Pre-Med Club Allows Students to Network, Help the Community| Painesville, OH

The Pre-Med Club at Lake Erie College is providing a way for all students going into healthcare to enjoy a community on campus. The club, which has been on campus for more than ten years, is open to a variety of medical programs offered at the college. Students can join at any time through the year and have opportunities to learn more about other professions through club activities.

Vice President Rachel Ward ‘22 has been a member of the club since freshman year, when she switched her major from secondary education to chemistry. With her new career goal of becoming a physical therapist, Dr. Tedesco, Dean of the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Associate Professor of Chemistry, recommended she join. Ward enjoys the community aspect of the club, both on campus and off. The club works with Zion Lutheran Church, across the street from campus, to host events that bring the students and the local community together.

“I really enjoy these events because it helps us build relationships with other people in the Painesville community,” Ward said.

The Pre-Med Club’s outreach also includes fundraisers and canned food drives, and this year they decided to reach out internationally. They are now supporting a child, Kevin from Honduras, through Compassion International. President of the club, biology and chemistry major Shelby Pandy ‘21 explained that Compassion International is a religion-based company that focuses on helping children around the world living in poverty. She learned about Compassion International while on a Global Brigades trip to Honduras with the LEC PA Program. With being physically unable to travel to Honduras due to COVID, Pandy thought it was a good opportunity for the Pre-Med Club to remotely provide medical care internationally. The club’s monthly donation allows Kevin to receive healthcare, educational programs and recreation activities he otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to access.

“My favorite thing we have done as a club is adopting Kevin,” said biology major Mario Pisano ’21, treasurer for the club. “The idea of being able to support a child in need is very fulfilling as both a club and a person. I hope to be able to support Kevin for as long as possible.”

Pisano joined the club to meet fellow students on the pre-med track, and has enjoyed opportunities to network. Students have a chance to meet others in their field, make connections for their career path, and learn about other medical professions. LEC’s PA Program also works with the club and the graduate students network with the undergraduate students. It was through the PA Program’s visit to the club in 2019 that Pandy was able to accompany them on their Global Brigades trip to Honduras. The group provided medical attention to three communities as well as building eco-stoves, digging trenches and more.

“I believe student organizations like the Pre-Med Club allow students to discover opportunities they otherwise may not have the chance to be a part of. You never know what you will experience and how it may change your whole path,” Pandy said. “I hope that the Pre-Med Club continues to grow! Our goal is to be inclusive to the entirety of the healthcare field, providing opportunities in any area students are wishing to explore!”