2025 Workshops

The UNM Health Professions Symposium has over eighty workshops for you to choose from! These workshops have topics ranging from getting ready for a pre-health track in college to having families in medical school, and everything in between. Workshops are also a great way for interested individuals to learn about other careers in healthcare such as population health, medical laboratory sciences, and dental hygiene (and many more!). With so many great workshops this year, it can be hard to choose which ones to attend. So be sure to look through the workshops below and plan ahead!

If you would like to sign up to host a workshop, please register below. We greatly appreciate your help!

Workshop Registration

Please Register by March 31, 2025.

Click on the workshop title for a description.

Please continue to check back for an updated list of Workshops for HPS 2025!

Last Updated: 4/1/2025

Admissions Process

How to Ace the Dental Interview

Learn how to perfect your interview skills before your big day!

University of Colorado- School of Dental Medicine

Presenter: Althea Reutzel

Target Audience: College and High School Students

Behind the Prescription: A Deep Dive into Modern Pharmacy 

Exploring the advancements shaping today’s pharmacy profession, highlighting the critical role pharmacists play in healthcare. From cutting-edge drug therapies to personalized medicine, stepping beyond the traditional role of dispensing medications.

UNM College of Pharmacy

Presenter: Kathryn Gentsch

Target Audience: College and High School Students

UNM Combined BA/MD Degree Program

The Combined BA/MD Degree Program is designed to help address the physician shortage in New Mexico through the commitment of its students to serve communities across the state. Join us to learn more about our program and what makes it truly special!

UNM Combined BA/MD Degree Program

Presenter: Jered Cervantes

Target Audience: High School Students


UNM Physical Therapy Admissions Process

Join us for an informative Physical Therapy School Admissions Workshop! Learn what is required in the application process, how to gauge your competitiveness and strategies for preparing for the interview process.

UNM Physical Therapy

Presenter: Jodi Schilz

Target Audience: College and High School Students


Pathways to become a #LoboNurse

At The University of New Mexico College of Nursing, we offer multiple options for you to accomplish your goal of becoming a bachelor’s prepared nurse. Come join us to explore the application requirements. 

UNM College of Nursing 

Presenters: Grace Wiele

Target Audience: College and High School Students


Getting to Medical School- Do's and Dont's 

This workshop will discuss the Texas Medical & Dental Schools Application Services (TMDSAS) timeline, requirements and review process. We will also strategies on how to create a robust and competitive medical school application.  

Presenters: Veronica Edwards, MPH. Assistant Director of Advising and Recruitment, TBA

Target Audience: College Students


UNM PA Program Admission

This session will cover requirements to apply for admission to the UNM PA Program. Learn about prerequisite courses, GPAs, clinical experience, and more as we step through each component of the process and how to help your application stand out. 

UNM Physician Assistant Program

Presenter: Christina Anthony, MA

Target Audience: College and High School Students


The Path to Medical School for Nontraditional Students

"Are you considering medical school but unsure how your nontraditional background fits into the journey? Whether you're pursuing a career change, returning to school after time in the workforce, or balancing life as a parent or caregiver, this workshop is designed for you.

Join us as we explore the unique challenges and strengths of nontraditional applicants and break down steps to a successful medical school application. We'll discuss strategies for academic preparation, MCAT studying, balancing work and life obligations, and crafting a compelling personal statement. If you’ve ever thought it’s ""too late"" or felt unsure about your path, this workshop is for you!"

UNM SOM

Presenters: Sergio Alvardo-Gil, Kelsey Currier, Jenna Norton, Abdullah Mamdani, Morgan Stein

Target Audience: College Students

Vital Signs of Success: Navigating MSA Admissions

Join us for an intensive session that unlocks the keys to a successful MSA application. Learn directly from admission experts as they share critical insights on crafting a compelling application, mastering the interview process, and standing out in a competitive field. You'll discover essential strategies for academic preparation, gain valuable tips for professional experience, and understand what makes candidates truly shine. Walk away with a clear action plan and the confidence to pursue your journey in anesthesia practice. This interactive workshop includes personalized guidance on prerequisite coursework, application timelines, and real examples of successful personal statements.

UNM Master of Science in Anesthesia Program

Presenter: James Mascherini-Watson

Target Audience: College and High School Students

Building the Strongest Health Professions Program Application

Learn about the components of a health professions application and how to build a strong application packet so that you are a competitive applicant.

UNM Office of Pre-Health Professions Student Development

Presenter: Dr. Ken Cradock

Target Audience: College and High School Students

Unlocking Your Path to Become a Physician

Interested in becoming a physician? The Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine provides opportunities for students to earn a Doctor of Osteopathy right here in New Mexico! Join us to explore your path to fulfill your dream. 

Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine

Presenter: Janet Woolsey

Target Audience: College and High School Students

Welcome to Hunt School of Dental Medicine in El Paso!

