Sokolov Honors College students represent YSU, aid in planning Ohio Medical Education Day

A delegation of Youngstown State University honors students had the opportunity to experience what life in medical school is like for a day at Ohio Medical Education Day, held at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.

The annual event provides undergraduate students across Ohio the chance to learn about preparing for and acclimating to medical school while engaging with medical school representatives from across the state.

Students learned about strategies for medical school admission as well as core competencies they should develop as undergraduates. Presenters at breakout sessions provided advice on writing personal statements, financing medical school, life in medical school and growth-year considerations.

“Attending OMED allowed me to become a better-informed student and pre-med major. I was able to learn about the difficulties and benefits of medical school and get firsthand perspectives on how to be a competitive applicant," said Prabhas Kolluri, a second-year biology major at YSU.

YSU students also assisted in the planning of the event. Kaitlyn Vail, a third-year biology major, designed the event logo which will continue to be used at OMED each year.

“This event meant a lot to me, considering that the last time I attended was in my first year in the BaccMed program at YSU. Now I am in my final year and matriculating to medical school next summer, so it was amazing to use the experience to represent my growth over the last two years,” said Vail.

Mollie Hartup, director of the Sokolov Honors College, also serves as president of the Ohio Health Professions Advisors group, which collaborates with Ohio medical schools to host OMED. Hartup also presented on the Association of American Medical Colleges’ Core Competencies for medical school applicants.

“It was wonderful collaborating with amazing colleagues to plan this experiential learning opportunity for students. I love talking about the core competencies and helping students reflect on the ways they are already developing essential skills like empathy and compassion while encouraging them to find ways to develop new competencies,” Hartup said.

Taking students to OMED is one way the Sokolov Honors College connects students with experiences that enhance their learning.

“Based on student feedback, we have expanded to include more opportunities outside of YSU. Interacting with working professionals raises awareness of future careers,” said Amy Cossentino, dean of Sokolov Honors College and associate provost.