2026 Workshops

Students at the Paul L. Foster School of Medicine obtain a medical education that emphasizes a strong foundation in modern scientific principles, encourages strong ethical principles, focuses on the needs of the community, and is committed to excellence.

Orginization Name: Texas Tech Health El Paso- Foster School of Medicine

Presenter: Veronica Edwards

Target Audience: College Students

Confused about the medical school admissions process? Join us for an interactive workshop that breaks down each step—from prerequisites and extracurriculars to MCAT strategies and crafting a standout application. Gain insider tips on interviews, personal statements, and letters of recommendation, all tailored to help you succeed. Learn what the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine looks for in competitive applicants and how to make your application shine. Walk away with a clear roadmap and actionable strategies to confidently pursue your medical career.

Organization name: NA

Target Audience: Both College and High School students. 

Thinking about a career in physical therapy? This interactive seminar will walk you through the entire process of applying to the University of New Mexico’s Physical Therapy Program. We’ll review the admission requirements, application procedures, and give tips to help you put your best foot forward. Whether you’re just starting to explore PT as a career or you’re ready to apply, this session will give you the tools and confidence you need to take the next step toward becoming a physical therapist.

Organization: UNM SOM Physical Thearpy Program

Presenter: Jodi Schilz

Target Audience: Both High School and College Students

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!

Organization Name: TTUHSC El Paso - Hunt School of Dental Medicine Admissions

Presenter: Andrea Ramirez (Director of Admissions); (additional WLHSDM students)

Target Audience: Both High School and College Students

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. 

Organization Name:  UNM Physician Assistant Program

Presenter: Christina Anthony, MA

Target Audience: Both High School and College Students

Cultural competence and Spanish-language skills are critical to providing effective health care and reducing barriers to treatment in New Mexico and in much of the U.S. UNM offers pre-health students a wealth of opportunities to develop relevant language skills, knowledge of cultural and social contexts of Latin American immigrant communities, empathy, and cultural humility. Come learn from faculty who teach Medical Spanish, Health Humanities, and Latin American Studies which UNM courses will help you develop skills critical to healthcare among immigrant/Latinx communities.

Organization Name: UNM Latin American Studies & UNM Department of Spanish & Portuguese

Presenters: -Dr. Kathy McKnight, Director of Latin American Studies 

-Dr. Ana Gabriela Hernández, Coordinator of the Spanish as a Second Language Program & Medical Spanish instructor 

Target Audience: Both High School and College Students

This workshop will discuss the teaching of Curanderismo traditional medicine in Higher education and will include herbal medications, rituals, and mentorships with a number of traditional healers. A demonstration on laugh therapy and an energetic/spiritual cleansing will be demonstrated.  We will recommend the topic as a possible means of meeting cultural competencies in medical schools.

Organization Name: UNM Department of Chicana & Chicano Studies

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

Target Audience: Both High School and College Students

The workshop is hosted by the New Mexico Higher Education Department. The workshop will provide comprehensive information about the State of New Mexico's Loan-For-Service and State Loan Repayment Programs. The presentation will cover eligibility requirements, application procedures, and an overview of how each program operates.

Organization name: New Mexico Higher Education Department

Presenter: Mia Candelaria and Chandler Farnsworth

Target Audience: College Students

I will be providing an overview of the financial aid process specific to MD students. I will be discussing federal aid such as loans and scholarships. Please join to learn more and ask questions.

Organization name: UNM HSC, FINANCIAL AID

Presenter: Leonard J Prairie

Target Audience: Both High School and College Students

Are you planning to pursue:

- Nursing

- Social Work

- Dental School

- Medical School

- Physical Therapy

- Optometry School

- Occupational Therapy?

The U.S Army offers Healthcare Scholarships, Programs, and Direct Positions that help you graduate with a secure career in a medical profession, without the burden of a big financial debt. These opportunities are offered in exchange for your commitment to service on the greatest medical team there is - the U.S Army Medical team!

Organization name:  U.S. Army Medical Department

Presenter: SSG Gomez, Juan/ SSG Nieves, Helena/ SFC Finley, Eric/ SFC Rascon, Mark/ SSG Silva, Victor

Target Audience: College Students

In this interactive workshop, attendees will learn about the profession of athletic training and our roles as healthcare providers. Attendees will participate in demonstrations of various athletic training clinical skills and learn about common patient cases Athletic Trainers care for.

