By Laurel Bennett, Features Editor
Gettysburg College prepares students for a vast array of careers, and health professions is one direction for many science students. The Pre-Health Professions Club is a way for pre-health students to connect with each other and hear from numerous medical professionals.
Guest speakers are a central component of the club. In the past, the club has had an extremely wide array of guest speakers. These speakers include a podiatrist, cardiologist, general practicing dentist, orthodontist, orthopedic physical therapist, current medical students and more. Senate representative for the club Victoria Runci ’24 has greatly benefitted by listening to these speakers.
(Photo Courtesy of the Pre-Health Professions Club)
“One aspect I love about the club is our ability to host speakers from various healthcare professional roles,” Runci said. “As a health sciences major on the pre-PA track, hosting speakers, especially physician assistants, has allowed me to gain more insight into the profession and has solidified my passion for pursuing this path after college.”
Aside from guest speakers, the club also has hosted various social events, such as a meet-and-greet pizza party.
Runci said, “I love the fun events we host, like the paint party last academic year, where we were all able to destress and chill out with one another.”
Secretary Sofiia Davydova ’26 is an international student from Ukraine, and she has been highly influential in the organization and advertisement of guest speakers and other events.
“As secretary of the Pre-Health Professions Club, I primarily work with our activities and events, specifically their planning,” Davydova said. “During our first meeting with the Pre-Health Professions Club board, I came up with an idea to create an Instagram page for our club, so more people can know about our activity, as everyone uses Instagram nowadays.”
Davydova’s background in Ukraine led her joining the club and gaining the position of secretary.
“During my childhood, I observed my parents doing medicine, and that’s why I realized I like medicine and want to work in this area one day,” Davydova explained.
The club has worked to provide a supportive environment for students who are in the process of pursuing a medical career.
“The Pre-Health Professions Club is a friendly family of people who will always support you, help you with your career steps and will believe in you no matter what, because only pre-medical students can understand how hard it can be to pursue a medical career,” Davydova concluded.
