Our Interview With Violet Larry, President Of The Alliance of Black Nurses Association of Oregon

Violet Larry is the President of the Alliance of Black Nurses Association of Oregon.

How does the Alliance of Black Nurses Association of Oregon support aspiring and current healthcare professionals, particularly Black students and those considering careers in medicine?

ABNAO’s work shows that representation, mentorship, financial support, leadership development, and community are not extras—they are essential to enabling underrepresented students to enter and thrive in healthcare. ABNAO provides mentorship, scholarships, professional networking, advocacy opportunities, culturally specific education, and early exposure to nursing careers through our Mini Nurse Academy and Pathways to Nursing programs.

What role do mentorship, leadership development, and community support play in helping underrepresented students navigate the path to medical school and other healthcare careers?

For students considering medicine, these same principles apply: find mentors early, build a community, seek experiences connected to your community populations, and recognize that cultural competency and health equity are core clinical skills. A strong physician must understand not only disease, but also how culture, racism, access, trust, and social conditions impact patient health and care delivery.

From your perspective, what should medical school applicants understand about the importance of diversity, cultural competency, and health equity in becoming an effective physician?

My advice to underrepresented students is: do not navigate this process alone. Seek out physicians, nurses, faculty, and community leaders who can offer honest guidance regarding prerequisites, MCAT preparation, applications, finances, and interviews. ABNAO's model demonstrates the impact of having mentors who understand your experiences and can help you leverage challenges into opportunities for leadership and service.

What advice would you give to students from underrepresented backgrounds who are preparing for medical school admissions and want to build meaningful careers serving their communities?

Most importantly, do not feel pressured to erase who you are to fit a profile. Your lived experience is a powerful asset. Connect your personal story to the type of healthcare professional you aspire to be and the communities you wish to serve. Diversity is essential because patients benefit when healthcare teams understand diverse perspectives, build trust, recognize inequities, and advocate for better health outcomes.