PHSRC Pulse

Recap: Pre-Health Networking Night

Pre-Health Networking Event Nurtures Pathways to Success Through Dialogue

Written by: Emma Walytka, Editorial Assistant, PHSRC

Four students sitting at a table and smiling at the camera

Walking into a space filled with an expansive array of health professionals and UMN Health Science students working in and studying Dentistry, Radiology, Pediatrics, Optometry, and Medicine elicited a sense of reflection, empowerment, and vulnerability among the undergraduate students in the Health Profession Pathways Program.

The Health Profession Pathways program at the University of Minnesota aims to support undergraduate students who come from historically underrepresented communities in reaching their goals of becoming a health professional. 

Through this program, undergraduates are supported with regular all-encompassing support services, offered exclusive experiences and get the opportunity to obtain the knowledge and skills that will make them competitive applicants for health professional programs. 

With the support from key partners from Advocates for Better Health (ABH), UMN BA/MA programs, The Center for Interprofessional Health (CIH) and the Center for Health Interprofessional Programs (CHIP), the attendees were surrounded with support and resources from various organizations. 

Students in classroom talking around a table

The networking event, held on October 1, 2024, welcomed 24 undergrads, 9 health sciences students and 9 health professionals for its third year. Though networking can seem intimidating and even appear to be a competitive practice, the presumptions were proved untrue at the Pre-Health Networking Event that evening. 

With six tables, 42 health professionals, health sciences students, and undergraduates in Pathways had the opportunity to spark informative dialogue, ask difficult questions, and learn words of wisdom. 

Speaking at the beginning of the event was Infectious Disease Physician and Board President, Dr. Djevi and Executive Director, Becky Timm with ABH. The advocates said they value community-centered communication and work to advance health equity, leading with empathy. 

Meet the Undergrads and a Health Science Student

Three students sitting at a table, looking towards the camera

With 24 undergrads in attendance, hearing their stories, passions and personal experiences in the Pathways program enabled a layer of personality and connection in the event. 

Shwa Vang, a first-year student studying Mortuary Science said she joined Pathways because she knew that if she did, she would have a vast support system and the opportunity to explore other health careers in the future.

“I was really excited to apply and join Pathways, and so far, it's really helped,” Vang said. 

Pathways is specifically designed for students interested in health careers like me, tailoring their resources and networking opportunities, Vang added. 

Marisol Gordillo, a first-year student studying Human Physiology said she attended the event because it was a good opportunity to not only speak to health professionals, but also to get a feel for their experiences. 

Isaac Tadé, a fourth-year dental student and Pathways Health Science Coach said his best advice would be to know the answers to ‘What is your why?’ and ‘What refills your battery?” 

“If you can answer these questions, you get can through anything in your program,” Tadé added. 

Tadé emphasized to undergraduates the importance of being kind to oneself throughout the process, honing in on the idea that “we are all doing this for the first time,” Tadé said.