At most universities, clubs and student groups are the hub of information, advice, guidance, shared experiences and support. For developing college students, an organization of likeminded individuals pursuing a similar dream is invaluable.

Dussan Barco, President of Pre-Medical Pre-Dental Association (PMPD) on campus and senior biology major, is the first in his family to go to college, so PMPD has offered him tremendous guidance throughout his college career. He states, “I have been a member of this organization since it started. I remember I went to the first meeting and I knew I was in the right place. This association open[ed] my eyes to a world I would have never imagine[d].”

Dussan Barco talks to students about what PMPD is all about
Gaelle Gilles l The Cougar’s Byte

Considering the challenging nature of the pre-health field, it is vital to have people encourage one another when they are overwhelmed, exhausted or defeated.

Barco continues, “Most of us are not as lucky to have someone to look up to or to guide us, but PMPD has given me enough guidance to know what I need in order to pursue my dream career, and for that I am forever grateful.”

Every year, countless students journey through the field of medicine in solitude; PMPD provides a medium through which students don’t have to. Not only does PMPD connect them with their peers, but it also exposes them to opportunities for scholarships, internships, summer programs, conferences and medical mentors.

Stephanie Cerna, Dussan Barco and Kenya Carrasco proudly represent the PMPD club
Gaelle Gilles l The Cougar’s Byte

These mentors could be medical professionals who work as doctors, dentists, physician assistants, nurses and residents. They offer words of advice, motivation and discussions on relevant issues such as admission to medical/dental school, medical ethics, alternate medical fields, substantial financial assistance for medical/dental education, etc.  “There is such [a] thing as freshmen to be undecided; most of these students go to college to find out who they are and who they want to become,” Barco states, “By sharing with them what it is to be a doctor, politician or lawyer will help them open their eyes to a world that they may or may not have interest, so they can make their own judgment, create their own persona and career path.”

At last years PMPD closing ceremony students remembered the good memories they shared
Aliyah Price-Perry l The Cougar’s Byte

PMPD was founded by Karen Grisales, who was a struggling pre-med undergraduate student at the time. In her search for guidance, she noticed that there were few resources dedicated specifically to pre-med students. Over the course of a year, she embarked on a process that would lead her to the creation of PMPD. She created it with the intention of guiding students who are considering a major in the medical or dental fields by educating them on the fields in health they didn’t know about it. Accumulating over 200 members in just a few short years, the organization has since expanded tremendously. Since Grisales graduated, Dussan Barco has taken her place as president and Kenya Carrasco has taken his previous position of vice president.

Students say farewell to their founder, Karen Grisales
Aliyah Price-Perry l The Cougar’s Byte

Pursuing any career within health sciences is undeniably challenging. Consequently, it is very easy to get discouraged. Outside of the educational requirements and long years, the stress is unrelenting.  “I believe the most challenging aspect of being a pre-med/dental student is learning how to balance all the activities that a pre-med/dental should be involved during his/her undergrad years,”

Barco explains, “In order to show the admissions committee that you are a strong candidate, you need to show that you know the job by volunteering at local hospitals/practices, also shadowing physicians and dentist, internships, [and] research.”

In whatever direction students choose to take, health is a substantially demanding field. Ultimately, PMPD strives to prepare prospective medical, dental, nursing and physician assistant students for their future.

“What I would like to tell the student body at Kean [University] is [to] always adapt and never give up. As human beings our nature always changes and learning how to adapt is one of the toughest things to go through. But by never giving up you will always be able to accomplish anything you put your mind to.”

PMPD is always interested in new members
Gaelle Gilles l The Cougar’s Byte