, he demonstrated a strong commitment to clinical excellence, quality improvement, and patient-centered care. He completed leadership training, served on the Peer Review Committee, and was recognized as a Care Experience Champion.
In 2023, Dr. Alford joined the faculty at Morehouse School of Medicine to focus on surgical education, academic leadership, and mentorship. He is actively involved in departmental scholarly initiatives and serves at Grady Memorial Hospital as a member of the Medical Executive Committee, a Highly Reliable Organization Physician Trainer, and Co-Chair of the Operating Room Operations Subcommittee.
Nationally, Dr. Alford contributes to surgical education as a Certifying Examiner for the American Board of Surgery and as a member of the Association of Surgical Education’s Surgery Clerkship Directors Committee. His clinical interests include minimally invasive surgery and complex abdominal wall reconstruction.
Spring 2026 Cohort
Abel Batkero
Aiden Moss
Aiyanna Curry
Ave’ Perkins
Carilee Campbell
Charlaye Dennis
Chloe Bryant
Desta Ervin
Ethan Wadley
Gabrielle Aikens
Jackson Thomas
Jadin Hall
Jahi Polk II
Jaiden Tuggle
Jason Scott
Jordan Lang
Kamren Kirklen
Kaydon Sims
Kemani Jones
Laila Sanders
Larc Ector
Layla Davis
Leila Thiam
Marleigh Maxberry
Messiah McCants
Miles Pristell
Morgan Harris
Special Thanks
Chandra Flowers - Financial Aid
Children Healthcare of Atlanta – Program Sponsor
Christopher Harris - A Plus CPR
Councilman Antino Lewis – District 12
Debra Dice - VA
Department of Surgery Faculty & Staff
Dr. Franklyn Geary - Assoc. Dean of Admission
Dr. Jeffrey Handy – Morehouse College
Dr. Kimberly Miller-Hammond
Dr. Leanne Burnham
Dr. Max Schubert – Emory
Dr. Nicole Cotton – Psychiatry
Dr. Rahmelle Thompson – UHSA
Dr. Raimot Olanrewaju – OBGYN
Dr. Roberto Cortez
Duane McClain - Financial Aid
Felicia Randall
Fifth Third Bank – Program Sponsor
Fly Guy DC
Gary Jenkins – Program Sponsor
Ginene Winchester - Fifth Third Bank
Jason Norris - Cook Medical
Joeseph Wynn - Cook Medical
Karen Lucas – Morehouse Medicine
Kim Hodge
Krowned Divas SC – Community Partner
Landon Scott – UHSA – Morehouse
Roshanda Payne
Skye Phillips – UHSA – Spelman
Talisha Rutherford - Financial Aid
Taniscia Davis
The MSM Surgery Reach Youth Program is an early exposure and mentorship program that aims to introduce underrepresented high schools from the Atlanta Metropolitan area to health professional careers. The program was created from the idea that many capable and talented students lack early opportunities for direct exposure to pathways into a multitude of healthcare professions. Our goal is to help these students achieve their dreams through experiences that will open their minds to the options that lay before them and to give them an early understanding of the paths to success in healthcare. By doing so, we hope to continue Morehouse School of Medicine’s commitment to lead the creation and advancement of health equity to achieve health justice for our community and world.
Surgery Reach Team
BRANDON V. HENRY, MD, MPH DIRECTOR, REACH PROGRAM
Delissia Broadnax
Travis Copeland
Dominique Osby