An interest in the health field may seem exclusive to students committed to a rigorous and confining “pre-med track” full of major-specific courses. With a diversity of health opportunities presented, the Pre-Health Conference (PHC) provides memorable exposure for students with any interest in pre-health to find their calling.

Here are the stories of undergraduate ambassadors from this years’ Conference that have used the PHC to further a connection between their unique major choices and their passion in healthcare.

Shannon Yi, 4th Year, Food Science Major

As somebody who has had to be gluten-free in the past, she feels that studying Food Science would be more aligned to her passion for health. “It made me think about the reasons why people need to do certain diets—not only gluten free,” she shares, “even though it's not prescribed medication, you can use food as a way to maintain your health.”

Praising the wide range of careers listed on the Health Professions Advising’s website, she discovered her interest in Public Health. She shares that she connects this interest to her research in food quality, “I can make sure that people are consuming foods that are safe—people don’t really think about [that] when they think of health.

It may seem that the route to a health career is exclusive to prospective doctors or PAs. Shannon wants to remind those that the diversity of health professions is plentiful and that the PHC is the perfect source for discovery. At PHC, Shannon says, “I plan to visit the workshops and booths related to Public Health.”

Meha Krishnareddigari, 2nd Year, Anthropology and Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior Double Major

Coming into college undeclared, Meha has taken the time to pursue studies aligned with her interest in healthcare. She shares that, “I'm glad I came in undeclared [because] it gave me an opportunity to explore courses that speak to me.”

Pursuing pre-med, Meha is a member of the EMRAP research clinic and the club, Doctors Without Borders. Through both of her experiences, she has noticed, “how people skills [are important] in patient relations and other aspects of healthcare.” She gives credit to her Anthropology background in her ability to form conversations and meaningful connections with other people. “It's like, if philosophy and sociology met,” she reflects, “I feel like the discourse broadened my perspective.”

Meha is inspired by listening to fellow students’ experiences while volunteering with the PHC, and anticipates her willingness to learn from others as a valuable characteristic in her journey in healthcare. She welcomes all perspectives to the PHC expressing that, “diversity is necessary in healthcare—that array is what makes us so special. I feel like this is one of those opportunities to realize [your passion] early.”

In her love for conversation, Meha desires, “to diversify my base of health knowledge by attending networking events and speaker panels that provide unique perspectives regarding healthcare,” at PHC.

Anna Pelegrino, 2nd Year, Chicano Studies Major and Public Health Minor

Anna feels more connected to her mission to support the Latino Community after recently deciding to study Chicano Studies. “Undergrad is a unique time to take classes that could also make me a better physician outside of the [STEM] courses,” she shares. She opens up about how her major switch was beneficial for her mental health. She feels grounded by her mission and motivated to develop her STEM knowledge while taking intersectional courses on health and culture. She analyzes that, “we are multidimensional people. Pre-med isn't a one-size-fits-all—there's so many reasons people want to go into spheres of health.”

Anna calls for all students with any interest in health to get involved with the PHC stating, ”it's a place of innovation and community collaboration—it can be a [medium] for [people] to learn from others’ perspectives.” To get the most of her experience at PHC, Anna plans on, “exploring interactive workshops, networking with presenters and fellow students, and immersing myself in the inspiring pre-health innovation that Conference provides.”

Shannon, Meha, and Anna embrace their less-traditional approaches. The students have all formed meaningful connections to fellow ambassadors regardless of their academic studies. Overall, they look forward to Conference day to continue to broaden their interests and connect with professionals.

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