Every spring, the Center for Pre-Health Advising hosts an incredible Health Professions Expo for all interested students and alums. Find the next step on your path to a health profession! Learn about job, internship, service, and gap/experiential opportunities. Meet admissions representatives; health, community health, and other service professionals; students in health professional programs; and more. Get advice on exploring careers, building experience, and preparing your application. This is an annual event you don’t want to miss.
Read about (and experience) past Expos! The 2023 Expo consists of virtual and in-person programming that will take place throughout Spring 2023. The 2022 and 2021 Health Professions Expos took place virtually, so students, alumns, and community members can still explore their offerings. The 2020 and 2019 Health Professions Expos took place in person. You can check out the professional programs, health professions students, community and clinical partners, and campus resources who attended.
Health Professions Expo 2023
Health Profession Expo (HPE) Programming for 2023 is finally here! This year, the format for the expo will be a little different. The 2023 expo consists of virtual and in-person programming that will take place throughout Spring. We have over 15 events designed to support students and alums find the next step on their health career pathway. From program informational sessions, to mental health support sessions, to writing sessions, we’ve thoughtfully curated these sessions to meet the needs of pre-health students. Learn more about programming below.
2023 Programming
February Programming
This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.
2/9: Program Information Session with UW School of Medicine and Public Health - MD
5:00pm – 6:00pm CST | Virtual via Zoom | Register Here
Informational session with UW School of Medicine and Public Health MD Program. Come learn more about the program, admissions, and ask questions.
2/15: MCAT Test Anxiety Workshop with University Health Services (UHS)
5:00pm – 6:00pm CST | Virtual via Zoom | Register Here
Session hosted in partnership with UHS to create space for students to better understand their experiences with testing anxiety. We work to normalize and expand student’s knowledge on mental health.
2/23: Program Information Session with Western Michigan Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine
4:00pm – 5:00pm CST | Virtual via Zoom | Register Here
Informational session with Program Information Session with Western Michigan Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine. Come learn more about the program, admissions, and ask questions.
HPE 2022 Repromotion: UW SMPH MD, MD-PHD, and WARM Sessions
Come enjoy last year’s session and learn more about these programs offered at UW SMPH. “Meet with current SMPH students and staff from our regular MD, MD-PhD, and the Wisconsin Academy for Rural Medicine (WARM) MD programs. We will provide an overview of the admissions process and tips about how to prepare to apply to medical school!”.
March Programming
This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.
3/8: Program Information Session with Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
5:00pm – 6:00pm CST | Virtual via Zoom | Register Here
Informational session with Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (DO). Come learn more about the program, admissions, and ask questions.
3/23: Program Information Session with Des Moines University - Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
5:00pm – 6:00pm CST | Virtual via Zoom | Register Here
Informational session with Program Information Session with Des Moines University – Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. Come learn more about the program, admissions, and ask questions.
3/29: Med2Med Session
5:00pm – 6:00pm CST | Middleton 120 | Register Here
Session where current medical school students and aspiring medical school students can be in community with one another to discuss the realities of medical school. Some examples of discussion topics are: transition into medical school,finances and making a living, support systems in a competitive natured profession, and DEI support.
HPE 2022 Re-Promotion: Self-Care and Stress Management
Come enjoy last year’s session and learn how to apply strategies of self-care for a more balanced and productive life!
HPE 2022 Re-Promotion: Taste of Success: Health & Business
Come enjoy last year’s session “Want to learn more about careers in health & business? Check out this informal panel session to get tips and advice from UW alumni professionals who work in this field”
HPE 2022 Re-Promotion: Personal Statements for Graduate Health Professions Program
Come enjoy last year’s session “Designed for those applying to professional health programs, this workshop will share insights for writing personal statements—ones that create a compelling portrait of yourself and give a sense of who you are as an individual, a student, and a future health professional. There will be time to review some examples and answer your questions about this important piece of writing. The workshop is lead by Sarah Olson, an instructor at the UW-Madison Writing Center”
Follow our Instagram, Twitter, and Newsletter for updates and reminders about the Health Professions Expo 2023 Programming. If you have any questions about the sessions, feel free to contact Dua Ci Khang, Lead for Professional Development Programming in the Center for Pre-Health Advising, at dkhang@wisc.edu
Did you attend a program? Fill out this survey to let us know how the program went for you. We are always looking for ways to improve our programming to meet your needs, your opinion is important.
Individuals with a variety of backgrounds and current positions were present, which was helpful for me as someone with a non-medical background with a broad interest in health professions. I enjoyed seeing that there was more than just one option available for me
Student Attendee
Health Professions Expo 2022
Recorded Sessions from the Spring 2022 Health Professions Expo
This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.