Learn about what you need to get into dental school while at UNM and get insight from our current dental students on what it is like to get into dental school and the adventure that it is now that they are on their way to becoming a dentist!

TTUHSC El Paso - Hunt School of Dental Medicine Admissions

Presenters: Andrea Ramirez (Director of Admissions); Ale Jaquez (WLHSDM Student)

Target Audience: College and High School Students

Educational Resources

C2C - Health Care Career Pathway Programs

Prepare to enter and graduate from a health education track by participating in the C2C Health Care Career Pathway Programs — a movement to diversify health professions in NM.

UNM HSC Of DEI - Communities to Careers

Presenter: Stacy Collier

Target Audience: College and High School Students


Exercise as Medicine

Exercise is preventative for many chronic diseases yet, adults do not meet the minimum requirements. This workshop will teach adults what exercises, how long we should exercise, and how often we should exercise in order to live healthier lives. 

UNM Department of Health, Exercise and Sport Sciences

Presenter: Whitley C. Atkins, PhD

Target Audience: College and High School Students

A New Model: Merging Traditional & Modern Medicine

Students will learn about the current efforts for merging modern and traditional medicine. A new health model is proposed for the uninsured, underinsured and the immigrant population. This model is based on an Indigenous clinic in Mexico.  

UNM

Presenters: Dr. Eliseo Cheo Torres, Dr. Mario Del Angel Guevara

Target Audience: College and High School Students

How Not To Be Eaten: Conflict Communication in Healthcare

Nurses eat their young, or so the legend goes. So how does one survive? Learn to recognize the different types of lateral violence, how to respond, and how to set firm boundaries so you, too, can avoid being eaten.   

UNM College of Nursing

Presenter: Joselyn Martin

Target Audience: College and High School Students

Volunteer for Hospice Patients and Transcend Your Life

For anyone who needs volunteer hours, would like to learn more about the Hospice medical field, or merely wants to grow as an individual. This workshop will change your view of hospice and perhaps your life in the long run. From this life to the next

Hospice Of New Mexico

Presenter: Jonathan Maestas 

Target Audience: College and High School Students

Advising Pre-Nursing Students at UNM 

This session will explore effective advising strategies for pre-nursing students at UNM. Learn how we guide students in completing essential prerequisites, managing their academic journey, and navigating the competitive BSN application process. 

University College Advisement Center 

Presenter: Bradford Beck

Target Audience: College and High School Students

Strengthen Your Path to a Health Career

Learn about the Pre-Health Scholars Certificate where pre-health students grow and learn together in a unique curriculum focused on developing tangible skills in communication and critical thinking while expanding their respect, understanding, and honoring of culture - both their own and of others.  This rigorous program strengthens your application to professional health programs and your foundation for success in healthcare.  

UNM HSC Pre-Health Scholars Certificate

Presenters: Laura L. Burton, Ph.D. and alumni

Target Audience: College Students

Discovering your path in the Biomedical Field

High School and College students often have a vague idea of the areas of study and work opportunities available to them. Students may have genuine excitement for pursuing a particular career but either don't know if the path they are on will prepare them for those opportunities or how to navigate their education and experiences.  As a native of New Mexico, UNM Alumnus, and currently a Professor and Chair of Biology, I will be presenting from my own experiences on how to find the right path in the vast Biomedical research and clinical fields young students may not know how to pursue or perhaps even exist.

Eastern New Mexico Universtiy, Department of Biology

Presenter: Dr. Matthew Barlow, PhD

Target Audience: College and High School Students

Becoming a Certified Professional Biller or Coder Coder

Careers in Health Information Technology, careers as a Certified Biller or Certified Coder. 

UNM GALLUP 

Presenter: Roseanna McGinn

Target Audience: College and High School Students

Research Opportunities in Biomedical Sciences on North Campus

Come learn about exciting research opportunities in Biomedical Sciences available on the HSC Campus. We will also talk about admission requirements for the BSGP and the MD/PhD Graduate Programs. 

UNM SOMREO

Presenter: Alicia Bolt, PhD

Target Audience: College and High School Students

Spanish Speakers Health Professionals in NM: Why and How to become a bilingual health professional

This workshop will explore the importance of becoming a bilingual health professional in New Mexico and provide guidance on how to achieve this goal. Participants will gain insights into demographic and public health data, current health policies, and the communication competencies required for healthcare professionals. The session will also cover the certification process for bilingual healthcare providers. Additionally, the workshop will outline a roadmap of Medical Spanish courses and service-learning opportunities available at UNM and within the community.

UNM SOM Clinical Communications Skills in Spanish

Presenters: Veronica Plaza, MD MPH,  Benjamin Blanco MSIV, Ediberto Medrano MSIV

Target Audience: College and High School Students

Hearing Loss Sensitivity Training for Medical Staff

"Our objective is to help participants become culturally sensitive when it comes to working with patients with hearing loss.