Organization name: UNM Athletic Training Program

Presenters: 

Sara Nottingham, EdD, LAT, ATC, Athletic Training Program Coordinator; 

Kevin M. Schroeder DAT, LAT, ATC, FNAP, Coordinator of AT Clinical Education; •     

Target Audience: Both High School and College Students

Dreaming of becoming a doctor? The UNM Combined BA/MD Program offers a direct pathway from NM high school to medical school; no MCAT required. This mission-driven program is designed for students passionate about serving New Mexico’s diverse communities, from rural villages to urban neighborhoods. Learn how this eight-year program supports you with a small, tight-knit cohort, last-dollar scholarships that keep costs low, early clinical experiences, and a guaranteed seat in UNM’s School of Medicine. If you want to combine purpose with a clear plan to become a physician, this workshop is for you.

Organization name: UNM SOM Combined BA/MD Degree Program 

Presenter: Michelle Verity 

Target Audience: High School

Are you curious about how we hear, speak, and communicate? This workshop offers an engaging introduction to the fields of Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) and Audiology—two vital professions dedicated to understanding, diagnosing, and treating communication and hearing disorders across the lifespan.

Organization name: UNM Speech and Hearing Clinic

Presenters : Sarah Duncan, Phyllis Palmer

Target Audience: Both College and High School Students

Step inside a world far beyond what you see on TV. In this workshop, you'll uncover the true role of a forensic pathologist: a medical detective who speaks for the deceased. We’ll dive into fascinating case studies that illuminate how pathologists use a blend of medicine, science, and investigation to determine cause of death. You will learn how meticulous observation and critical thinking reveal clues that help deliver justice and bring closure to families. If you are intrigued by complex puzzles and want to understand how a career in medicine can intersect with the legal system, this workshop is for you.

Organization name: UNM and OMI (Office of the Medical Investigator)

Presenter: Daniel F Gallego, M.D.

Target Audience: Both High School and College Students

This workshop will provide participants with a basic introduction to the profession of physical therapy. It will cover what physical therapists (PTs) do as Movement Science Specialists. It will also provide an overview of the types of patients PTs treat and the many different setting they work in.

Organization name: UNM Division of Physical Therapy

Presenter: Dr. Rose M. Vallejo and DPT students

Target Audience: Both High School and College Students

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

Organization name:  UNM EMS Academy

Presenter: Sierra Kowalski

Target Audience: Both High School and College Students

Basic medical suturing techniques will be demonstrated and workshop participants will have hands on time to practice on simulated skin models. An overview of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery will be given during the workshop. 

Organization name: New Mexico Podiatric Medical Association

Presenter: Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons

Target Audience: Both High School and College Students

Come learn about the specialty of Emergency Medicine: What emergency physicians do and why we do it that way, discuss how to become an emergency physician, and maybe learn a cool thing or two.  Presented by a UNM-trained emergency physician.  

Organization name: UNM Department of Emergency Medicine

Presenter: Andrew Bivin, MD

Target Audience: Both High School and College Students

Come learn how technology is shaping surgical innovation. This hands-on workshop will expose learners to surgical skills and advanced technology we use to deliver high quality and cutting edge surgery to patients in New Mexico. Intended for those interested in careers in Medicine, Veterinary medicine, Nursing, Surgical Technology, Biomedical design, AI, and AR/VR health integration or any gamers out there.

Organization name: UNM SOM

Presenter: Lauren McClain

Target Audience: Both High School and College Students

Discover the many ways you can make an impact in healthcare through the programs offered by the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) School of Health Professions. This informational session provides an overview of all SHP departments, including Laboratory Sciences & Primary Care, Rehabilitation Sciences, Speech-Language & Hearing Sciences, Healthcare Management & Leadership, and Clinical Counseling & Mental Health.

Participants will learn about each program’s focus, degree options, locations, admissions requirements, and career opportunities. Whether you’re interested in direct patient care, healthcare leadership, diagnostics, or research, this presentation will help you identify the SHP program that best fits your goals.

Organization name: TTUHSC School of Health Professions

Presenter: ???

Target Audience: Both High School and College Students

This workshop will be all about the process of becoming an Acute Care surgeon, which is a blend of trauma surgery, emergency general surgery, and ICU care. I will also go over a day in the life of a trauma surgeon. I grew up in rural New Mexico, and was once in the same shoes as the students attending this symposium. I love the career I’ve built for myself and sharing my story with fellow New Mexicans!

