As you are aware, NC-HCAP is committed to supporting and encouraging students as they navigate their way through the health professions pipeline. Often during the summer months, students want to relax and take a break from their academic pursuits. However, we know that they need to utilize every opportunity possible toward preparing for their careers. I was inspired recently by the number of students that attended the NC AHEC Future Leaders in Health Care Conference at Wake Forest University. 

This conference targeted high school students with a strong interest in a health career, and included educational workshops and discussions about leadership development, public health issues and cultural diversity in health care. The program was outstanding and I applaud the collaborative spirits demonstrated by the NC AHEC Health Careers Workforce Diversity directors and other organizers. This event was a testament to the importance of us all coming together and putting mechanisms in place that will help our students to develop the competitive edge needed for successful entry into graduate/health professional programs. 

Although our students may sometimes want to enjoy the lazy days of summer, they must have a plan utilizing their resources on a year-round basis. Let's continue to establish and nurture partnerships that will enhance the development of students' readiness for admission into graduate or health professional programs.   

Paula Borden, M.A.
Interim Director

NC-HCAP hosts its annual Health Professions Forum and Inspirational Speakers in Science Series

NC-HCAP hosted its annual Health Professions Forum and Inspirational Speakers in Science (ISIS) Lecture in conjunction with NC-AHEC's Future Leaders in Health Care Conference. More than 270 high school students from across North Carolina participated in the conference held May 21 - May 23 at Wake Forest University.

ISIS speaker Earnest Grant, Nursing Education Clinician for the North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center, offered a message of hope and inspiration. He inspired students to become change agents and work towards promoting better health care. Grant also encouraged students to apply the three R's: Respect for self, respect for others and responsibilities for their actions, as they prepare to become health professionals.

Following Grant's address, NC-HCAP presented a panel of undergraduate and health professional students who shared their own academic challenges and successes, and offered tips for surviving college and health professional school. Denise Belle, former NCHCAP college outreach coordinator, served as the moderator for the panel.