On April 30, 2015, from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. the Pre-Medical Pre-Dental Association (PMPD) held their closing ceremony in the University Center (UC). Founded by Karen Grisales, senior majoring in biology, in 2011, PMPD serves as a driving force for many students entering the health field.
Grisales was a struggling pre-med student with little guidance and few resources. When she noticed there were others in the same boat, she took it upon herself to create PMPD; it took her almost a year to get full approval. It has since grown into the incredible organization that it is today.
Today, PMPD helps members develop stronger leadership and communication skills, connects them with peers who have similar goals, provides access to medical and health conferences to network with physicians and professionals, as well as opportunities for scholarships, internships, summer programs, and medical mentors. Katirina Smith, junior biology major, states, “[from PMPD, I have gotten] insight into what to look to when you graduate and how to prepare yourself. It brought me together with people that share the same interests and instead of going down the road alone, you can meet people that have the same struggles as you.” For many PMPD members, the association has been an epicenter of information, advice, friendships, shared experiences, and most importantly, support. As challenging as pre-health is, a support system is invaluable. Grisales states, “Everybody has a story, everybody has a hardship, especially in this career-path. To me, it’s very important to let others know you’re not alone.”
With more than 50 members, the ceremony was packed full of laughs, friendships, and nostalgia. Over the past few years, the association has accumulated over 200 members, each bringing their own network of information, experiences, and advice. Julio Manso, senior biology molecular cellular major, states “you meet a lot of like-minded individuals who give you ideas and share their experience. It’s nice having people who know what it’s like. I made a lot of friends.” In medicine, minorities are 5% of doctors, and women are represented even less. Primarily comprised on minorities, PMPD is making great strides toward rectifying those discrepancies. For Grisales, this is a great source of pride. She states, “all my members motivate me. I never envy. Their success is my success and professionally they’ve taught me to mature as a leader, student, and friend.”
The event was catered, ranging from Portuguese food to pizza to sandwiches. After dining on an eclectic spread, the members participated in a memory game. The students were instructed to write something on a notecard, and then place it in a jar in the center of the table. They could write anything from how the club impacted them, sharpened their goals, what they learned, how PMPD could improve, ect. A few volunteered to read their cards and memories, such as visits with professionals like Dr. OZ to feeding the homeless. The memory game served to include all members, while also promoting growth and betterment.
Following the game, they took the time to honor one another. They began by acknowledging those who had officially become PMPD members, presenting each individual with a certificate. Various other attendees were awarded throughout the night as well. Kenya Carrasco received an award for her commitment to the association and her dedication to volunteer work. Bryani Wheaton was acknowledged for never missing a meeting and always extending a helping hand. William Jumbo was honored as a studious gentleman and leader who is highly involved and recently received a full ride to dental school. PMPD takes the time to acknowledge that despite the demanding nature of pre-med studies, they each take the time to be extraordinary. One undeniably notable aspect of PMPD is the success that is fueled by motivation and empowerment. Grisales states, “Nowadays it’s hard to a find a true friend that is happy for your success.” Unfortunately, this is very true, but in PMPD, each member encourages the next.
The membership awards were followed by acknowledgements for the executive board. The PMPD members said a farewell to the first board, who was with the club since the beginning, as their graduation approaches and successors take over. Amanda Almeida, eloquently introduced herself as the new director of public relations. She states, “we all have goals, visions for ourselves. What separates us is we have goals for other people. This club has opened doors to the path we all share. Choosing pre-med is not an easy decision and because of this club I’ve had guidance in this great field.” Dr. Mongelli, the club’s advisor, has been involved with PMPD for years and had nothing but positive remarks for them. He states, “it’s nice to be a part of a club that is very involved...this club really cares about how well everyone does. That is a testament to the [executive] board, the club, and all of you.”
It is no secret that health is a considerably challenging profession to pursue. The years are long, the required education is extensive, and the stress is unrelenting. Consequently, it is very easy to get discouraged. The PMPD members encourage one another when they are overwhelmed, exhausted, or defeated. Grisales states, “[PMPD is a] comfortable environment where people are not afraid to speak up and also have unity. I feel like that’s very important and showing support.” The PMPD members share their journey and the results are phenomenal.
PMPD is a rich resource for any pre-med students at Kean University. There is a character to the club that is well-rounded while simultaneously being focused. It is an environment of togetherness, passion, hard-work, and ambition. “Each day we all succeed in something. Success is finishing something for me. I like to promote that because you’re succeeding waking up and pushing each day,” Grisales commented. Each pre-med student accomplishes a tremendous feat as they persevere through their study of medicine, but unfortunately many of them do it alone. PMPD provides a means so students don’t have to and evidently, there is exceptional power in knowing that they are not alone.
For more information concerning PMPD, contact PMPD at kupmpd@kean.edu.
