The U was filled with medical terminology and prospective doctors on Saturday during the fourth annual Pre-Med Conference.
The conference featured several events and guest speakers to help students better understand how to prepare for medical school and working in the medical field.
Mayumi Kasai, an academic advisor who helped organize the event, said the workshop was designed to present students with new information and networking opportunities, as well as an opportunity to gain hands-on experience.
Kasai said although they offer weekly workshops throughout the year, many students are unable to attend because of demanding class schedules.
“Students who can come here on a Saturday don’t have to worry about any coursework,” Kasai said. “So I think we see more students who are unable to attend the weekly events coming to this annual event.”
The conference began with a keynote address from Edward Clark, chair of the U’s Department of Pediatrics and chief medical officer of Primary Children’s Medical Center. Students were then able to attend various breakout sessions, including suture clinics, CPR certification, information sessions and a medical student panel.
Zachary Cope, a junior in exercise and sport science, said he enjoyed the clarity with which the speakers described the application process, and found the opportunities to network at the conference valuable.
“It was really cool just to be able to meet people that could help me get my foot in the door and make those initial connections,” Cope said. “I thought it was really helpful.”
Benjamin Chan, associate dean of admissions at the U’s School of Medicine, addressed prospective medical students during the conference. Chan said students looking to apply to the School of Medicine should do everything in their power to prepare for the admissions process.
“If there’s one thing I want you to take away from this it’s to work with your pre-med office,” Chan said. “They can review your application and provide you with honest and unbiased feedback and a lot of them even provide practice interviews.”
The event was organized by seven different student volunteers under the supervision of staff members of the School of Medicine. The conference cost $10 per student, and had a total attendance of 112 students.
Students who attended were encouraged to strive not only for academic excellence, but also to be active participants in their communities and service groups.
“Those experiences make you who you are, and they transcend numbers,” Chan said. “You are more than just a test score.”
[email protected]