This became apparent to Health Services with the almost daily requests from students to shadow a healthcare provider. When the requests started to mount, Health Services realized they could help students by hosting a career day. They dubbed it β€œBagels and Lox with Docs,” and the tradition started last spring.

This fall’s event will be held from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 6, in the Health Center’s second-floor conference room.

β€œDue to privacy laws, we can’t have students shadowing our doctors and other medical providers,” said Megan Pabian, coordinator of University Relations and Public Affairs for Health Services.Β  β€œBut what we can do is host our own version of a career day where students can learn a little about the different professions and ask their questions to a variety of health care professionals.”

The event, held at the beginning of each fall and spring semester, allows students to get first-hand knowledge about a wide range of professions. This year the panel includes a doctor, physician assistant, advanced registered nurse practitioner, registered nurse, dietitian, physical therapist, pharmacist, dentist and dental hygienist.

β€œHaving a variety of different professions allows students to weigh their options,” Pabian said. β€œSo often students want to know the difference between a physician and a physician assistant, or what makes them different from a registered nurse practitioner.”

The event is supported by the Office of Pre-Professional Advising and includes experts who can address graduate school options and admissions expectations for the various fields.Β 

β€œI attended last year, and my favorite part of the event was being able to ask questions one-on-one with the health professionals that attended and hear their experienced advice,” said Brittany Johnson, a health sciences pre-clinical major. β€œItΒ isn’tΒ every day that students are able to interact with health professionals and ask them for their insight on questions that we have. This really helped me.”