May  2008
Vol 1, Issue 5



NC-HCAPnews
a monthly update from the
NC Health Careers Access Program
at Chapel Hill

The Director's Corner

Through two AHEC keynote speaking engagements, I had the privilege of talking to some outstanding pre-college students who aspire to become health professionals. In my attempt to inspire them, I became inspired because we all benefit through an increased health care workforce as they accomplish their goal. I was recently reminded of how quickly students reach this milestone through my attendance at the UNC School of Medicine's Annual Spring Banquet. This event feels like a reunion for me. It is there that I am able to witness students who have completed health professions pipeline programs prepare to graduate from medical school. This was an emotional time for me because I remember when they were pre-matriculants who were eager to gain admittance into medical school. Secondly, I know from whence they come. I know how hard these students have worked to prepare for this moment. This edition of our NC-HCAP news will continue to highlight student accomplishments.

Additionally, we are excited to welcome a new member to our team, Ms. Kimberly Clinkscales. Coaches will often remark that their team's success is largely dependent upon its team members. We are grateful for teammates who believe in NC-HCAP's mission and seek to make valuable contributions through their service.

Patrena Benton



In This Issue
Director's Corner
NC-HCAP Announcements
Pre-college initiatives
College initiatives
Student Spotlight
Center News
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Quick Links

NC-HCAP Announcements

NC-HCAP hires new Business Manager

We are pleased to announce the addition of Kimberly Clinkscales to the NC-HCAP staff. She will serve as business manager for the     orgranization.

Kimberly comes to NC-HCAP with many years of experience in the accounting and health-industry fields. She was most recently employed by Alamance Regional Medical Center in the medical records department. Prior to that, she worked as an accountant with the City of Burlington and also served as the credit union manager for Cabisco Federal Credit Union.

As business manager, Kimberly Clinkscales maintains a comprehensive operational budget based on the mission and needs of the organization. She serves as the departmental HR facilitator, records management liaison and transportation/parking coordinator. Kimberly received her bachelor's degree in accounting from Elon College.



Pre-College Initiatives 
HCIE Workshops being scheduled

We are now scheduling workshops for the new school year. Avoid being waitlisted -  schedule your free Health Careers Information & Enrichment Workshop today!


Be among the first in the state to expose your students to one of the fastest growing career fields in North Carolina next year.
  
The HCIE Workshop is a motivational, hands-on outreach program designed to increase the interest of pre-college students considering a career in the health professions. Each session is highly interactive and focuses on small group and cooperative learning activities while providing students with general information about health careers and educational programs as well as academic enrichment activities.
Workshop outlines and other information can be found on our Web site.
    
To schedule a workshop, complete the online registration form or call us at (919) 966-2264.

NC-HCAP's health professional database
Do you know a health professional who may be willing to share his/her personal story or basic information about their chosen profession with K-12 students? 
As we attempt to expose students to the myriad of health career options, we are seeking health professionals to support us in this effort. This is an opportunity for all health professionals to expose their field to our future health care practitioners. If you or someone you know would be interested, we would like to add you to our NC Health Professional Database. Please contact  Koyah Rivera at kdrivera@unc.edu or (919) 966-2264.

College Initiatives
NC-HCAP to host sessions at Future Leaders in Health Care Conference
NC-HCAP will host its annual health professions forum in conjunction with NC-AHEC's Future Leaders in Health Care Conference. The conference will be held May 30 - June 1 at East Carolina University. NC-HCAP's sessions will be Saturday, May 31 at 6:30 p.m. and will include its Inspirational Speakers in Science (ISIS) lecture followed by a student panel presentation.

The ISIS keynote address will be given by Clyde Johnson, assistant director, Multicultural Student Services at Old Dominion University and former director of Health Careers & Workforce Diversity with Area L  AHEC. Immediately following the ISIS lecture, student panelists from UNC Schools of Pharmacy and Dentistry, East Carolina University and area community colleges will share their academic experiences, goals and strategies for overcoming obstacles in college and health professional school.

Student Spotlight
LAUREN CURTIS: SEP Prepares College Grad for Career in Pharmacy

Lauren Curtis never imagined that car trouble would lead her to her calling.
       
A Spanish major and graduate of Spelman College in Atlanta, Curtis had worked for a year with a state government agency when her car broke down. "After my car [troubles]," she said, "I got a job at Eckerd to pay the bills and to just kind of make ends meet." That job, working as a technician in the Eckerd pharmacy, was what led Curtis to recognize that her true passion lay in a career in pharmacy.
       
"When I started working at Eckerd I really liked it, even though it was a second job," Curtis explained. "I was helping people and enjoying myself, but when I noticed there was a shortage in the field was when I really started thinking 'I can fit in here, I can really make a difference."
       
This realization led Curtis to her decision to return to college at East Carolina University to finish the pre-requisite requirements for pharmacy school and apply to the Science Enrichment Preparation (SEP) Program at UNC.
       
"At first I didn't even know that there was a program like SEP at UNC, but when a friend in the Pharmacy School told me about it I decided to apply..." she said. "...Because the SEP program was two months instead of a week [like some others], I knew there would be growth involved."
       
"Without SEP," Curtis explained, "I don't think I'd be where I am today at all. I'm very grateful to the program. It has been instrumental to my success."

      
Curtis is now looking forward to entering pharmacy school at UNC this fall and has high hopes for her future. Read more

Congratulations to to the following SEP alumni:

Briana Buckner who will attend Morehouse College School of Medicine.

LeVelton Thomas who was accepted into the Medical Education Development (MED)   Program in the UNC School of Medicine.

Cerina Buchanan who will serve as an A.P.P.L.E.S. intern with the Health, Hoops and     Hope Program this summer.

Justin Lucas who will study abroad in Spain this summer.

Jennifer Ukpabi who will participate in the Delware State University Research                   Experience for Undergraduates Summer Program this summer.

Watch for additional announcements in the June issue of NC-HCAPnews.

Center News

 

Give to NC-HCAP
Pave the way for a future health             professional by giving to NC-HCAP.

You may make a gift online or contact Renee Harris directly at rharris@unc.edu or (919) 966-2264.

When using Online Giving, please be sure to choose "NC Health Careers Access Program" under the University Designation List, then select "NC Health Careers Access Program (3894) " from the Select a University Fund menu.

Or, mail Check or Money Order Payable to "UNC-CH"to:

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Office of University Development
PO Box 309
Chapel Hill, NC 27514-9931

PLEASE Write In "Designation #3894 - NC Health Careers Access Program" on the "FOR" line of your check.

North Carolina Health Careers Access Program
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Student & Academic Services Building South, Suite 3307
CB #8010
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-8010
T: 919-966-2264
F: 919-966-6109
nchcap@email.unc.edu
http://nc-hcap.unc.edu

For editorial comments or questions, contact Renee Harris at rharris@unc.edu.