Professional Programs & the Interprofessional Team
The Art & Science of Dentistry
An overview of the profession of dentistry from three UW-Madison alumni, who are dentists, will be presented. In addition, information on how to approach undergrad to prepare for dental school, how to apply, and how to best prepare to get in and be successful in the career will be provided.
Communication Sciences and Disorders
This session will provide an overview of the Communication Sciences and Disorders Field, career paths, and resources to learn more. Katie Christenson, Undergraduate Advisor, will offer the session.
Cytology Sign-out — See real cases with Q&A
Welcome to the Cytology Lab! Any allied health interested students, especially future Clinical Laboratory Scientists and Cytotechnologists are welcome to join our Program Director, Joshua Faulkes and other State Lab Cytotechnologists in reviewing actual clinical caseload. As we take a look at routine and complex cases students will have the opportunity to ask questions about our work, the program, and any clinical questions they may have!
Department of Nutritional Sciences: PhD and Clinical Nutrition Programs
Do you have an interest in nutrition, health, wellness, and biochemistry? Join us to learn about the undergraduate and graduate opportunities in the Department of Nutritional Sciences. We offer a pathway to becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist – a food and nutrition expert! If research is more of your passion, we also offer a PhD in Nutritional Sciences. Join Sarah Golla and Makayla Schuchardt to learn about the exciting field of nutrition!
Doctor of Physical Therapy Admissions
Information will be provided about the physical therapy profession, as well as UW-Madison’s DPT Program, and admissions process. Students/alumni will meet Amy Schubert, Director of Admissions, and Deonna Suiter, Clinical Education Assistant.
Exploring Careers in Healthcare Undergraduate Student Panel
In this session you’ll hear from UW undergraduates who are pursuing various careers within healthcare. Attend this session, hosted by the Career Exploration Center, to learn about specific examples of some of the unique paths to healthcare. Our student panelists will share about their academic programs, how they’re getting relevant experience, campus resources that have been most helpful to them, and more! Time permitting, you’ll also have a chance to submit your unique questions for our student panelists to address.
Law, policy, and clinical training: A strategic combination
Understanding how policy, law, and healthcare systems impact healthcare providers and patients is directly relevant to improving health outcomes. Join professionals from the UW-Madison LaFollette School of Public Affairs and Pre-Professional Advising (Pre-Health & Pre-Law Advising) to learn more about these important topics. You’ll also have the opportunity to talk with panelists about two related undergraduate certificates housed in LaFollette – Health Policy and Public Policy – as well as their Masters programs in Public Affairs. If you are interested in improving healthcare in the U.S. and beyond, this session is for you!
Master of Genetic Counselor Studies Information Session
Respiratory Therapy Info Session
Learn about the respiratory care profession, the 6th best health care job as rated by U.S. News & World Reports. Ellen Becker, a respiratory care professor will describe the vast career and leadership opportunities for respiratory therapists (RTs). The pandemic created a significant demand for more RTs. Discover if the respiratory care profession matches your career goals!
Social Work and Social Welfare Information Session
The Social Work and Social Welfare Information Session will cover the breadth of programs offered through the Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work. Programs include the Social Welfare Major, Bachelors of Social Work (BSW) Program, Masters of Social Work (MSW) including information about both the Part-Time and Full-Time MSW programs, and the PhD in Social Welfare. We will also explore Social Work as a profession more broadly, and what kind of work you can do with each of these degrees.
A Sound Mind in a Sound Body (Collaborative Care in the Health Sciences)
This interactive session will include a care team discussion surrounding a client scenario. Representatives and current students from the disciplines of Rehab Counseling, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Training will join together to provide this session. Participants will have an opportunity to interact with all attending. Participants are encouraged to download and review Care Team Information PDF prior to the session.
Taste of Success: Health & Business
Want to learn more about careers in health & business? Check out this informal panel session to get tips and advice from UW alumni professionals who work in this field.
UW-Madison Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Admissions Overview
Meet with Admissions Director, Jenna Henshue, to discuss an overview of the admission process to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
UW-Madison Master of Public Health Program Info Session
The session will cover the public health professions, the UW-Madison MPH program, and feature 1-2 students.
UW School of Nursing Information Session
This information session will highlight our school, nursing degree program, and admission process. This session will also include time for questions to our current nursing student ambassadors about their experience as a pre-nursing and admitted nursing student.
