Catawba College’s Pre-Health Organization on campus, along with the Office of Career Services, hosted an evening for students and health care professionals to share their stories, advice and a meal in late February!
The professional panel included a variety of people, including three Catawba alumni, from different disciplines in the health care field. Professional panel members were Dr. Chet Amin, N, DO - Piedmont Family Medicine; Nicholas Alfieri ’10, RN - the VA Medical Center, Teresa Casmus, R.Ph. –The Medicine Shoppe; Vernice Gallon Clyburn, LRT/CTRS- Rowan County Parks and Recreation; Dr. Delaine Fowler, PT- Accelerate Therapy and Performance; Lauren Graham ’10 , PA-C, Piedmont Family Medicine; Dr. Jolene Henning ’96, Ed.D., ATC,LAT, High Point University ; Dr. Greg Lowe, DVM-Rowan Animal Clinic; Amy Mahle, OT-Chair OTA Dept. at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College; Dr. Susan Muth, DDS-Fortner Dental Group; Jenny Zumwalde, LRT/CTRS- Novant Health Rowan Medical Center.
All panelists shared their career paths, from growing up working for their father in his veterinary practice to seeing an ad on a bulletin board for Recreational Therapy program, to going from a computer science degree/career, to studying the biology of cancer and genetics, leading to medical school and many others. When asked their best advice, panelists offered some very rich points to consider. Following are just a few:
“Get as much advice as you can, and be prepared. Know what is required of the program you are going into before you apply.” Dr. Amin
“Be willing to give yourself up for the patients/people you are helping.” Teresa Casmus
“Find your sweet spot, the place where your passion and what you are good at merge.” Amy Mahle
“Find where you can thrive and make yourself invaluable.” Jenny Zumwalde
Everyone agreed a positive attitude is essential.
Students were able to meet the panelists, learn more about their work, and interact with them one-on-one as they shared a meal together.
“It was the best event I have been to,” claimed Jordan Hunt, a senior Bio-Chemistry major.
