Vision for Position

In envisioning the next SSRFC conference, my primary focus would be on providing students with practical insights and strategies that they could directly apply to enhance their respective student-run free clinics upon returning to medical school. My goal as conference coordinator would be to empower students with tangible tools for continuous improvement throughout the year. Some ideas I have include interactive sessions during the conference that would encourage students to share successful strategies implemented in their own clinics. This exchange of ideas could serve as a valuable resource, enabling attendees to bring home actionable insights for immediate implementation.To address the diverse needs of all student-run clinics represented at the conference, I envision various workshops that students could attend throughout the day. These workshops could be tailored to specific challenges faced by respective clinics, allowing attendees to select workshops that align with their clinic’s unique requirements, fostering targeted learning experiences. Additionally, virtual forums operating year-round could allow students to stay connected beyond the conference. They could serve as platforms for ongoing discussions, resource-sharing, and collaborative problem-solving, creating a continuous support network. To encourage more interaction with faculty members from various institutions, we could create sessions with specific themes, such as clinic management, community engagement, or continuity of care. Each faculty member can host a table, and students can choose the the group that aligns with their interests or the challenges they face in their clinics. Recognizing the significance of socializing and building connections, I envision hosting a series of engaging events throughout the weekend such as a welcome reception, happy hours, and speed dating/networking sessions. These would be designed to provide students with ample opportunities to connect and foster meaningful relationships. All in all, I envision the SSRFC conference being a catalyst for ongoing improvement in student-run free clinics, creating a supportive network that empowers students to implement positive changes within their clinics and facilitates continuous collaboration and learning throughout the year.

Relevant Experience

My unique experiences demonstrate my ability to effectively organize events that foster unity and positively influence a large number of students. Central to my qualifications is my previous role as lead clinic coordinator for LionCare, Penn State’s own student-run free clinic. Coordinating a diverse team of medical students, physicians, and volunteers allowed me to refine my organizational skills. This hands-on experience deepened my understanding of the challenges and opportunities inherent in student-run free clinics, motivating me to continue contributing to this sphere of medicine. My role honed my ability to handle logistics efficiently and provided a solid foundation for taking on the responsibilities of a conference coordinator.

My role as social chair for my medical school class demonstrates my commitment to fostering a sense of community among my peers. I am passionate about bringing medical students together and genuinely enjoy organizing events that contribute to the social and professional development of our student body.

Being the medical student representative for Penn State College of Medicine’s alumni society board has allowed me to engage with alumni and organize networking events that facilitate meaningful connections between current students and graduates. An annual career night, alumni brunches, and tailgates have been part of my initiatives, showcasing my dedication to enhancing the overall experience of medical students beyond the academic realm.

During my graduate studies at Case Western, I was selected to organize a medical service trip to Guatemala in collaboration with Fundacion La Mision Guatemala. This experience required careful planning, fundraising, and coordination with fellow classmates to ensure the success of the trip. It demonstrated my ability to handle complex logistics.

Even during my undergraduate years at Ohio State, as the pledge class vice president of my sorority, I organized events for our philanthropy, Nationwide Children’s Hospital. This early experience laid the groundwork for my passion for event planning and community impact.

Combining my experiences in medicine and event organization, I am genuinely excited about the opportunity to contribute to the SSRFC’s Annual Conference. My passion for both medicine and socializing uniquely positions me to take on this role, and I am confident in my ability to drive the conference’s success by leveraging my skills and experiences to create a dynamic and impactful event.