Online event offers inspiration and support to aspiring students in healthcare

University of Cincinnati students, faculty and staff are invited to attend a day of short talks with the goal of expanding diversity in the healthcare workforce.

Students of color and others who are under-represented in the health professions — such as veterans, people with disabilities, and first-generation college students — will find inspiration and support, since speakers have been specially chosen for their encouraging personal stories and expertise in advising under-represented students.

The free, online event takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 4.

Live talks start at 9:30 a.m. with UC alumna and public health expert Dr. Angelica Hardee, who serves as vice president of health strategies for the American Heart Association. Participants will also hear from professionals in nursing, physical therapy, physician assistantship, education and more. Participants can ask questions in the live chat during each presentation.

In addition, more than 18 recorded talks featuring diverse healthcare professionals will be made available on YouTube for participants to browse and watch any time. Most talks are no more than 15 minutes long. Recorded talks will remain available even after the day is over. Visit the event web page for a full list of live and recorded speakers.

A wide network of people and programs exists to help under-represented students enter the healthcare workforce, but students often don't know about them. Dr. Robin Selzer in UC’s Experience-Based Learning and Career Education division, with the support of a campus-wide advisory committee, created the event to break down silos and help students access resources and network with professionals in the field.

All registered participants who are current UC students will be entered to win MCAT, PCAT and GRE test prep books; flashcards; UC apparel; and apparel from minority-owned business that support increasing diversity in healthcare.

All are welcome to attend. The event is supported by a grant made possible by UC’s Next Lives Here Urban Health initiative.

Featured image at top: UC medical students discuss an assignment. Photo/UC Creative + Brand