Event at ASU's West campus provides details on medical careers

Anyone interested in pursuing a career in a health-related field can gather information and talk with medical school representatives during a Pre-Health Conference on Sept. 25. This seventh annual event at Arizona State University’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 conference is hosted by ASU’s New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, the core college on the West campus.

The Pre-Health Conference will feature breakout sessions from presenters including the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, Midwestern University and Keck Graduate Institute, as well as a presentation about the 2015 MCAT exam from Kaplan Test Prep. Information tables will be staffed by representatives from the University of Arizona College of Medicine, A.T. Still University, Midwestern University, Mayo School of Health Sciences, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, ASU’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Keck Graduate Institute and Kaplan Test Prep.

“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 New College’s 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 assistant.”

The day’s keynote speaker is Dr. Grace Loretta Caputo, director of medical education and designated institutional official for general pediatrics at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Caputo will speak at 4:30 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 p.m. and table visits with representatives from 3:30 to 8 p.m.

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.