UW SMPH MD, MD-PhD, and WARM Programs
Meet with current SMPH students and staff from our regular MD, MD-PhD, and the Wisconsin Academy for Rural Medicine (WARM) MD programs. We will provide an overview of the admissions process and tips about how to prepare to apply to medical school! View slides from the presentation
Opportunities for Involvement
Explore Clinical Gap Year Options
The purpose of the panel is to give students a chance to learn more about different possibilities to consider for gaining experience during their gap year(s). This varies greatly by the student, but hearing from peers about individual experiences and processes for finding jobs/programs can be insightful and helpful rather than just hearing from an advisor, especially when you’re just starting to navigate this daunting process!
Introduction to Community Engagement
Are you volunteering to prepare for your health career? Are you interested in doing community-engaged research as a grad student or healthcare professional? Join us to learn about principles and skills for equitable, mutually-beneficial community engagement, and opportunities to get involved in the Madison community through the Morgridge Center for Public Service. View slides from the presentation
Wellness Resources
Financial Aid for Health Professions 101
Interested in learning more about the financial aid options available in graduate school? Emma Crawford, SMPH Director of Financial Wellness & Financial Aid Advising, will discuss the FAFSA, scholarships, loans, assistantships, and more! She’ll also present on some financial wellness tips and resources to help students prepare for this big step in their lives. There will be time at the end to get your questions answered, too! View slides from the presentation
Self-Care and Stress Management
Come learn how to apply strategies of self-care for a more balanced and productive life!
Application Resources
Personal Statements for Graduate Health Professions Programs (Writing Center Workshop)
Designed for those applying to professional health programs, this workshop will share insights for writing personal statements—ones that create a compelling portrait of yourself and give a sense of who you are as an individual, a student, and a future health professional. There will be time to review some examples and answer your questions about this important piece of writing. The workshop is lead by Sarah Olson, an instructor at the UW-Madison Writing Center.
Supplemental Essays 101: Find your story for diversity essays
Students from historically and currently underrepresented backgrounds can struggle with essays about diversity, identity, and barriers to healthcare. This workshop will give you concrete strategies for reflecting and writing these essays with authenticity and confidence.
*This session was intended for students who identify as underrepresented in healthcare.
Supplemental Essays 101: Find your story for diversity essays
I often hear the comment, “I’m not diverse” from majority students as they struggle with essays about diversity, identity, and barriers to health care. This workshop will give you concrete strategies for reflecting and writing these essays with authenticity and confidence.
*This session was intended for students from majority backgrounds.
Find more recorded sessions and resources by exploring the 2021 virtual Health Professions Expo archive!
Virtual Resource Hub
This resource hub is a virtual version of an expo hall full of tables with representatives from professional programs and organizations. Representatives have personalized the content posted here. Valuable information is just links away.
Find experiences you want to build and programs you want to pursue. Then reach out to organizations. Most included personal contact information. They want to hear from you!
This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.
Health Professional Programs
UW-Madison has numerous health professional programs. Follow this link to find information about 22 of them — as well as links to directories of health professional programs outside UW-Madison and resources for exploring programs.
Patient Care Experiences (including gap years)
Health professional programs value patient care and other experiences in clinical and para-clinical settings. Follow this link to learn about opportunities in patient care and other clinical experiences (e.g., working as a medical scribe). Many could be great options for building experience during a gap / experiential year. Learn what it means to serve others through healthcare service!
Community Health Organizations (including gap years)
Serving in community health settings is important as you prepare for a career in health. Follow this link to learn about great community health organizations in and around Madison. One could be somewhere you serve or intern during your gap / experiential year!
Gap / Experiential Year Experiences
Gap / experiential years are invaluable opportunities to learn about the world, other people, and yourself while making a positive impact. Follow this link to find information about City Year, Peace Corps @UW, and Wisconsin HealthCorps. This is a short but great list.
Want to learn about other organizations and opportunities? Check out:
- Oak Street Health (Careers: Clinic Informatics Specialist)
- MedServe
- And this longer list of summer and gap/experiential year options
And keep in mind that there are many great ways to spend your gap year(s). Other options include patient care positions, other service experiences, research, and more. Explore the other sections of this research hub to find additional ideas for your gap year(s)!
Related Campus Career Fairs and Events
Public Service Fair
Tuesday, February 1st 2022, 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm CST
Gordon Dining & Event Center
The Public Service Fair is an opportunity for students to connect with local area nonprofits doing work in social impact and public service. Organizations in attendance are eager to connect with students to grow awareness, to find volunteers, and to offer internship and service-year opportunities.
You do not need to dress up or have your resume at the ready for this fair; please come to explore ways to get involved, build skills, and learn about activities happening in your local community!
This in-person event takes place on Tues., Feb. 1, 3-6pm at the Gordon Dining & Event Center and is open to current UW-Madison students and recent alumni with a registered Handshake profile.
