Hard working student representatives play a large part in the success of our program. Two ambitious second-year students from our Houston location, Leslie Campbell and Brittany Parkey, recently gave up some of their time and traveled to two health career fairs to spread the word about the Master of Science in Anesthesia Program and the certified anesthesiologist assistant profession.
They shared what brought them to CWRU with a wide variety of students. Afterwards, Leslie discussed the impact of fairs like these on the Program and why she enjoys recruiting with us.
Can you tell us a little bit about the career fairs that you went to?
LC: We attended the health career fairs at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas and St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas. Both fairs had students from a variety of backgrounds including pre-med, pre-dental, pre-physical therapy, physician assistant, nursing, and those who weren’t sure what they wanted to do just yet. The majority of the students we talked to at our booth were thinking of going the pre-medical route.
How old were the students that you were talking to?
LC: The students’ ages ranged from 19-25. There was a broad age group at both health career fairs.
Were these schools an alma mater for either of you?
LC: Texas State University in San Marcos is my alma mater.
What drives you to go to recruitment fairs on behalf of your program?
LC: I believe it is important to increase the awareness of our program and the profession itself for continued growth. Attending the career fairs is a small way, as a student, I can help make the Case Western Reserve MSA Program more known. I enjoyed getting to talk to all of the students at the fairs. One of my favorite things I heard while at the health fair was a student saying, “Wow, I didn’t even know that was a thing,” after we explained the CAA profession and our program. A student from one of the health fairs that we attended last year actually went on to apply to our Houston CWRU program and will be entering the incoming class. It is such a cool feeling to know that we played a small part in that.
What do you think makes CWRU's CAA Program stand out above other CAA programs?
LC: I have a great appreciation for how early we were in the OR learning skills alongside classroom work. I am more of a hands on learner and this has helped to make learning anesthesia easier for me by getting to see it practiced on a daily basis.
Above other health programs in general?
LC: I think it is amazing how much we are able to learn in just two years. There are so many trials and triumphs experienced in the program that ultimately help prepare us to take care of patients.
Any fun, stand out memories from the events?
LC: I enjoyed getting to walk around and explore my old stomping grounds at Texas State.