Attending professional networking events (3 pts) - (Endia Evans, Class of 2028)

This past semester, I had an incredible opportunity to attend a recruitment trip to the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine with the Spelman Health Careers Program. As an aspiring physician specializing in pediatric anesthesiology, this recruitment trip was a great way to gain exposure to a new medical school, while also learning more about their DO program (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine). DO programs are often overlooked compared to M.D degrees, which are more popular. While I was aware of both programs, I didn’t fully understand the difference between them until I attended this trip. I soon learned that osteopathic medicine is a more holistic approach that cares for the whole body, rather than treating individual parts. Learning about this sparked my interest in osteopathic medicine, as I aspire to be a physician who cares for my patients holistically, taking into account not only their medical concerns but also their family history and social determinants of health. I attended an information session on PCOM with the Office of Admissions and current medical students, who shared their experiences, which enriched my understanding of what the institution had to offer in terms of programs. My favorite experiences from the trip included a pharmacy compounding demonstration, a patient simulator, and a visit to the anatomy and physiology lab. Overall, gaining first-hand exposure to my future in medical school was an incredible experience, and I look forward to learning and visiting more medical schools in the future. 

Endia Evans