Participants will:

Understand the basics of Deaf culture

Learn tips for effectively communicating with patients who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Learn different etiquette approaches for different groups  "

New Mexico Commission for Deaf & Hard of Hearing

Presenter: Roger Robb

Target Audience: College and High School Students

Financial Aid

New Mexico Health Loan-for-Service & Repayment Programs

Students in the Health Field (TBA)

New Mexico Higher Education Department 

Presenters: Heather Romero, Mia Candelaria and Patricia Montoya

Target Audience: College and High School Students

United States ARMY Medical Department Opportunities

Army healthcare scholarships help you graduate with a secure career in a medical profession, without the burden of a big financial debt. These benefits are offered in exchange for your commitment to service to Army Medical team. 

US ARMY MEDICAL DEPARTMENT 

Presenters: SSG Silva, Victor. SSG Rascon, Mark. SSG Gomez, Juan.  SSG Nieves, Helena.  SFC Finley, Eric.

Target Audience: College Students

MD STUDENT FINANCIAL AID 101

I will be providing an overview of the financial aid process for MD students, including discussions of federal aid options like loans and scholarships. Please join me to learn more and ask any questions you may have.

UNM HSC, FINANCIAL AID 

Presenter: Leonard Prairie

Target Audience: College and High School Students

Yes, you can afford a healthcare profession education!

Learn the numerous financial aid options available to assist you in meeting educational expenses during your healthcare professional curriculum.

UNM Health Sciences Financial Aid Office

Presenter: Janell Valdez

Target Audience: College and High School Students

Health Professions Overview

Why Should You Be a Nurse?

A brief overview of the benefits of becoming a nurse as well as the different types of nursing professions and a brief overview of what to expect in Nursing School.

UNM College of Nursing

Presenter: Cassandra Figgs

Target Audience: College and High School Students

“Acting out Illness”, The Use of Standardized Patients in Health Care Professions

Standardized Patients (SPs) are widely used in all health care professions for learners to practice communication and physical exams skills on. See the benefits of how SPs can help you be successful in whatever Health Profession you choose. 

UNM SOM Assessment and Learning

Presenters: Audrey H. Bobick, Jackie Sandoval, Erick Bodwell, Sreedevi Swaminathan, Caedmon Holland

Target Audience: College and High School Students

Being a Dental Hygienist

A panel of Dental Hygiene Professionals and Students discuss what it's like to become and be a Dental Hygienist. They will review some aspects of education, everyday life and pros and cons of the profession. This session will end with a Q&A session. 

UNM Division of Dental Hygiene

Presenters: Assistant Professor Justine Ponce, RDH, MS; Assistant Professor Nicole Gonzales, RDH, MS; Students TBA

Target Audience: College and High School Students 

Day in the Life of a Dental Student

Step into the shoes of a second-year student at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. You will be guided through a typical day in dental school while gaining insight into this UNM graduate's pre-dental journey. 

University of Colorado- School of Dental Medicine

Presenter: Nisali Piyasena

Target Audience: College and High School Students 

A Career in Medicine: A Primer for Pre-Med Students

This presentation will explain the educational pathway to a career in medicine, and also provide general advice for applying for admission to any kind of educational program.

UNM Pediatric Emergency Medicine

Presenter: Matthew Gunderson, MD, MSc

Target Audience: College and High School Students 

Pathways in Pediatrics: A Panel Discussion and Q&A Session

Do you have a desire to help kids?  Do you want to know how to become a doctor who cares for kids?  This panel discussion will include professionals from several different pediatric specialties, with a Q&A session to answer all of your questions.

University of New Mexico School of Medicine

Presenters: Matthew Gunderston, MD, Dr. Crystal Ávila-Schroeder, Dr. Gloria López Hernandez, Dr. Maria Maruffi, Dr. Jessie Maxwell, Dr. Anthony Okamura, Dr. Leslie Strickler, Dr. Jessica Valdez, and Dr. Kathy Wolfe

Target Audience: College and High School Students 

So You Want To Go To Dental School

This presentation will higlight steps individuals should consider while exploring the dental professions as a career. Personal qualities and motivations that make an individual a more compelling applicant will be addressed. 

UNM Pre-Dental Society

Presenters: Charles Tatlock, DDS, MPH; UNM Pre-Dental Society

Target Audience: College and High School Students 

Research in Emergency Medicine

Have you wondered how new medications, blood tests, and devices emerge in healthcare? The ED Research Team will discuss how new medications, blood tests, and devices emerge in healthcare and the role research plays in clinical settings.

UNM Health Sciences Center

Presenters: Sarah Leville, Keith Lucero + 1 TBA

Target Audience: College and High School Students 

Getting Psyched about Psychiatry

This workshop will include an introduction to the field of psychiatry and various subspecialties that can be pursued. There will be discussion of NM's mental health demographics and the barriers to care for under-resourced/underserved communities.

