Sep. 27–28, Colgate University hosted the biannual Michael J. Wolk ’60, MD, Conference on Medical Education, sponsored by the Michael Wolk Heart Foundation and organized by Colgate’s Health Sciences Advising Office and Career Services.
Alumni and professionals from institutions like Northwell Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Montefiore Health Systems, and Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine joined students of all class years to share expertise and insights.
With the theme “Trends in Contemporary Health Care,” the conference explored challenges and innovations in modern medicine in both academic study and professional practice. During panels, keynote addresses, and networking opportunities, participants delved into pressing topics, from health care equity and access to the role that corporate giants such as CVS Pharmacy and Amazon are having on the field.
The event opened with welcoming remarks from Colgate Provost Lesleigh Cushing and a keynote by Dr. Michael J. Wolk ’60 titled “Challenges and Opportunities Facing American Health Care.”
A second keynote from Dr. Jake Kleinmahon ’07 titled “Beyond the Stethoscope — A Physician’s Insights Into Health Care’s Hurdles and Hopes,” inspired attendees with a new perspective on health care challenges and solutions.
The second day of the program offered panels on specialized health care professions, medical school admissions, and the evolving health care system. In a session on corporate disruptions in health care, Jon Sendach ’98 of Northwell Health highlighted the influence of technology and industry giants.
Another panel provided a multidisciplinary perspective with contributions from local professionals including Dr. Emily Johnson, who mentors students in her Hamilton dental practice, and registered dietician Allison Bowers, who assists students in navigating nutrition on campus.
Insights into the journey to medical school were shared by Leila Amiri, PhD, Associate Dean for Admissions at the University of Vermont, who presented on “The Power of Holistic Review in Medical School Applications.” Meanwhile, panels featuring current medical students, including Jennifer Dias ’16 from the Icahn School of Medicine and Johna Joseph ’22 from Northwestern University, offered a glimpse into the realities of medical education for aspiring MD students.
Undergraduates also had the chance to connect with faculty and alumni during informal moments throughout the conference.
“One of the most impactful parts of the conference is helping attendees to grasp the richness that medicine offers and the diverse pathways to success within the field,” Wolk said. “Caring for patients is a wonderful and fulfilling lifetime goal and reward for anyone pursuing a career in medicine.”
Health Sciences Advisory Committee Chair Julie Chanatry shared her hope for what attendees will take away from the conference. “I hope that they take away that there are many paths to a career in the health sciences,” she said. “I hope they also learned that, if they face some challenges along the path, resilience is important — they can overcome those challenges and achieve their goal with motivation and persistence."