Micro-Seminar: Why do you want to be a [insert health care provider]? Plan to make your impact! PART ONE

Micro-Seminars have two parts. Attendance to both parts is required. Registering for the PART ONE session will automatically enroll you in the PART TWO session on Friday.

Part 1: Thursday, August 22, 2024 from 3:00 – 4:30 pm (PST)
Part 2: Friday, August 23, 2024 from 10:00 – 11:30 am (PST)

This is the number one question asked during a health care program's admissions interview. A genuine response requires authentic experiences and purpose. More than just being interested in the field, aspiring health care students need awareness of the field's importance and a plan to contribute.

This seminar is for students who want to be difference-makers, thinkers, and innovators for sustainable solutions in health care. We will use eye care as the model for our discussion, but the lessons can be applied to any health care field. How can future eye care professionals help put an end to blindness? As the burden of blindness increases worldwide, we need dynamic ways to propel access to care, educate communities, deliver services, and create solutions for the world to see. I will discuss how you can plan your journey, gain work and research experience, find mentors and resources, and share my perspectives from over 12 years of clinical practice. So how will you answer your admissions interview question? Let's start here.

Day 1 What is your interest in health care? My career background The state of worldwide eye care Most important eye diseases Health care system: services, access, disparities How can we improve health care? How can we create sustainable solutions? Brainstorm solutions as a group Telemedicine and artificial intelligence

Day 2 Why diversity matters in health care What makes a strong candidate? Why do you want to do this? What is your purpose? Create a plan to be ready to apply Gaining work and research experience Finding mentors Advice on personal statements and interviews How will you answer the admissions interview question?

Lead By: Professor Kent Nguyen

Kent Nguyen, OD, FAAO is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology at the USC Roski Eye Institute. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Integrative Biology from University of California, Berkeley and his Doctor of Optometry degree from Southern California College of Optometry at Marshall B. Ketchum University. His practice involves examining patients in primary care, contact lenses, and ocular diseases. He has presented multiple lectures to the USC community on the importance of healthy vision. He strives for quality eye care with confidence, compassion, and enthusiasm. Dr. Nguyen also has a passion for working to recruit more undergraduates into choosing careers in eye care/research to help ensure a diverse workforce to meet the future needs of our nation (and the world) in promoting health, diagnosing and treating diseases affecting the eyes.

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