University of New Mexico Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences 

Presenter: Elise Morosin

Target Audience: College and High School Students 

Emergency Medicine: On the Frontlines of Healthcare

A primer on what emergency medicine is, what emergency physicians do and why we do it that way, and how to become an emergency physician.

Presbyterian Medical Group

Presenter: Andrew Bivin, MD

Target Audience: College and High School Students 

Life in School From Students at UNM College of Pharmacy

Real perspectives from current students at the UNM College of Pharmacy. Hear from students who have just started the program as well as student who are almost finished. Great way to get a great understanding of what the program like.

UNM COP (College of Pharmacy)

Presenters: Ryan Maese, Daniel Anderson

Target Audience: College and High School Students 

Podiatric Physicians/Surgeons: Best Kept Secret Career 

Podiatry focuses on the foot/ankle providing career choices that includes surgery, trauma, sports medicine, wound care and research. Session will overview Podiatric medicine and loan opportunities for NM students. 

New Mexico Podiatric Medical Association

Presenter: TBA

Target Audience: College and High School Students

Critical Care at 26,000 feet: A Career in Flight Medicine

Have you ever wanted to practice medicine while flying over New Mexico in an airplane or helicopter? Listen to UNMH Lifeguard Air Emergency Services talk about a career as a Flight Paramedic, Flight Nurse or Flight Physician and what it takes to fly.

UNMH Lifeguard Air Emergency Services

Presenters: Jake Danemann, FP-C, TBA

Target Audience: College and High School Students

Discover Your Healthcare Path: 8 Top Health Professions Careers at UNM-SOM

Discover your future in healthcare with our 8 Health Professions Programs at UNM-SOM! Whether you're interested in patient care, diagnostics, therapy, or emergency services, there's a perfect fit for you. Explore diverse career paths, engage with professionals, and find your passion in the health field! Come get a quick, intense overview in this “round-robin” style workshop where you will learn about Anesthesiologist Assistant, Dental Hygiene, Emergency Medical Services, Medical Lab Sciences, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant, and Radiologic Sciences.

UNM SOM

Presenter: Shelly McLaughlin

Target Audience: College and High School Students

Let's Talk About Sex Ed 

Join the Native Community Health Network from Planned Parenthood of Rocky Mountains for a discussion about what it takes to be a sex educator. We will do a mini presentation about barrier methods and STIs. We might even have a few condom games! 

Native Community Health Network 

Presenters: Becki Jones and Trevor Goodluck 

Target Audience: College and High School Students

Bringing Life into the World: Exploring Birthwork Professions

There are many different professions that support Birthwork, starting from pregnancy through delivery and into early childhood. Come learn about the multiple possibilities of how you can make an impact to support healthy families. 

UNM Nurse-Midwifery Program

Presenters: Marcelo Olguin and Felina Ortiz

Target Audience: College and High School Students

Muggle to Healer: A Magical Nurse Residency Adventure

Nurses choose to work in the chaotic and ever-changing world of medicine, but how do they know it’s the right choice for them? It would be simple if they had a Sorting Hat to help place them in the appropriate unit based on their potential and personality, along with a magical school like Hogwarts to advance their skills in real-life situations. We have found a solution: welcome to the enchanting world of Nurse Residency, supported by exceptional nursing professional development experts.

At San Juan Regional Medical Center, we aim to increase engagement in our residency program by incorporating a theme-based approach. We sort new cohorts into houses using the Sorting Hat and host a House Cup yearly to encourage participation. Engaging activities, including relay races, scavenger hunts, and escape rooms, have been adapted to fit this theme, promoting learning and growth through friendly competition. Harry Potter-themed fun is intertwined with key concepts and simulations.

This innovative concept and focus on engagement tactics have led to our program receiving accreditation as a Practice Transition Program (PTAP) from the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Commission on Accreditation in Practice Transition Programs. Discover how your Nurse Residency program can create a magical experience for your residents while ensuring safe, quality patient care.

San Juan Regional Medical Center

Presenters: Maranda Herrera-Marquez BSN CEN TCRN CCRN VA-BC CRNI

Target Audience: College and High School Students

Bites, Stings, Disease (and more!): Medical Entomology

Learn about how arthropods can impact the health of people and animals.

UNM Office of Pre-Health Professions Student Development

Presenter: Dr. Ken Cradock

Target Audience: College and High School Students

Wildlife Gets Sick Too - an introduction to Wildlife Disease

Wildlife diseases are an important element to the overall health of our communities, especially when considering the One Health approach to keeping communities healthy.