Beginning January 18, 2022, students will be able to access information about the organizations that will be in attendance. https://flipgrid.com/d6b19892
Spring Career & Internship Fair
February 16 – 17 / 3:30pm – 7:30pm : In-Person Fair at Gordon Dining & Event Center
February 18 / 10:00am – 2:00pm: Virtual Fair via Handshake
Full Fair details can be found at careerfair.wisc.edu.
Here are a few important notes regarding the Fairs:
- Open to ALL enrolled UW-Madison students, plus recent alumni who graduated within the past two years
- Business casual attire is welcome!
- For the virtual fairs, students can sign up to meet with employers in group or 1:1 sessions & must register on Handshake
Students can attend Career Fair Prep Night on February 14 for help & employer/alumni tips for preparing for the all-campus Fair
Spring Health Professions Week 2022!
Join us at any point during the full 5 weeks of spring HPW. Events start March 1 and run through March 31.
Register Now or by clicking https://bit.ly/SpringHPW22
Even if you have attended before, you should plan to come to the spring event! New live events, games and more inspiration! And it’s all free.
What is Health Professions Week (HPW)? HPW is a series of events designed to help you explore healthcare careers. There are many events during each week of spring HPW – so you can choose which activities interest you the most. These events are 100% virtual and a lot is on-demand. Some webinars will be live, so watch for some events to be listed with a specific date and time. Don’t miss out! To see what all of the buzz is about, visit our website for details and event descriptions.
Research Experiences
1) Undergraduate Research Scholars Program
The Undergraduate Research Scholars Program (URS) offers research and creative practice opportunities to first-, and second-year undergraduate students, as well as transfer students in their first year at UW. URS is a year-long program that matches students to a UW faculty/staff member conducting research or engaged in creative practice. Additionally, students participate in a weekly interdisciplinary seminar that focuses on the implications of research led by peer mentors. We accept students from across all disciplines, majors, and schools and offer academically diverse opportunities as well. If students are looking to get involved, check out our website for more information, and keep an eye out for the Scholar application in the spring.
Research can be a great way to explore academic areas and different interests within healthcare! As UW is a major hub for research, I would highly encourage any interested students to take a look at the options for getting experience. Although, URS only accepts first-, and second-year students, there are many other ways to get involved in research on campus. The URS staff is happy to respond to any questions or point you in a helpful direction!
Questions? Please email Mae Edwards, Program Assistant, at urs@saa.ls.wisc.edu.
2) Student-centered Pipeline to Advance Research in Cancer Careers (SPARCC)
SPARCC (Student-centered Program to Advance Research in Cancer Careers) is an 8-week summer program at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, WI that combines content knowledge and clinical experiences to focus on cancer care, cultural responsiveness, and research. Students will have hands-on workshop sessions in the morning and clinical practicum rotations in the afternoon.
See SPARCC Scholars and their culminating “wicked problems” research project!
Questions? Please email Dr. Kristina Kaljo at kkaljo@mcw.edu.
Want to learn more about getting involved in research? Find more information on the CPHA website and talk to your advisors!
US Navy Financial Assistance Programs
The US Navy has multiple financial assistance programs for college students going into healthcare fields. Whether it is the Health Professions Scholarship Program (full tuition) or the Health Services Collegiate Program (Active Duty Pay and benefits), you will be able to focus on your education instead of how you are going to pay for food. Upon graduation you will have guaranteed employment with unparalleled experience in your field.
Questions? Please call HM1 (SW) Kevin J. Burke at 414.708.2276
Campus Resources
So many offices and centers at UW-Madison are here to support you in everything from financial aid and career exploration to ability accommodations, mental health care, studying and interning abroad, finding volunteer opportunities, getting the academic support you need, and more. College and post-college life as you pursue a health profession are multifaceted, and so is the support available on this campus. Follow this link to find support you may be looking for!
CPHA Resources
Make the most of resources CPHA offers year-round. Please explore and use everything on our website.
And please let us know what we are missing, what needs updating, and any other feedback you have on how we can continually improve the information we share.
Email us at questions@prehealth.wisc.edu!
This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.
CPHA Newsletter
The CPHA bimonthly newsletter is a treasure trove of information about pre-health events, opportunities, resources, recommended reading, listening, and more.
Want to be added to our email list? Please sign-up to receive the CPHA newsletter here
Our newsletter will arrive in your inbox the second and fourth Thursday (or sometimes Friday) of every month during fall and spring semesters — and once every month during winter and summer breaks.
Guidance on Involvement During the Pandemic
Find a link to an insightful podcast on building experience during the pandemic (featuring our very own Dr. Dija Selimi) as well as numerous ideas for using time well as we all do our part to stop the spread of COVID right here on our website.
