Event at West campus provides details on medical careers

Anyone interested in pursuing a career in a medical-related field can gather information and talk with medical school representatives during a Pre-Health Conference on Tuesday, Oct. 9. Hosted by Arizona State University’s New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences and its School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, the event at ASU’s West campus is set for 4 to 8 p.m. in the La Sala Ballroom of the University Center Building at 4701 W. Thunderbird Road in Phoenix.

The fourth annual Pre-Health Conference will include breakout sessions focusing on topics such as preparing for the MCAT, interviewing styles for both individual interviews and the multiple mini interview (MMI) process, and preparing personal statements. Information tables will feature representatives from institutions including the University of Arizona College of Medicine, A.T. Still University, Midwestern University, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, Northern Arizona University’s physical therapist and physician’s assistant programs, and The Princeton Review.

The day’s keynote speaker is Edgar D. Staren, president and CEO of Cancer Treatment Centers of America at Western Regional Medical Center. Staren will speak at 4 p.m.

The remainder of the schedule includes a networking opportunity with program representatives from 5 to 6 p.m., breakout sessions from 6 to 7:30, and table visits with representatives from 7:30 to 8.

“This event provides a great opportunity for students in any major to find out about the medical career options and educational paths available to them once they complete a bachelor’s degree,” said Sue Lafond, academic success coordinator in the School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences. “Attendees can learn more about various potential career paths, whether they plan to pursue an M.D. or D.O. degree or become a pharmacist, dentist, optometrist, physical therapist or physician’s assistant.”

The Pre-Health Conference is free; visitor parking on campus costs $2 per hour. Participants may pre-register at ncevents@asu.edu. On-site registration begins at 3:30 p.m. on the day of the event. For additional information, contact sue.lafond@asu.edu or heidi.maxwell@asu.edu.