UNM Office of Pre-Health Professions Student Development

Presenter: Dr. Ken Cradock

Target Audience: College and High School Students

Where Passion Meet Practice: Your Nursing Edcation Begins at UNM Gallup

 Come learn about health career pathways through nursing. Would you like to have a nursing school experience that offers highly qualified instruction, state of the art labs, nationally accredited programs, low instructor to student ratio, and supports for success? UNM Gallup nursing has great retention and graduation rates, above the national average. Come hear about our program, the dynamic field of nursing and how we prepare our students, as well as the growth potential when earning a nursing degree. Concerned about the cost of college education? The UNM Gallup campus offers AAS Nursing RN degree and the Bachelors of Nursing, with the benefit of branch campus pricing on all lower division courses. 

UNM Gallup Nursing

Presenter: Grace Lueras

Target Audience: College and High School Students

Saving lives through good management: UNM's MHA program

 Come learn about health career pathways through nursing. Would What do ALL healthcare professions & organizations have in common? They need competent, creative leaders to manage operations which lead to high-value outcomes. Learn about UNM's Master of Healthcare Administration program & discuss career options.like to have a nursing school experience that offers highly qualified instruction, state of the art labs, nationally accredited programs, low instructor to student ratio, and supports for success? UNM Gallup nursing has great retention and graduation rates, above the national average. Come hear about our program, the dynamic field of nursing and how we prepare our students, as well as the growth potential when earning a nursing degree. Concerned about the cost of college education? The UNM Gallup campus offers AAS Nursing RN degree and the Bachelors of Nursing, with the benefit of branch campus pricing on all lower division courses. 

UNM School of Public Administration Master of Health Administration Program

Presenter: Kate Cartwright, PhD, MPH

Target Audience: College Students

Beyond the Mask: Inside the Profession of Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants

Discover the dynamic role of Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants (CAAs) and learn about UNM's Master of Science in Anesthesia program. This presentation will explore CAAs' vital role in the anesthesia care team, career opportunities, and the path to joining the profession. Learn about clinical responsibilities, from pre-operative assessment and airway management to administering anesthetics and monitoring patients during surgery. Get insights about UNM's MSA program, including curriculum highlights, clinical rotations, and admission requirements. Join us to explore how you can become part of this growing profession that combines patient care, advanced technology, and critical thinking.

UNM Master of Science in Anesthesia

Presenter: TBA

Target Audience: College and High School Students

The 911 on EMS

Come find out about the world of EMS (Emergency Medical Services) from education to careers! 

UNM EMS Academy

Presenter: Julian Cardenas

Target Audience: College and High School Students

Casa de Salud's Bilingual Health Apprentice Program

Research has shown that diversity in medicine can save lives, but it is still difficult for students from underrepresented backgrounds to succeed in medicine. While one in four medical students have physician parents, students of color and low income students are more likely to be first generation students.  Casa de Salud's apprentice fellowship program aims to provide bilingual (English/Spanish) students from underrepresented backgrounds support in their endeavors in medicine by providing hands on experience in a local, non-profit clinic. Casa de Salud Medical Clinic is located in the South Valley of Albuquerque and offers fair priced, integrative healthcare to patients who commonly lack access to adequate healthcare services. 

Casa de Salud

Presenters: Colette Village Center, Alejandra Casarrubias, and student apprentices. TBA

Target Audience: College and High School Students

We See Through You

Overview of the Radiologic Sciences Program and Imaging Modalities

UNM SOM Radiologic Sciences 

Presenter: Eric Hertenstein

Target Audience: College and High School Students

AI, Medical Billing, Coding and the ethics revolution .

Interested in AI, Medical Billing, Medical Coding and ethics. 

UNM GALLUP 

Presenter: Roseanna McGinn

Target Audience: College and High School Students

Orthopedic Trauma As a Career

Interested in surgery?  Do you wonder what it could be like to have a career as a surgeon?  Come learn about orthopaedic trauma!  As orthopaedic trauma surgeons, we treat broken bones all over the body through a variety of techniques.  As the only level I trauma center in the state of New Mexico we are exposed to a high volume of orthopedic injuries.  Come learn about what we do and why we do it!

UNM Department of Orthopaedics

Presenters: Matthew Wharton, TBA

Target Audience: College and High School Students

Vision Correction Surgeries

Overview of the field of Ophthalmology, which is a surgical subspecialty entered after medical school. We will discuss anatomy of the eye, problems that can interfere with good vision, and some of the surgeries we use to improve eye sight. 

Eye Associates of New Mexico

Presenter: Patrick Commiskey MD

Target Audience: College and High School Students

Rad Radiology: Imaging in Action!

Come learn how to get into the art of diagnosing people using cutting edge technology and precise techniques. See how radiologist impact patients in the health care system and come discover if imaging is for you!

Presenter: Dr. Uzma Alam 

Target Audience: College and High School Students

Focus on Pediatrics: 30+ years as an Occupational Therapist

Come hear about Occupational Therapy from a practitioner with 30+ years of experience! This presentation will focus on the employment settings, diagnoses, and treatments related to pediatric occupational therapy. Explore whether becoming a pediatric OT might be the career path for you!