Please have a look and come meet with us in drop-ins (for everyone) or appointments (for second-year students and up) to talk further. We will look forward to connecting with you!
Guidance on Exploring Healthcare Careers
There are so many careers in health. If you want to explore them, we’re here to help! Attend Health Professions Expo info sessions to learn from health professionals. (Find the session schedule above.)
You can also find resources on the CPHA website for exploring healthcare careers and learning more about the growing fields of allied health.
Please also meet with us in drop-ins (for everyone) and appointments (for second-year students and up) to talk further after reading information on our website — we are happy to talk!
Guidance on Connecting with Health Professionals
Check out the pages on our website dedicated to informational interviews and shadowing. We also have guidance on connecting with health professionals during the pandemic (including the following links to online shadowing programs).
Please also meet with us in drop-ins (for everyone) and appointments (for second-year students and up) to talk further after reading information on our website! We’re here to help.
Guidance on Finding Research Opportunities
We have information about getting involved in research on our website, including how to reach out to researchers. Please have a look and come meet with us in drop-ins (for everyone) or appointments (for second-year students and up) to talk further. We will look forward to talking!
More Resources
This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.
Tips for Attending the Expo
Looking for ways to make the most of the Health Professions Expo? Take a look at our guide below for suggestions on how to meaningfully engage in virtual sessions and with our resource hub.
-
- Make a schedule: Check out the calendar of live events happening during the Expo to see which sessions of interest you can attend.
- Commit the time: To get the most out of sessions, it is important to be fully engaged.
- Avoid multi-tasking while participating in a live session.
- Close other computer tabs/programs and don’t go on email and social media.
- Be thoughtful about where you will be during sessions to avoid distractions in the surrounding environment.
- Be participatory
-
-
- Take notes during the session.
- Respond to questions/prompts from the presenter (helps them better understand the audience).
- Ask questions about points of confusion and advice for next steps.
-
- Make connections!
-
-
- Presenters want to support you. Send a follow up email or connect on LinkedIn to say thank you and to continue the conversation.
- Connect with fellow attendees. Did someone else express similar interests or have experience of interest to you? Send them a message.
- For more tips on building connections at an event, check out the “Networking at an Event” guide from SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science.
- Do some reflection:
- After participating in and watching sessions, take time to reflect on what you learned and how it relates to your experience/goals. Check out our “Reflecting on what you learn at the Expo” section below for prompts to help guide you.
- Revisit content: Resources from the Health Professions Expo will be available on the website long after the official dates of the Expo. Revisit the resource hub throughout the semester.
- Get support from Pre-Health Advising:
- The Center for Pre-Health Advising is a resource for UW-Madison students and alumni (no time limit!) who are exploring, preparing, and applying to health professional programs. We are here to support you — wherever you are on your path to serving others in health care.
- Please learn more about the resources and services we offer and how to connect with our office here.
-
- Looking for more ways to make the most of the Expo?
-
- SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science put together a preparation guide for virtual and in-person fairs. While this guide is Career Fair focused, many of the preparation tips, sample questions, and follow-up tips will help you plan for your time interacting with health professionals, admissions coordinators, current students, and others at the Health Professions Expo.
FAQs
If you have any questions about this event that are not listed below, please let us know! You can contact Emily (Chaltry) Faultersack, CPHA Lead for Career Exploration Partnerships and Health Professions Expo Coordinator, directly at echaltry@wisc.edu.
What is it?
The Health Professions Expo is an event designed to connect students and alumni who are exploring and actively pursuing health professions to identify their best next steps in a healthcare career path. Representatives from professional programs, gap year opportunities, meaningful service experiences, patient care opportunities, and more will share information virtually about their organizations and opportunities for students and alumni. We will also offer a number of virtual breakout sessions with UW health professional programs admissions representatives, health professional students, health professionals, and health career exploration.
Who can attend?
All UW-Madison students and alumni are welcome to attend! Madison College, Edgewood College, UW System students, and other community partners are also welcome to attend.
When should I come?
Attend info sessions as your schedule allows the week of Monday, February 28 – Friday, March 4. Check out the info session schedule here. Browse the virtual resource hub content above before, after, and during the Expo!
How do I win prizes?
Register for the Expo for a chance to win awesome prizes! Attend more info sessions for more chances to win. CPHA will contact winners in late March.
What should I bring?
It may be helpful to review our tips for attending the Expo.
Who will I meet at the Expo?
You’ll meet representatives of professional programs, gap year opportunities, meaningful service experiences, patient care opportunities, and more at Health Professions Expo sessions and within our virtual resource hub above.