Organization name: UNM Department of Surgery

Presenter: Leah Lucero

Target Audience: Both High School and College Students

Are you planning to pursue:

- Nursing

- Social Work

- Dental School

- Medical School

- Physical Therapy

- Optometry School

- Occupational Therapy?

The U.S Army offers Healthcare Scholarships, Programs, and Direct Positions that help you graduate with a secure career in a medical profession, without the burden of a big financial debt. These opportunities are offered in exchange for your commitment to service on the greatest medical team there is - the U.S Army Medical team!

Organization name:  U.S. Army Medical Department

Presenter: SSG Gomez, Juan/ SSG Nieves, Helena/ SFC Finley, Eric/ SFC Rascon, Mark/ SSG Silva, Victor

Target Audience: College Students

Become a nurse, they said. It'll be fun, they said. Every year hundreds of thousands of nurses graduate, enter the workforce, and quickly realize they had no idea what they were getting themselves into. But you can be better prepared. In this workshop, hear from someone with 20 year's experience in healthcare, including 14 years as a Registered Nurse in bedside, administrative, and educational roles. For those curious about becoming a nurse, or for anyone who simply wants to understand the profession better, this is for you. 

Organization name: UNM College of Nursing

Presenter: Joselyn Martin, MSN, RN, NE-BC

Target Audience: Both High School and College Students

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.

Organization name: UNM College of Pharmacy

Presenter: ???

Target Audience: Both High School and College Students

Come learn about what it is like being a critical care nurse! Explore behind the scenes...A day-in-the life of an ICU (Intensive Care Unit) Registered Nurse

Organization name:  N/A

Presenter: YoRél Watt

Target Audience: Both High School and College Students

This workshop will provide participants with a basic introduction to the profession of physical therapy. It will cover what physical therapists (PTs) do as Movement Science Specialists. It will also provide an overview of the types of patients PTs treat and the many different setting they work in.

Organization name: UNM Division of Physical Therapy

Presenter: Dr. Rose M. Vallejo and DPT students

Target Audience: Both High School and College Students

In this interactive workshop, attendees will learn about the profession of athletic training and our roles as healthcare providers. Attendees will participate in demonstrations of various athletic training clinical skills and learn about common patient cases Athletic Trainers care for.

Organization name: UNM Athletic Training Program

Presenters: 

Sara Nottingham, EdD, LAT, ATC, Athletic Training Program Coordinator; 

Kevin M. Schroeder DAT, LAT, ATC, FNAP, Coordinator of AT Clinical Education; •     

Target Audience: Both High School and College Stuents

Basic medical suturing techniques will be demonstrated and workshop participants will have hands on time to practice on simulated skin models. An overview of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery will be given during the workshop. 

Organization name: New Mexico Podiatric Medical Association

Presenter: Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons

Target Audience: Both High School and College Students

Come learn how technology is shaping surgical innovation. This hands-on workshop will expose learners to surgical skills and advanced technology we use to deliver high quality and cutting edge surgery to patients in New Mexico. Intended for those interested in careers in Medicine, Veterinary medicine, Nursing, Surgical Technology, Biomedical design, AI, and AR/VR health integration or any gamers out there.

Organization name: UNM SOM

Presenter: Lauren McClain

Target Audience: Both High School and College Students

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.

Organization name: UNM School of Medicine Advancement/Alumni Relations/Office for Community Faculty

Presenters: UNM Community Faculty and Alumni

Target Audience: Both High School and College Stuents

​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.

Organization name: UNM College of Pharmacy

Presenter: ???

Target Audience: Both High School and College Students

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.

Organization name: UNM Physician Assistant Program

Presenters : UNM PA Students

Target Audience: Both High School and College Students

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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.

Organization name: UNM Physician Assistant Program

Presenters : UNM PA Students

Target Audience: Both High School and College Students

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Prepare to enter and graduate from a health education track by participating in programs from Communities to Careers—a movement to diversify health professions to better reflect the population of our state. With program opportunities for students in elementary school through graduate school, C2C helps students all throughout their healthcare journey, whether they're just starting out or about to graduate. 

Organization Name: UNM HSC Office for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Presenter: Stacy Collier, Roberta Zayas - unsure if others will participate

Target Audience: Both High School and College Students