By Emily Ford
Contributing Writer
The Minority Association for Pre-Medical Students, also known as MAPS, hosted its first meeting on Tuesday Oct. 12 in the Parmer Hall in room 109.
President Cynthia Espino, Vice President Alejandra Valasquez, Treasurer and Secretary Mariam Youhanoun and Adviser Anne Gardner laid out the road map to success for undergrad students.
During the first meeting since the long 18-month span of COVID isolation, the leaders spoke to a packed house of about two dozen students, all in high spirits.
“It is so nice to see such a high number of students,” said Gardner. “Before COVID I noticed that the number of students started to thin out a bit and I was worried that the pandemic would have a negative effect on the meeting attendance.”
The four-board member all took turn explaining how effective some of the events had been for them in their journey as a medical student.
“The goal for the Association is to share resources that we wish someone have shared with us when we were in your position,” said Valasquez.
MAPS helps connect aspiring medical students to opportunities that the Student National Medical Association (SNMA) hosts such as the regional medical education conference, the annual medical education conference, the MLK day of service event and many others.
At these events student’s network, learn practical skills and meet admissions staff from medical schools.
Espino encouraged those at the meeting to let the board know as soon as possible who would be interested in attending different events that have entrance fees so they can begin funding as soon as possible.
She encouraged all student who are interested to let her know via email because funding is available through the Student Government at Dominican.
“Two years ago, we were able to get half the reimbursement for all the students that attended the RMEC through the student government (SGA) and we are hoping to do the same this year,” Gardner said.
MAPS will also host their own events on campus such as food drives that will be in collaboration with the American Medical Student Association, a clothing drive, a spooky night trivia and others. “We are also open to ideas that could lead to more opportunities in the medical field,” said Velasquez. “Email us if any of you have ideas.”
MAPS will meet monthly and encourages students to bring ideas or anyone who is interested in being a part of their community to join.
For future events updates, or enrollment visit them on EngageDU to get in contact with any of the board members for more assistance and information.