How can I reflect on what I’ve learned? How can I continue to explore, prepare for, and apply to health professional programs?
Check out our “Reflecting on what you learn at the Expo” guide below
Reflecting on What You Learn at the Expo
Why Should I Engage in Reflection?
-
- When you apply to health professional programs, you will be asked to reflect on why you chose to go into your intended health profession and what confirmed it was a good fit. Reflecting on the experiences that you have now and documenting how you felt, what you learned, and how it impacted your career goals is not only useful practice, but can serve as inspiration later. So, we encourage you to engage with this reflection guide and save your notes for when you start drafting the individual pieces of your application.
Reflection Questions:
- Before the Expo:
- What do you already know about your intended health profession (or health professions in general)?
- What do you hope to gain by attending the Expo?
- During the Expo:
- What feelings have emerged for you?
- What has surprised you?
- How has the Expo challenged beliefs you held previously?
- What new information have you gained?
- What resources have you discovered?
- After the Expo:
- What would you like to explore more?
- What next steps do you want to take?
- What support (if any) do you need to take these steps?
The Center for Pre-Health Advising is here for you as you reflect!
Please learn more about the resources and services we offer and how to connect with our office here. Meet with us in drop-ins (for everyone) and appointments (for second-year students and up–including alums!) to talk through what you learned at the Health Professions Expo.
Staff Resources
Thank you for your interest in the Health Professions Expo! If you have any questions about this event and/or would like to be involved in a future expo, please reach out to Emily (Chaltry) Faultersack, CPHA Lead for Career Exploration Partnerships and Health Professions Expo Coordinator, at echaltry@wisc.edu.
Help us spread the word with our Communications Toolkit
Professional partners
Thank you for your interest in the Health Professions Expo! If you have any questions about this event and/or would like to be involved in a future expo, please reach out to Emily (Chaltry) Faultersack, CPHA Lead for Career Exploration Partnerships and Health Professions Expo Coordinator, at echaltry@wisc.edu.
Online panels are a great way to get firsthand information from students who have been in the same place as you. Students on these panels can offer relevant information and are a better representation of what it is like to be a pre-health student in 2021. Panels create an opportunity for peer learning where students can share their knowledge, ideas, and expertise between participants such that mutual learning can occur.
Adriana Sofia, student
Health Professions Expo 2021
Because our Health Professions Expo was virtual in 2021, you can still explore its offerings.
- View recordings of more than 20 breakout sessions with admissions representatives, health professionals, and current students in health professional programs, as well as experts on healthcare career exploration, building experience, writing personal statements, and more.
- Peruse our robust virtual resource hub with personalized content from clinical and community health organizations, research opportunities, and gap year experiences. Learn directly from these organizations about steps you can take on your path to a health profession.
I loved that this was an opportunity to ask questions! It was very interactive and insightful. I truly appreciated talking about imposter syndrome. It made me feel less alone.
Student Attendee
Health Professions Expo 2020 & 2019
The 2019 and 2020 Health Professions Expos took place in person. Check out the professional programs, health professions students, community and clinical partners, and campus resources who attended.
This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.
2020 Participants
Professional Programs
Edgewood College
Loyola University Chicago (MAMS)
Marshall B. Ketchum University (Optometry, Pharmacy, PA)
Medical College of Wisconsin, Master of Science in Anesthesia Program
Rush University Colleges of Health Sciences
University of Minnesota School of Public Health
UW-Madison Athletic Training Program
UW-Madison Center for Patient Partnerships
UW-Madison Cytotechnology Program
UW-Madison Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
UW-Madison Dietetics & Nutritional Sciences Program
UW-Madison Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program
UW-Madison Master of Genetic Counselor Studies
UW-Madison Master of Public Health Program
UW-Madison Occupational Therapy Program
UW-Madison Physician Assistant Program
UW-Madison Rehabilitation Counseling Program
UW-Madison School of Nursing
UW-Madison School of Pharmacy
UW-Madison School of Social Work
UW-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine
UW-Milwaukee College of Health Sciences
UW School of Medicine and Public Health Office of MD Admissions
UW-Whitewater Counselor Education Program (clinical mental health and school counselor training)
Wisconsin School of Professional Psychology
Service, Patient Care Training & Opportunities, and Gap/Experiential Year Experiences
Achieving Collaborative Treatment
Adapted Fitness
Badger SPILL (Supporting Peers in Laidback Listening)
The Beacon
Caravel Autism Health
Center for Healthcare Education and Simulation (CHES)
Centro Hispano of Dane County
Community Action Coalition
Domestic Abuse Intervention Services
Easter Seals Wisconsin
Harambee Village Doulas
Illumina
Madison College
Marshall Area EMS
More Smiles Wisconsin
Morgridge Center for Public Service
National Ski Patrol
Oakwood Village
OutReach LGBT Community Center
Peace Corps
RESULTS
Schools of Hope AmeriCorps Project
Teach For America
United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Dane County
UW Carbone Cancer Center
UW Health HIV/AIDS Comprehensive Care Program
UW Health Volunteering and Pathways Programs
UW Stevens Point School of Health Care Professions
Wisconsin Primary Health Care Association
Wisconsin AHEC
Financial Support Resources
US Navy Healthcare Representatives
Office of Student Financial Aid
Campus Resources
Career Exploration Center
CALS Career Services
Center for Pre-Health Advising
SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science
UW-Madison School of Education Career Center
UW-Madison School of Human Ecology
2020 Health Professional Panelists
Health Professional Student Panelists
Mariana Pasturczak, MPH program (UW-Madison)
pasturczak@wisc.edu
In addition to being a graduate student, Mariana works at the Wisconsin Division of Public Health in the Bureau of Communicable Diseases with both the Immunization Program and also with the Communicable Diseases Epidemiology Section. After graduating, Mariana hopes to continue working in governmental public health.