Employed by APS

Presenter: Angie Long, OTR/L

Target Audience: College and High School Students

Q&A with Education Leaders

Students can ask any question about how to best prepare for a career in healthcare to individuals who have a wide breadth of experience in student success. 

UNM School of Medicine

Presenters: Teresa A. Vigil-Baca, MD, Senior Associate Dean for Education / Shelly McLaughlin, BA, MS, EMT-I Associate Dean for the Health Professions Programs 

Target Audience: College and High School Students

Orthotics - Bracing for the Whole Body 

Orthotics is a very specialized field that is a part of the allied health care team.  There are only 13  Orthotic and Prosthetic Master's Programs in the United States.  Orthotists work very closely with Orthopedic Surgeons, Neurosurgeons, Trauma Surgeons, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners, and Nurses  throughout the whole hospital.   It is a great profession if one is interested in learning about the human anatomy, pathologies,  biomechanics, material science, and designing/fitting all types of braces for the body.   You will see a variety of patients and will  always be learning in this profession.  

Carrie Tingley Hospital-UNMH

Presenter: Susana Sweetman, CO

Target Audience: College and High School Students

Coming soon!

Coming soon!

Interactive/Hands On

Athletic Trainers: Healthcare for the Physically Active

In this interactive workshop, attendees will learn about athletic training profession, our roles as healthcare providers, and patients we treat. Attendees will participate in demonstrations of various athletic training clinical skills.

UNM Athletic Training Program

Presenter: Sara Nottingham

Target Audience: College and High School Students

Doctor of Physical Therapy

This presentation provides an overview of a career in physical therapy. In addition to being informational, it is an interactive presentation that provides some insight to a career in physical therapy. 

UNM SOM, Department of Orthopaedics, Division of Physical Therapy

Presenter: Dr. Rose Vallejo and Students within the Department

Target Audience: College and High School Students

Suturing: The Basics- Hands On

​Basic medical suturing techniques will be demonstrated and workshop participants will have hands on time to practice on simulated models.

New Mexico Podiatric Medical Association (NMPMA) and the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine (AACPM)

Presenters: Janet Simon, DPM + other DPMs

Target Audience: College and High School Students

Exploring Maternal and Child Health

Are you passionate about the health and well-being of women, children, and families? If so, Maternal and Child Health may be the profession for you! This presentation will provide an overview of the field of maternal and child health, why it is important, and how the social determinants of health impact outcomes for women, birthing people, children, and families.

UNM College of Population Health

Presenters: Tammy Thomas, PhD, MSW, MPH  and Stephanie Chambers, MPH

Target Audience: College and High School Students

What you can't see can hurt you - Thermal Imaging and Pressure Injuries 

 Early identification and prevention of pressure injuries (PIs) pose significant challenges in hospital settings. Our incidence rate of hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) was higher than the 2022 benchmark rate set by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), which signified the need for investigation and corrective action. Root cause analysis revealed multiple key factors contributing to a higher incidence of HAPIs:  inconsistent skin assessments, variances in the risk assessment tool completion, delayed preventative interventions, fragmented documentation, and organizational resistance to change.  

San Juan Regional Medical Center

Presenter: Diane McCall, PT DPT

Target Audience: College and High School Students 

Stick Together: The ‘Vein’ of Our Existence – A Multidisciplinary Approach to Vascular Access

Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Discover how vascular access influences various areas of healthcare and understand how collaboration across different disciplines can improve patient care.

Hands-On Experience: Engage in interactive sessions that offer practical application of vascular access skills. This experience will give you an advantage in your clinical training and future career.

Expert-Led Discussions:  Learn from content experts in vascular access. Gain insights that extend beyond textbooks to include current best practices and emerging trends.

Enhance Your Career: Differentiating yourself in the field through specialized knowledge and skills in vascular access. This will make you more attractive to employers in various healthcare settings and improve patient satisfaction by reducing the number of pokes.

San Juan Regional Medical Center

Presenter: Maranda Herrera-Marquez BSN CEN TCRN CCRN VA-BC CRNI

Target Audience: College and High School Students 

Occupational Therapy: Putting the Fun in Functional

This workshop will include an overview of Occupational Therapy, information on the UNM Occupational Therapy Graduate Program, and several fun interactive activities. If you are interested in OT, then you will not want to miss this presentation.

Occupational Therapy Graduate Program

Presenter: Jessica Salazar, OTR/L, Jacqueline Padilla, MOTS, and Brenna Pehrson, MOTS

Target Audience: College and High School Students 

Speed Networking with Healthcare Professionals

Students will have a chance to "speed network" with alumni and community faculty from the UNM School of Medicine, giving them an opportunity to ask questions about what it's really like to work in healthcare in New Mexico. 

