PNC has provided solutions that give me the confidence to bring my vision to reality.
These words appear in a letter that Dan Walden, a relationship manager for PNC Healthcare Business Banking, received from a Morehouse College alumnus, expressing gratitude for helping him realize the dream of establishing his own pediatric medical practice. While intelligence, skill, and hard work enabled him to become a physician, it was his relationship with Morehouse College, the Thomas J. Blocker Society, and PNC Bank that helped him take important financial next steps.
The Thomas J. Blocker Society is an alumni organization of health professionals from Morehouse College. It consists of physicians, dentists, pharmacists, scientists, and allied health professionals who are committed to assisting Morehouse College undergraduate students and students of color who are interested in health professions. The services the Society provides, including academic advisement, clinical shadowing, mentoring, scholarships, and other programming, play an instrumental role in preparing students for their eventual careers. However, understanding the financial aspects of working in a healthcare profession can also be critical to success, and this is where PNC Healthcare saw an opportunity to help fill a gap.
“In our collaboration with the Blocker Society, we learned through conversations with students that the business side of practicing medicine is not a focus in medical school. This can lead to real challenges, perhaps especially for individuals who don’t necessarily want to follow the route of working for an established healthcare provider but are instead interested in setting up their own practice within disadvantaged communities,” Walden said. “We realized we could bring in subject matter experts from multiple areas of PNC to help build a foundation for success by educating them about the business of healthcare and strategic solutions for managing finances.”
“As students on the Pre-Dental/Pre-Medical track, we are not exposed to the business practices needed to run a successful practice, nor will we receive business classes in medical school,” said Jalen Wilson, a Morehouse College student and president of the Pre-Dental Society. “PNC Bank gave an insightful presentation that opened my eyes to the path of owning a private practice. They provided essential guidance on launching a healthcare business and connected me with valuable contacts I wouldn’t have encountered otherwise. I’m grateful for their commitment to education and support in helping future healthcare business owners succeed.”
The partnership has resonated not only with the students, but also with the Morehouse College Alumni members of the Blocker Society. “As we began mentoring students, we also built relationships with established healthcare professionals who expressed an interest in setting up their own practices, or generally establishing sounder financial footing,” said Qasim Karimi, relationship manager within PNC Commercial Bank. “The result is that PNC now has client relationships with several dozen members of this group, and one of the most important aspects of this is that it goes full circle. Many of these individuals give back financially to the Blocker Society, so helping them succeed ultimately comes back to helping the students succeed.”
Another important dimension of the relationship, according to Gyasi Chisley, head of Corporate Healthcare for PNC and Morehouse College Alumnus, is a shared commitment to empower, educate, and accelerate entrepreneurial growth for Black-owned businesses. “The Blocker Society’s commitment to addressing healthcare equity and education aligns seamlessly with PNC’s efforts to advance economic opportunities and deliver meaningful impact where it’s needed most. Both organizations are champions of investing in education and healthcare initiatives that aim to close the wealth gap and foster economic growth in underrepresented communities.”
Chisley noted that the relationship with Morehouse College has potential to benefit other Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI), and institutions serving African American physicians and healthcare professionals. “With our partnership with the Blocker Society, we have created a model that we hope to replicate with other institutions across the country, to amplify our reach and help build a more inclusive economy.”
Brilliant Begins Here
PNC can help develop strategies and solutions for growth and stability for organizations in all segments of the healthcare industry. For more information, reach out to your PNC Relationship Manager, or contact us.
