The College of Medicine celebrates its first-generation students

On Tuesday, Oct. 15, the First-Generation Medical Professionals (FGMP) student organization and the College of Medicine hosted NEOMED’s first-annual First Generation in Medicine Celebration.

Since 2017, hundreds of higher education institutions, corporations, government officials, nonprofits and K-12 schools across the country come together on and around Nov. 8 to recognize the achievements of the first-gen community.

Last week, the celebration arrived early at NEOMED to honor, support and create connections for our students who are the first in their families to pursue medicine. The inaugural event was led by FGMP officers: President Taeris Guzman (M2), Vice President Adithya Sreenivas (M2), and committee members Rachel Fair (M2) and Justin Iwuagwu (M2), who also serve on the Cleveland Clinic Akron General Committee.

The celebration featured a keynote address from first-generation physician Dr. Rebecca Lee, a panel with Dr. Amy Lee, Dr. Emily Hutcherson, and Dr. Doug Moses—who serves as the advisor for FGMP. Each speaker shared their unique journeys through medicine as first-generation students and offered valuable advice for aspiring doctors, emphasizing resilience, networking, and the importance of seeking support throughout their careers.

To learn more about NEOMED’s FGMP student organization, visit Campus Groups or contact tguzman@neomed.edu.The next CCAG meeting will be held virtually on Nov. 18 from 5-6 p.m.. Students can find future meetings on Campus Groups.

For information about the Cleveland Clinic First Generation Medical Professionals organization, reach out to Rachel Fair or Justin Iwuagwu.

To explore national first-generation initiatives, visit FirstGEN Forward.

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-- Submitted by Iris Mirelez, College of Medicine, imirelez@neomed.edu