Participation Type
Panel
Session Title
A student perspective on medical education in Appalachia
Session Abstract or Summary
West Virginia has the highest rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes, the highest rates of opioid addiction and overdose, and the second highest mortality rate. The state ranks as one of the unhealthiest and unhappiest. Over the last few years, however, the state has been increasing options for healthcare. So much so that recently, WVU Medicine surpassed Walmart as its top employer.
What does this mean for future doctors and healthcare providers? Young people in college now are going to face the challenge of dealing with these epidemics. How does pre-med and medical education in Appalachia prepare students for their future careers? Further, what are we, as educators, doing to help keep our best and brightest here instead of riding the wave of outmigration to other states and regions?
We have left our young people an unfortunate legacy. This panel, comprised of pre-med students (a Freshman and a Senior), 1st and 2nd year medical students, and other students in pre-health and professional programs will address these issues from their perspectives.
Presentation #1 Title
A student perspective on medical education in Appalachia
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
West Virginia has the highest rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes, the highest rates of opioid addiction and overdose, and the second highest mortality rate. The state ranks as one of the unhealthiest and unhappiest. Over the last few years, however, the state has been increasing options for healthcare. So much so that recently, WVU Medicine surpassed Walmart as its top employer.
What does this mean for future doctors and healthcare providers? Young people in college now are going to face the challenge of dealing with these epidemics. How does pre-med and medical education in Appalachia prepare students for their future careers? Further, what are we, as educators, doing to help keep our best and brightest here instead of riding the wave of outmigration to other states and regions?
We have left our young people an unfortunate legacy. This panel, comprised of pre-med students (a Freshman and a Senior), 1st and 2nd year medical students, and other students in pre-health and professional programs will address these issues from their perspectives.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Beth Nardella is an associate professor of writing in the School of Medicine at West Virginia University and the academic coordinator for Amizade.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #2
Jillian Linton is a Freshman in Exercise Physiology at West Virginia University. She is from the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #3
Sarah Mitchem is a Senior in Exercise Physiology at West Virginia University. She is from Southern West Virginia.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #4
Ashlee Seldomridge is a second year Medical Student at West Virginia University. She is from Lewisburg, West Virginia.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #5
Laurel Thomas is a first year medical student at West Virginia University. She is from Morgantown, West Virginia.
A student perspective on medical education in Appalachia
West Virginia has the highest rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes, the highest rates of opioid addiction and overdose, and the second highest mortality rate. The state ranks as one of the unhealthiest and unhappiest. Over the last few years, however, the state has been increasing options for healthcare. So much so that recently, WVU Medicine surpassed Walmart as its top employer.
What does this mean for future doctors and healthcare providers? Young people in college now are going to face the challenge of dealing with these epidemics. How does pre-med and medical education in Appalachia prepare students for their future careers? Further, what are we, as educators, doing to help keep our best and brightest here instead of riding the wave of outmigration to other states and regions?
We have left our young people an unfortunate legacy. This panel, comprised of pre-med students (a Freshman and a Senior), 1st and 2nd year medical students, and other students in pre-health and professional programs will address these issues from their perspectives.
