Pre-Med Club

Aspiring to become a doctor; to help others? Or maybe to just explore the field of medicine? Pre-Med club is all about connecting students to experiences and volunteer opportunities within the pre-medicine field. The UW-La Crosse Pre-Med Club is not only a resource for pre-med students but for all students and will also answer all questions about medical school and how to get in.

“The pre-med club is a club for students considering a career as a physician. We bring in medical schools, both allopathic and osteopathic, physicians, and other speakers to give presentations to the club about their experiences in medicine. We also provide volunteer activities and information on applying to medical school and prepping your application and resume” stated club president Amelia Bauer.

Bauer said that the pre-med club and sets up dates for presentations from other physicians and medical schools. Some of those include the Army, Carlisle, who is an Anesthesiologist from Gunderson, UWSMPH WARM and others.

Bauer stated, “Also, in the past we have had students from medical school that went to UW-L for their undergraduate come talk about their path to medical school.”

The team members of the pre-med club that put on these presentations are Bauer, Gavin Hautala and Mitch Edquist (Vice President AMSA), Kaley Bernhardt (Vice President SOMA), Nick Rappa (Treasurer), Michael Gyorfi (Director of Community Service), Brianna Haight (Secretary) and Cheryl Brye (Advisor).

“The pre-med club started to do a pre-med club day at the Childrens’ Museum. We also assist other clubs if they need any help. Currently, we are signed up to help with the PA club at one of their events” stated Amelia.

In the fall of 2014, the pre-med club has approximately 70 members that attend the bi-weekly meetings and even more on the roster.

“The most important aspect of the pre-med club is that it preps students for what they need to do besides getting good grades to get into medical school. We have contacts at the local hospitals for job shadowing and volunteering opportunities. Also MCAT studying guidance” said Bauer.

Amelia advised students considering being pre-med but nervous about the workload to figure out why they want to be a physician. She informed that passion and excitement are the key component to success in the field.

Colleges Against Cancer

“Colleges against Cancer is a student led organization created to help eliminate cancer by initiating and supporting the programs of the American Cancer Society on college campuses,” said Michael Schwichtenberg.

The team members are devoted to fighting cancer through the four pillars of education, advocacy, survivorship and Relay For Life.  Colleges against Cancer meet to attend events and fundraisers that promote cancer awareness. Colleges against Cancer is focused on raising funds to support the fight against cancer, not just within colleges, but worldwide, as well.

“Throughout the year we as students plan for the Relay For Life of La Crosse Colleges which include three colleges.  The three colleges are UW-La Crosse, Western Technical College and Viterbo,” stated Schwichtenberg.

Colleges against Cancer plans many different events to take part in.

“Some of the many events include The Great American Smoke Out, Breast Cancer Ribbons, Dine to donates with several different community restaurants, Sing Your Lungs Out Event at Howies, Mission Moments and, my favorite, Hope Lodge Visits,” Schwichtenberg said.

Hope Lodge Visits are places where cancer patients and caregivers can stay while they receive treatment. The committee members visit cancer patients to sit, talk and bring joy to their day. They also plan activities.

“These visits are life changing, and hearing patients’ stories is so emotional, but they are very powerful at the same time because they are fighting this horrible disease,” stated Michael.

Currently, Colleges against Cancer has approximately 125 members, which is a huge turn-out, and the most important part of the club is bringing awareness to as many people as possible about cancer in general.

“The advice I would give any future member is that Cancer is a word that no one should have to hear ‘however;’ too many people across the world hear this word daily,” informed Schwichtenberg.  “It’s our job to ensure these people that they don’t have to fight this battle alone! We can and will be the generation to say that cancer is no longer going to take our loved one away from us.”