UNM SOM Advancement and Alumni Relations/Office for Community Faculty

Presenters: UNM School of Medicine Alumni Association & Community Faculty

Target Audience: College and High School Students 

Mastering the Airway: CAA Skills in Action

Get hands-on experience with airway management techniques utilized by Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant in clinical practice. Learn about airway assessment, basic and advanced airway techniques, and proper device selection. Practice mask ventilation, supraglottic airway placement, and explore equipment used in difficult airway scenarios. Join us for this interactive session combining clinical skills and decision-making.

UNM Master of Science in Anesthesia

Presenters: 

Students: Eileen Xaya, Nam Strickler, Nichole Garcia, Joshua Muniz, Brandon Casey

MSA Faculty: Joe Surman, MMSc, CAA 

Target Audience: College and High School Students 

Public Health Crisis: Outbreak Investigation 

"Step into the fast-paced world of public health as you take on the role of an investigator, epidemiologist, health official, or community leader in this immersive outbreak simulation. A mysterious illness is spreading, and it’s up to you and your team to trace the source, contain the outbreak, and protect the public."

Are you ready to be on the front lines of disease control? The outbreak has begun—let’s see if you can stop it!"

O'Donnell School of Public Health

Presenters: Dr. May Lau; Jazmyne Tribble; Citlalli Lopez

Target Audience: College and High School Students 

Rx Whodunit: Uncovering Secrets of the Pharmacy Profession

Whether you're considering a career in pharmacy or simply intrigued, peek behind the scenes of the pharmacy profession with us. Uncover the who/what/where of pharmacists and how they impact patient care. It may not be what you think.

UNM COP

Presenters: TBA

Target Audience: College and High School Students

Recharge and Rise: Fun Strategies for Building Resilience

School can be demanding, but resilience can help you thrive- and it can be fun! This interactive workshop explores how simple, enjoyable activities can give your brain a break, reduce stress, and boost your stamina for learning. Through hands-on experiences with movement, mindfulness, and creative outlets- including yoga, bubbles, fidgets, walking, breathing, coloring and journaling- you'll discover easy ways to build resilience. You may even walk away with a resilience tool of your own. Don't miss this opportunity to invest in your well-being. 

UNM College of Nursing

Presenters: Patricia Bandy RN, BSN, MSN-Ed,  Corin Chiaese SN, Jessica Lenz SN, Tracey Meyer-Foley SN and Peggy Prostano SN, TBA

Target Audience: College and High School Students

Medical Laboratory Sciences

Life in the Medical Lab

What happens when specimens get “sent to the lab”?  Who does the testing? Come find out how you can become a Medical Laboratory Scientist, the person performing the testing.  At this workshop, you will look in a microscope, discover blood types, and other tests that are done to diagnose patients.

UNM SOM HSC

Presenters: Nykkole McCary, Julia Allen, John Scariano, Cheryl Batson, Barbara Masten, and Amalia Estanislao

Target Audience: College and High School Students 

Student/Practitioner Panels

The Gap Years

SUCCESS stories from those who FAILED to get in first try!

UNM SOM

Presenters: Luke Chao, Natasha Dark, TBA

Target Audience: College and High School Students


A Day in The Life of a Medical Student

Interested in hearing about a day in the life of a medical student? Join current medical students from all 4 years to hear about a day in the life as a medical student, hear about our paths to medical school, and get an opportunity to ask questions.

UNM School of Medicine 

Presenters: Jordan Lee, MSIII; Andrew Hua, MSI; Madison Hochrein, MSII; Danielle Ortiz, MSIV

Target Audience: College and High School Students

UNM PA Program Student Q&A

Interested in learning more about PA School? Join current UNM PA students to hear about the program and their experiences! This will be a question and answer session.

UNM Physician Assistant Program

Presenters: UNM PA Students

Target Audience: College and High School Students

Overcoming Setbacks as a Premed Student

Getting into medical school is difficult. From taking the MCAT to building your application, setbacks will occur. Together, we will discuss real challenges that students face and how you can overcome them!

UNM SOM

Presenter: Lorenzo Silva

Target Audience: College Students

Life as a first year medical student

In this panel of first year medical students we will share what our days look like in medical school, our journeys to getting into our program, and advice to undergraduate students interested in going to medical school. 

UNM SOM students

Presenters: Nola Amburgey, Alice Van Valin-Dionne, Aubrey Clemens, Samuel Moghaddam, Abigail Cameron and Abby Tatter

Target Audience: College Students

Voices in Veterinary Medicine: Career Paths in Veterinary Medicine

This workshop will be a panel discussion with veterinarians who all have different careers.  The common theme is they are all veterinarians, but from there, they all have had different career paths.  Come hear from veterinarians in small animal practice, large animal practice, shelter medicine, laboratory medicine, government and relief practice.  Learn the variety of options available to you as a veterinarian.  After all, the world is your oyster!