Moe Lucre’, DPT program (UW-Madison)
lucre@wisc.edu
Moe has a wide range of interests within the physical therapy profession that include sports, acute care, and physical therapy within the realm of public health. He became interested in physical therapy after a high school football injury that required two operations and substantial rehab. During college, Moe held summer internships at both Froedtert and Aurora Sports Health in their rehabilitation departments.
Jessica Vargas, DDS program (Marquette University School of Dentistry)
jessica.vargas@marquette.edu
Jessica is a first generation college student and is currently a D4 at Marquette School of Dentistry. She plans to specialize in pediatric dentistry and will begin her residency in July at UCLA.
Desiree Taylor, MSOT program (UW-Madison)
dmtaylor4@wisc.edu 
In addition to being a student, Desiree also serves as a project assistant for the WIDA organization at the Wisconsin Center for Educational Research (WCER), a research assistant in the Motor and Brain Development Lab, a trainee in the Wisconsin Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities program at the Waisman Center, and a personal care/respite worker.
Lakita Maulson, MD program (UW SMPH)
maulson@wisc.edu
Lakita was a PEOPLE scholar, worked in a research lab after undergrad, and is currently an M4 at UW SMPH. She is originally from the Lac du Flambeau tribal reservation in Northern Wisconsin and plans to apply to Family Medicine residencies in Fall 2020. Her interests include American Indian/Alaskan Native health, reading, hiking, and spending time with family/friends.
Cierra Brewer, PharmD program (UW-Madison)
cbrewer3@wisc.edu
Cierra is a third year pharmacy student. She studied chemistry at Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans and chose pharmacy because she loves chemistry and her community. She wanted a career in which she would be able to use her education and what she is good at to benefit the Black community. After graduation she hopes to secure a pharmacy residency in Pharmacy Administration and later to work for the federal Bureau of Prisons.
Health Professional Panelists
Alex Cummings, Genetic Counselor (UW Health)
acummings2@uwhealth.org
Alex is a Wisconsin native, graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison 
in 2012, majoring in Genetics and Philosophy. He worked briefly for the clinical genetic testing company Prevention Genetics in Marshfield, WI before attending the University of Minnesota Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program. After graduating from the program in 2016, he became the first pediatric genetic counselor at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital in Knoxville, TN, and helped establish their Genetics Center. He returned to Wisconsin in early 2019, where he currently works as a laboratory and inpatient genetic counselor at UW Health. He is also a former Ian’s Pizza Eating Contest Champion (2009).
Brian Hodgson, DDS (Marquette University School of Dentistry)
brian.hodgson@marquette.wisc
Brian received his dental degree from Marquette University in 1987 and a Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin in 1993. He became Board Certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry in 2001 and serves on the Oral Examination Committee for the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Hodgson has been an instructor in the Pediatric Dentistry Residency Program at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin since July 1993 and an Associate Professor for the Program in Pediatric Dentistry at Marquette University School of Dentistry since March 2003. He also provides hospital dental services to healthy children and children and adults with special health care needs. His clinical research focuses on the prevention and treatment of cancer therapy-related oral mucositis, and also investigates oral health-related findings in patients with SHCN. He previously maintained a private practice in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin from May 1996 through September 2013, and recently retired after a 32 year career in the US Navy Dental Corps.
