CDU COM Sponsors 1st Annual Pre-Medical Conference January 11, 2020
COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
We aim to become the premiere Pre-Medical Conference in Southern California that attracts students who are passionate about social justice, health care reform, health equity and improved health outcomes, especially for communities that have been historically marginalized. We believe that with the right investment and guidance, students from underserved communities can achieve their dream to become physicians, surgeons, and clinical scientists who will work in the communities they grew up in or in communities similar to their own.
On Saturday, January 11th, 96 pre-medical students from South Los Angeles and surrounding areas attended the first Annual COM Pre-medical Conference. As an important stakeholder in training and producing physicians who specialize in the needs of underserved, predominantly ethnic minority communities, the goal was to provide vital support and information.
Welcome greetings were offered by Provost Dr. Steven Michael and Dr. Sheila Young, Director of the Enhanced Post-Bacc Program. COM Dean Dr. Deborah Prothrow-Stith discussed her personal journey as a leader in targeting violence as a public health issue. Current CDU students also reflected on their experience.
Aspiring candidates met representatives from medical schools regarding the admission process. They also received tips on preparing for and mastering the MCAT, and interacted with medical students, residents and physicians for advice regarding how to enhance their prospects for medical school admission.
The conference included an exhibitor’ s fair. Students met with representatives of a variety of medical schools including California University of Science and Health, COPE Health Solutions, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, USC Keck School of Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, UC Irvine School of Medicine, Ross University, Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine, and the CDU / UCLA Medical Education Program.
Attendees also participated in concurrent workshops, mock interviews, personal statement review, and a riveting clinical exercise role-play,“ Stop the Bleed.” The conference concluded with a panel of medical students, residents, and faculty who offered insight and advice to spur attendees’ journey through medicine.
Judged by post-event survey questionnaires, the conference was well-received. If you would like to participate or support next year’ s Pre-medical conference, please email premed @ cdrewu. edu.
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