10 elected officials visit NEOMED for ‘Doctor for a Day’

Northeast Ohio Medical University welcomed several elected officials to campus on Monday, May 5, to learn more about health professions education with its Doctor for a Day program.

Lawmakers from across Ohio began their day just like a new first-year student being welcomed to NEOMED – with a White Coat Ceremony. After having their fresh new white coats placed on them, they were ready to experience some hands-on learning. The group visited the Gross Anatomy Lab, before heading to the Wasson Center where they learned about the importance of interprofessional education and how NEOMED students receive real-world training with simulated scenarios.

Photo: State Rep. Matt Kishman and State Rep. Heidi Workman

The group of elected officials also took time to meet with students, learning about the steps in their educational journey. They continued with an inside look at the life of a medical student, complete with career counseling, a visit to the Timken Foundation Medical Design Innovation Center (MEDIC), and the importance of NEOMED’s hospital partners and the opportunities for clinical rotations.

The afternoon included a “Match Day” – without the four-year wait to learn their residency opportunity. Each elected official received their own personal “match” at a healthcare institution in their district. The day concluded with a Commencement ceremony, where they each received a diploma, displaying their “M.D.” credentials – at least for one day.

Photo: State Rep. Veronica R. Sims and CAA program director Nate Flath.

“We are grateful for the elected officials who spent the day at NEOMED, learning about the life of a medical student and how we train transformational leaders for and from Ohio,” said Perry Alexandrides, associate director of government relations.

The elected officials who completed the Doctor for a Day program include:

• State Rep. Meredith Craig
• State Rep. Dr. Kellie Deeter  
• State Rep. Matt Kishman
• State Rep. Tristan Rader
• State Rep. Sharon Ray
• State Rep. Jodi Salvo
• State Rep. Veronica R. Sims
• State Rep. David Thomas
• State Rep. Heidi Workman

Former State Rep. Laura Lanese, who serves as president and CEO of the Inter-University Council, also participated in the program.

Related 

View the Doctor for a Day photo gallery featured in the Akron Beacon Journal (may require subscription)