A Careers in Healthcare panel brought four doctors to New College to provide guidance to students on pursuing a career in medicine.
New College’s Center for Career Engagement and Opportunity sponsored the Oct. 24 event in College Hall. Dwayne Peterson, the director of the CEO, opened the event by promoting what opportunities and resources are available at the center. Bill Woodson, New College’s dean of outreach and diversity, introduced the panelists, Lisandra Jimenez, assistant director of the CEO, moderated the event.
The panelists included Dr. Nicole Bentze, a family physician and dean of the Sarasota regional campus of the Florida State University College of Medicine; Dr. Marcus Braz, chief executive officer of Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota;.Dr. Frank Perez, director of medical science liaisons for Amneal Pharmaceuticals; and Dr. Lisa Tavallali, Assistant Professor at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.
The panelists each discussed their careers, and gave advice to students looking to enter the medical field. Compassion, communication, a good work ethic, empathy, and knowledge about oneself were some of the traits the panelists referenced for a prospective medical student to have.
“Showing up is a big part of it,” Dr. Bentze said. This was exemplified by Dr. Perez, saying, “Go to medical conferences and have a list of people you want to try and see.”
One New College alumnus attending the panel was recognized as being a current student of Dr. Bentze. When asked for any advice to give current students, she replied, “You have to make yourself stand out, and I think being a New College student stands out on its own.”
More information about the panel and career searching in general is available at the Center for Career Engagement and Opportunity, which is located in room 154 of the Jane Bancroft Cook Library, or can be reached by email at [email protected].
— Ellie Bullen is an intern in the office of communications and marketing at New College of Florida.