By Kaylee Alivo
The Department of Health and Human Physiology in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences hosted the 5th annual student-led University of Iowa Pre-Health Conference on Sunday, April 13, 2025. Held at the Iowa Memorial Union, the conference welcomed undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students to explore healthcare career pathways and build professional connections.
Students arrived early and engaged enthusiastically with a range of workshops, including a case-based learning session led by University of Iowa graduates and current medical students. Hands-on activities such as the suture clinic and personal statement workshop were especially popular, offering students valuable skills that apply across many health professions.
During the tabling fair, programs representing the University of Iowa, including the Carver College of Medicine, drew strong interest. Students valued the opportunity to meet directly with admissions representatives to receive personalized advice about application strategies and professional development.
“One of the most memorable moments was how many attendees approached us afterward, super excited and asking if they could be involved in planning the conference next year,” said Bailey Newberry, a third-year health promotion and pre-medicine student who co-chaired the event alongside Sahithi Narmnada. “It really showed how the conference motivated people and fostered a shared sense of purpose.”
The conference was made possible through the efforts of a dedicated planning committee, which included students across several teams:
- Marketing Team: Theodore Retsinas, Cameron Ball, Caroline Sosenko
- General/Fundraising Team: Michael Cunningham, Frances Lausen, McKynlee Grimm, Grant Putze
- Workshops/Speaker Outreach Team: Sophia Hueser, Chloe O'Brien, Ji-Ehn Kim, Connor Hosford
- Admissions Outreach Team: Saranya Paturi, Eric Spain, Anusha Patel, Connor Lofing
The Health and Human Physiology Department offers several academic tracks that align closely with pre-health goals, and many HHP students choose to pursue paths like Pre-Medicine, Pre-Physical Therapy, or Pre-Physician Assistant. Through a mix of relevant coursework, hands-on experience, and research opportunities, the department helps students build a strong foundation for graduate and professional programs across the healthcare field.
Events like the Pre-Health Conference reflect that commitment, giving students space to explore options, gain practical insight, and connect with professionals who’ve been through the process. Whether students are narrowing down their interests or preparing to apply for professional programs like physical therapy, physician's assistant or medical school, the conference supports them at every stage of their pre-health journey.