Many of you know that I am a huge proponent of medical conferences and have met a number of you at some of these. Unfortunately, as a premedical student, I did not take advantage of these opportunities and it remains one of the top things I would do differently if I had the opportunity to go back. Conferences are a great way to travel to new places, learn about the healthcare field, present your research, network with your peers, run for positions, meet medical school deans and recruiters, speak with vendors, and even receive the occasional cool gift.

As premeds, there are a number of barriers that may keep you from attending conferences (such as busy schedules, tight finances, lack of planning) but where there is a will, there’s a way. So many of your peers are finding that way so you certainly can as well. Remember that just because a conference is focused on a different demographic group’s needs, it does not mean you cannot attend. In fact, you will likely learn the most at that particular conference as you will be introduced to a more diverse view of medicine. Many conferences also sponsor students through travel grants. Research instructors may also foot the bill if you are representing the lab at the conference.

I want all of you here on PreMed STAR to succeed in reaching your goals which is why I have taken the time to chart out key conferences I think you should be aware of in chronological order. I have included their dates, location this year and a few words. Feel free to research them and please mark your calendars for the ones you plan to attend. Please also share your thoughts on conferences you have attended and add others I left off the list.

National Association of Medical Educators (NAMME)

September 19-23, 2018, Miami, FL

NAMME is an organization dedicated to the advancement of diversity in the health professions. If this is a passion of yours, then this is a great conference for you to attend. This will be held at an exciting location, offer great discussion topics, and host amazing guests (such as Ms. Regina Belle!).

Osteopathic Medical Education (OMED)

October 5-9, 2018, San Diego, CA

This conference offers you a great opportunity to connect and network with osteopathic medical schools across the country. If you know osteopathic medicine is for you or would like to learn more, then you should join Pre-SOMA (it’s free). During this conference, premeds will have the opportunity to meet with medical students and admission officers.

UC Davis Pre-Health Conference

October 6, 2018, Davis, CA

This is a great opportunity for those in California to meet with medical schools, post-bacc programs and a number of other health-related fields. This is good for those who would like to explore the health profession as a whole. Over 4,000 pre-health students will be in attendance!

Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) National Diversity in STEM Conference

October 11-13, 2018, San Antonio, TX

SACNAS aims to educate, motivate, and support Chicanos/Hispanics, and Native Americans interested in STEM. Its an awesome opportunity to network with others, present a poster, and learn about the healthcare field.

American Medical Student Association (AMSA) Premed Fest

November 3-4, 2018, University of South Florida

This is a conference solely focused on equipping premeds with with tools and knowledge which can help them brave the premed journey. In other words, this conference is focused on you!

Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Minority Student Medical Career Fair

November 4, 2018, Austin, TX

This program is offered to all (high school and college students of any background). There will be multiple workshops addressing the medical school admission process and the MCAT. The fair features 75 different medical schools. You will have the opportunity to meet with medical students and ask them questions for yourself.

Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS)

Nov 14-17, 2018, Indianapolis, Indiana

This conference is the perfect setting for those premeds who have delved into research. It is one of the larger conferences with over 2,000 students from over 350 colleges. There will be poster and oral presentations you may want to partake in take and you will be sure to enjoy the plenary sessions. There will be many medical and graduate school programs you can meet with at this fair.

American Medical Student Association (AMSA) Convention and Exposition

March 7-10, 2019, Washington, DC

AMSA is a staple in the medical community and has been an early supporter of PreMed STAR. This is a great way to participate in advocacy for key healthcare issues. You will also have the opportunity to take part in the premed experience. You can sign up for MCAT Jeopardy and attend the pre-health fair.

Annual Medical Education Conference (AMEC)

April 17-21, 2019, Philadelphia, PA

I personally enjoy this conference hosted by the Student National Medical Association and the Minority Association of Pre-medical Students. It is the largest gathering of underrepresented minorities medical students offering a great opportunity to network with students, promote diversity in medicine and meet medical schools recruiters.

Medical Women’s International Association (MWIA) Conference

July 25-28, 2019, New York City, NY

This organization serves as a strong voice for women in medicine. Many issues such as work-life balance, maternity leave, fighting discrimination, and mentoring are championed by MWIA. This is an international conference so there is opportunity for global networking.

Enjoy!

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