New Mexico Veterinary Medical Association

Presenters: Dr. Adena Robertson, Dr. Jennifer Bracken, Dr. Julia Donnelly, Dr. Erynn Phipps

Target Audience: College and High School Students

Redefining Medicine: From our Future Minority Physicians

The Redefining Medicine: From our Future Minority Physicians' panel is an incredible opportunity for both high school and undergraduate students from all backgrounds to gain information on the unique personal journey's to medical, and the specific challenges that  underrepresented students may face. It is also a moment to foster community and networking amongst minority students interested or involved in medicine to advance representation in the medical field. Lastly, it is a fun way to interact with current medical students, and to hear the ins and outs behind the white coat!

Student National Medical Association

Presenters: Chisom Onyia, Judy Tucker, Danielle Vigil, Dana Hart, Theodore Muka, Julie Emeanuwa

Target Audience: College and High School Students

Diaries of a Medical Student Q&A 

Students interested in applying and attending medical school at any time during the future should attend to have the opportunity to ask current UNM medical students from various years about their experience in medical; things they enjoy, things they dislike, what they wish they would do different if they had the chance to start over, why medicine, etc! Honest answers from students going through the process of becoming future physicians. Don’t miss this chance to hear about medical school as it is experienced in full transparency, the good the bad and the ugly of becoming a doctor. 

UNM SOM

Presenters: Adrian George, TBA

Target Audience: College and High School Students

From Scrubs to CAA: Real Talk with MSA Trailblazers

Ever wondered what it really takes to thrive in UNM's Master of Science in Anesthesia program? Join current MSA students as they pull back the curtain on their journey to becoming Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants. This candid panel discussion will dive into the daily challenges, unexpected victories, and invaluable lessons learned in classroom and clinical settings. Get authentic insights about navigating rigorous coursework and mastering clinical rotations. Whether you're exploring the field or preparing your application, this interactive session offers the unfiltered perspective you need. Bring your questions – our panelists are ready to share their experiences and practical advice to help you succeed.

UNM Master of Science in Anesthesia Program

Presenters: MSA Students: Aliya Arni, Corbin Byerly, Alex Forrester, Carson Wilson, Gemma Bonelli 

**Faculty Lead: Cayla Carr-Paiz

Target Audience: College and High School Students

Your Med School Questions Answered: A Panel Discussion

Curious about what it takes to get into medical school or succeed once you’re there? This is your opportunity to ask the questions that matter most. There are many ways to reach medical school, and our panel showcases the diversity of paths available: the BA/MD program, a research gap year, and a Master’s in Public Health. Whether you want advice on applications, interviews, or navigating life as a medical student, we’re here to provide candid answers and share insights from our journeys. No lectures, no scripts—just an open conversation to help you chart your own course to medical school. Bring your questions and join us!

UNM SOM

Presenters: Zoe Henderson, Madison Sandoval, Sean Maez 

Target Audience: College and High School Students

Medical School: How to Survive and Thrive

This panel consists of first-year medical students. Topics of focus will be on the transition from college to medical school, studying techniques, how to build your resume, wellness, and the basic ins and outs of medical school. 

UNM School of Medicine

Presenters: Caitlin Armijo, MD; Carlos Gonzales; Chisom Onyia; Creighton Apodaca; Hailey Alter; Joni Love Mullins

Target Audience: College and High School Students

Rheumatology: The Immune System Firefighters

Hear from experts about the exciting frontiers of Rheumatology in the Southwest

UNM Pediatric Rheumatology

Presenters: TBA

Target Audience: College and High School Students

Now, More Than Ever: Student Perspectives in Public Health

 Are you passionate about improving health and quality of life? Looking to join a diverse, impactful field where you can make a real difference? Population Health could be your path! Discover what public health is all about from the perspective of our students. In a time when public health has never been more vital, hear why they're committed to this important field and how they're working to transform communities for the better. Don't miss this opportunity to get inspired and explore a future in population health!

UNM College of Population Health

Presenters: Sharz Weeks, Cait Goss, Lillian Walker, Grace Romero, and Becki Jones.

Target Audience: College and High School Students

The Path to Medicine as an Indigenous Student

Are you a Native student interested in pursuing a career in medicine? Come hear from UNM School of Medicine Native medical students and residents about their journey to medicine. Learn more about our successes and the barriers we have overcome on our path to becoming a healer, with an opportunity to ask questions and find out more about additional resources. 

UNM SOM Association of Native American Medical Students

Presenters: Hannah Nez (MS3), Taylor Russell (MS2), Trystan Gray (MS1), Mackenzie Savage (MS1), Joaquin Sais (moderator)

Target Audience: College and High School Students

Coming soon!

Coming soon!

Test Preparation

The Princeton Review

Attending a GRE Strategy Session with The Princeton Review helps students optimize their study approach by learning test-taking strategies, time management skills, and methods to tackle challenging questions. Come learn from an expert instructor.

The Princeton Review 

Presenter: Adam Wolf

Target Audience: College Students