Program Highlights

The Emory Mock-Emergency Café, moderated by Brandon Pledger layered issues such as advocacy, medically underserved communities, the closing of WellStar’s Level 1 Trauma Center in Atlanta, and many other health-oriented problems facing Georgia. Students were presented this information from an interdisciplinary panel comprised of Georgia State Senator, Nan Orrock; Podiatrist, Dr. Adrianne Atkinson-Sneed; Executive Director of GSMA, Dr. Kimberly Williams; and Trauma Surgeon, Dr. Frank Jones. Later, faced with doctors, health professionals, and legislators, students were able to mingle and build future connections that will serve them for the remainder of their careers.

On July 20th between 5:30 PM-7:30 PM at the Emory School of Medicine, Whitehead Biomedical Research Building Emory HCOP Pipeline and HealthPREP Students learned of the ongoing fight to find solutions for these problems and were also exposed to the foundation of what makes advocacy work and how they can apply the tools of advocacy to issues they are passionate about.

The program panelists shared the ways in which they have advocated for patients in both legislative and non-legislative settings. During this program, Senator Nan Orrock spoke about young students who championed legislative changes that have come to fruition. Dr. Adrienne Atkinson-Sneed spoke of her fight to lower the number of amputations performed across the country through legislative advocacy and Dr. Kimberly Williams spoke of her advocacy for clean drinking water and air. Finally, Dr. Frank Jones spoke of alternate forms of advocacy wherein he uses his status to advocate for medical students.

This program was attended by a diverse set of students hailing from Morehouse, Emory, and PCOM, whose experience stretched from second-year undergraduate students to third-year medical students. Students were able to receive information concerning their careers years down the line and also concerning what may come in the next several months. Overall, more than 30 students were able to attend the program.

During the Mocktales portion of the program, students were able to share concerns about their futures and the future of healthcare. Many were concerned with health disparities such as high maternal mortality rates and access to quality healthcare. These concerns were addressed to the student’s satisfaction which bolstered engagement. The Mocktales portion featured 10 unique individuals representing entities such as PCOM, Morehouse, Clayton State University, Kaiser Permanente, Kate Spade, and SPCC Atlanta AHEC and students were able to mix, mingle and drift between these esteemed professionals.

The program was considered an immense success by students and professionals alike. “I loved this workshop and how engaging it was. The speakers were insightful, informative, and engaging. I loved it,” stated one student. “I really enjoyed the transparency and wisdom from the panel,” another stated. This program presented unique challenges, but it’s success is indicative of the types of programs SPCC Atlanta AHEC will be able to produce in the future.

On July 12, 2023 at 12:00PM the program titled “Roadmap to Health Careers” brought together the collaborative efforts of SPCC Atlanta AHEC, Four Corners Primary Care Center, and Morehouse School of Medicine’s HCOP Program. This initiative illuminated the intricate tapestry of healthcare professions, offering a profound journey for aspiring healthcare professionals. Guided by accomplished figures including Wardah Khalid, PA; Karima Sohani, FNP; Manisha Sharma, MD; Ruchi Bhavsar, MD; Echiline Francios, FNP; and William Holley, DPM, the program extended a beacon of insight and inspiration.

Participants delved into the multifaceted world of healthcare through engaging dialogues and immersive experiences. “Roadmap to Health Careers” was designed to equip students with invaluable insights into the trajectory of becoming proficient healthcare practitioners. Students had the privilege to explore the Four Corners Primary Care Center Clinic, a cornerstone of community healthcare, and gained a profound understanding of its pivotal role.

One of the program’s highlights was the interactive panel discussion featuring accomplished professionals. This platform offered students a golden opportunity to pose questions, unravel challenges, and uncover the rewards intrinsic to various healthcare paths. The panelists shared their academic journeys, provided profound insights into their responsibilities, and shed light on the enriching compensations within the realm of healthcare.

The journey didn’t merely stop at knowledge acquisition; it was a comprehensive voyage that encouraged participants to forge connections, foster curiosity, and envision their own pathways. By interacting with distinguished experts and engaging with peers, attendees broadened their horizons, nurturing the seeds of future healthcare excellence.

The significance of this program resonated across academic disciplines, catering to the dreams of future healthcare practitioners. By offering a holistic perspective on health careers and their impact on communities, “Roadmap to Health Careers” set the stage for informed decisions and an empowered journey towards healthcare fulfillment.