The Alabama State University Office of Career Services took a big leap foward by helping students who have aspirations to enter the medical field by hosting its first Medical Forum on Feb. 11 in the John Garrick Hardy Center Ballroom.
The event brought recruiters from four medical schools to inform students about the pathways to medical careers, despite the university does not offer a medical degree.
“We may not have a medical program here at ASU, but we have everything you need to pursue your dreams,” coordinator of Career Services Programs Gwendolyn Shelton, said.
She emphasized that the event was designed to give students the tools they needed to succeed, whether they want to pursue a career in medicine or other health-related fields.
“We’re providing information about scholarships, MCAT, and the resources that will help a student reach his or her goals. Closed mouths do not get fed and the doors are open, students just need to step inside,” Shelton said.
For students looking to make that leap into medical school, the forum provided more than just general advice. Sabrina Crowder Simmons, D.M., assistant vice president for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, shared why this event was crucial for students.
“While we don’t have a medical school, we know that many of our biology majors are on the path to becoming doctors,” Simmons explained. “Career Services wanted to take the next step and guide them by making sure they are aware of the opportunities that are out there from the MCAT to medical school preparation programs.”
The focus on guidance was a key theme throughout the forum.
“It’s about showing our students that their dreams are still within reach,” Simmons continued. “Whether you’re a dance major or a biology student heading toward the medical field, ASU is here to make sure you’re ready for that next step.
Shelton agreed, adding that the forum was just the first of many.
“We’re here to help our students get from point A to point B on their career paths,” Shelton remarked. “This event helps ensure that our students are informed about scholarship opportunities, what’s needed to succeed on the MCAT, and which schools offer master’s programs to help them get into medical school.”
As the forum progressed, students had the chance to hear directly from medical schools, including Beck Lamb, associate director of admissions at St. George’s University in Grenada. Lamb spoke about the unique opportunity St. George’s offers students.
“We are the oldest medical school in the Caribbean, with a global student body. Seventy-five percent of our students come from the U.S., and we offer a two-year program on the island followed by two years of clinical work in the U.S.,” Lamb said. “We have pathways for students to apply, including taking the MCAT and submitting letters of recommendation.”
Lamb explained what sets his school apart from others. “Our diversity, global reach, and student-centric approach make us stand out,” he said. “We partner with many HBCUs to ensure students have access to a top-tier medical education.”
Michael Minor, a recruiter for William Carey University’s Osteopathic Medicine highlighted how their approach differs from traditional medicine.
“While osteopathic medicine is not as popular as traditional medicine we train our students in holistic medicine and disease prevention,” he said. “Our programs are more affordable, and we advocate for the D.O. degrees, which focus on treating the whole person,”
Minor also noted that William Carey University offers a range of programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees in medical fields.
“We’re a family-oriented and accessible university, and we’re proud of our diverse community,” Minor replied.
Among the recruiters, Crimsynn Dover, M.S.A., program manager at the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s (UAB) School of Nursing, spoke about UAB’s nursing programs.
“At UAB, we offer both an accelerated master’s program and a traditional bachelor of science in nursing,” Dover shared. “We also have pathways for students to become registered nurses in just two years through an associate degree program at local community colleges.”
Dover explained that UAB’s accelerated program is especially beneficial for students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree.
“If you have a four-year degree in a non-nursing field, you can complete the master’s in nursing in just one year,” she said. “There’s a huge demand for nurses, and these programs are designed to meet that need while providing quality training.”
The forum’s discussions highlighted the wide array of opportunities available for students. Simmons encouraged everyone to think about their future careers with an open mind.
“Even if we don’t have a medical school here, our students can still pursue their medical dreams by taking the right steps,” Simmons said. “Today, we’ve provided a wealth of information and resources to help them do just that.”