SU Minority Association of Pre-Health host symposium

The Southern University Minority Association of Pre-Health Students presented a Medicine and Allied Healthcare Symposium in James W. Lee Hall on March 19, for all students interested in pursuing a career in medicine or allied health. Allied Healthcare is a broad category of careers in the medical field, not limited to dentists, pharmacist or doctors.
The panel held a question and answer portion that included panelists Cory Corimer, Toussaint Battley, Ashley Joseph, Shanel Thompson, Jasmine Williams and Annie Clark. Most of the panelists hold relevant medical titles such as: physicians, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, and medical administrators.
Panelists were chosen based on polls students took earlier in the year regarding specific medical fields people are in to come to Southern University. The discussion was based upon questions submitted by the audience. Topics included: the interview process for entering medical school, life as a pharmacist and pediatrician, how to deal with emotions while working in the medical field, and joining the army after medical school in order to pay off loans. Every panelist also expressed the importance of having a mentor, possibly even more than one.
Lakira Washington, a senior English major from Monroe, LA said the symposium was very helpful for people who want to be the health field.
“I have a friend who wants to go to medical school to be a doctor,” said Washington, “I cannot wait to share this information with her.”
Tevin Thomas, junior Nursing major from Houma, La said he got more insight about medical school.
“I always wanted to go to medical school, but always wondered about how I might end up on the waiting list,” said Thomas. “I now know how to beat the system, thanks to this event.”
Williams said the symposium had been in the works for a while, as they saw the necessity of presenting the information to the community.
“We came to represent the communities due to minority inquires in this are,” said Williams. “Especially in the Allied Health care field.”
There was snacks served and students received a book on Allied Health Career resources.
The Pre-Health Students might hold another symposium next academic year