Janice Block Banks, Sanitarian (Dane County Public Health Deptartment)
jblockbanks@publichealthmdc.com
Janice currently works for Public Health Madison Dane County as a sanitarian. She has over 25 years of experience in environmental health. This include working as a sanitarian, industrial hygienist, and occupational safety and health specialist. Her experience in various areas of environmental health has assisted the department, and she looks at difficult situations as an opportunity to create growth, and accept change for future generations.
Emily Fong, Pharmacist (William S. Middleton VA)
emily.fong@va.gov
Emily graduated from UW-Madison in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular Biology. She then proceeded to pharmacy school at UW-Madison, where she was involved with the Wisconsin Society of Pharmacy Students, Student Ambassadors, and mentoring students in the undergraduate Exploring Pharmacy FIG. She graduated with a PharmD degree in 2019 and is currently completing her residency at the William S. Middleton VA focusing on ambulatory care. She interacts with patients in primary care clinic as well as specialty clinics such as tobacco treatment, rheumatology, anticoagulation, and geriatrics (among others). Her interest areas include primary care, transitions of care, and mentorship.
Lola Awoyinka, Epidemiologist (WI Department of Health Services)
Lola is an epidemiologist and program coordinator for the Minority Health Program within the Department of Health Services, Division of Public Health, and also serves as co-chair of the Division’s health equity initiative and the state Minority Health contact for Wisconsin. In her work, Lola leads efforts related to analyzing health disparity and minority health data and efforts towards building internal capacity to apply a health equity lens to public health practice. When not working Lola enjoys coaching soccer and hanging with her pack of 3 dogs and one dog-like cat.
Harpreet Singh, DVM (VCA Veterinary Emergency Service & Specialty Care Center)
hsingh.dvm@gmail.com
Harpreet is a 2011 graduate of the UW-Madison School of Veterinary
Medicine. He completed his residency in Small Animal Surgery at Tufts University- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in 2015. Dr. Singh has performed thousands of surgeries including oral maxillofacial, thoracic, abdominal, orthopedic, and neurosurgeries. He has collaborated with human surgeons to treat complex cases and has utilized cutting edge technology to advance the field of veterinary medicine. He also plays an integral role in the veterinary community by participating in and helping host workshops held by internationally known organizations. He has given research-based lectures at local and national conferences and has served on several committees, including a presidency term for the Dane County Veterinary Medical Association. His hobbies include tennis, golfing, kayaking, hiking, and working more.
Career Exploration
In Spring 2020, the Career Exploration Center held a career exploration studio for students and alumni to explore interest in healthcare fields.
At the Career Exploration Studio, CEC staff led participants in short activities that helped cultivate reflection on the skills, interests, and values leading students and alumni to want to learn more about careers in healthcare. CEC staff also adept at pointing to resources for experiences during your time at UW and beyond that will foster professional exploration and development.
The Career Exploration Studio ran for a full hour during the expo. People were free to stop in any time while it was running to gather information, complete the guided activities, or just to chat with a career advisor from the CEC. They are a great resource — and not only were they available for conversations at the expo. You can meet with them throughout the year as a UW-Madison student!
2019 Participants
Professional Programs
Rush University Colleges of Health Sciences
UW-Madison Athletic Training Program
UW-Madison Biotechnology Program
UW-Madison Cytotechnology Program
UW-Madison Dietetics & Nutritional Sciences Program
UW-Madison Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
UW-Madison Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program
UW-Madison Kinesiology Program
UW-Madison Graduate Nursing Program
UW-Madison Master of Genetic Counselor Studies
UW-Madison Master of Public Health Program
UW-Madison Occupational Therapy Program
UW-Madison Physician Assistant Program
UW-Madison Rehabilitation Counseling Program
UW-Madison School of Nursing
UW-Madison School of Pharmacy
UW-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine
UW School of Medicine and Public Health Office of MD Admissions
Wisconsin School of Professional Psychology
Service, Patient Care Training & Opportunities, and Gap/Experiential Year Experiences
Caravel Autism Health
Communication Innovations
Covance
Dane County Maternal Child Health Navigator Program
Oak Street Health
Ortho Molecular
Peace Corps
Teach For America
Financial Support Resources
US Navy Healthcare Representatives
Campus Resources
Career Exploration Center
Center for Pre-Health Advising
SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science
“I got the chance to meet amazing people and was able to get many of my questions relating to my future career answers.”
Student Expo Participant
“The most valuable part of the Expo for me this year was putting the PA school application process and undergraduate experience into much smaller and more doable chunks. I have been very overwhelmed and have felt behind, but going to the Expo has alleviated some of my stress.”
Student Expo Participant
“I talked to someone who was very helpful in understanding my situation and questions. They helped guide me to opportunities that would allow me to explore my interests.”
Student Expo Participant