Organization brings professionals to campus

Buena Vista University's (BVU) Pre-Professional Club has been sponsoring a Pre-Professional Series featuring various heath career speakers throughout the month of November.

To date, there have been three speakers including Shelly Buse, ARNP (Nurse Practitioner), Kit Munden, PT (Physical Therapy), and Linda Lewis, PA-C (Physician Assistant).

The series will continue with Dr. Crampton, DPM (Podiatry) and Dr. Stephan, DVM (Veterinary Medicine) on November 17, and will conclude with Dr. Crippin, MD (Family Practice) and Dr. Ivey, DO (General Surgery) on November 24.

The Pre-Professional Club is beginning its second year and felt bringing in speakers would be a good way to attract students who are interested in health careers to the club.

Currently, there are many BVU students who are enrolled in the pre-professional program, and this series is offer them the opportunity to explore possible career paths.

"During the career symposium there are a lot of science panelists, but we wanted to bring in speakers directly related to the health field," senior Pre-Professional Club President, Amanda Dorale said.

The club's goal is that this will be a great benefit to students who are interested in the health-care field, especially first-year students. A variety of speakers who are brought in give students a chance to talk to professionals in different medical fields and give them a chance to learn about potential careers.

"They let students know what to expect, how to get there, and what to do," Dorale said.

"They offer great advice about seeking a career you love and give students realistic expectations of their particular fields," senior Sarah Colvin said.

The speakers also allow students a chance to network and possibly set up internships or shadowing opportunities. Many of the speakers are from the Buena Vista Regional Medical Center (BVRMC) or nearby towns which have previously had BVU health care interns.

The series looks to be an ongoing event. There are many other health care fields the Pre-Professional Club would like to bring speakers from including radiologists, chiropractors and optometrists.