Welcome to Student Groups Spotlight!
Every month, we will feature a different student group to demonstrate the many diverse groups we have here at MacEwan and how they all contribute to a thriving community on our campus.
Meet the MacEwan Pre-Med Prep Network!
SAMU: What is the MacEwan Pre-Med Prep Network?
MPMP Network: The MacEwan Pre-Med Prep Network is a group for students interested in pursuing a career in medicine. The group was created to help students who may not know where to start by providing MCAT resources, volunteer opportunities, networking events and other support along the way. University can already be stressful, and pursuing medicine can add another level of stress, so we want to make that path feel a little easier.
SAMU: What made you want to join the MacEwan Pre-Med Prep Network?
MPMP Network: Like many of our members, we were interested in medicine but didn’t really know where to start. Joining the group gave us a community of people with similar goals, access to resources and a chance to learn more about what preparing for medical school actually looks like. It also gave us the opportunity to become part of the executive team and help other students who are now in the same position we were.
SAMU: Getting into medical school can feel stressful or confusing. How does your group help students through that process?
MPMP Network: One of the biggest things we offer is a community of students who are working toward similar goals. Realizing that other people are going through the same process can make it feel much more manageable.
We also offer different kinds of support depending on where students are in their journey. For MCAT preparation, we’ve held sessions where students can learn from people who have already written the MCAT, along with things like CARS presentations and other MCAT prep. We also offer interview and MMI support, panels and mentorship opportunities where students can meet people already working or studying in medicine. Volunteering is another part of the group. It gives students opportunities to get involved in the community and become more comfortable interacting with different people, which is especially important for anyone hoping to work in health care.
SAMU: Tell us about a recent event, workshop or activity your group ran. What did you do and how did it go?
MPMP Network: Last October, during midterm season, we held a trivia night with another student group at MacEwan. It was a chance for our members to get together, relax and take a break from school. We had a great turnout and a lot of fun. A lot of our other events focus on MCAT preparation, interviews and the more stressful parts of the pre-med journey, so trivia night was a reminder that even when you’re working toward medicine, it’s still important to take time for yourself and have fun.
SAMU: Do you have any upcoming events or activities students should know about?
MPMP Network: On October 27, we have an event with current University of Alberta medical students through their MD Ambassador Program. They’ll be talking about what life as a medical student is like and sharing information about the admissions process. They’ll also be running workshops on cardiopulmonary exams and wilderness splinting. We’ve also been working with other medical groups and schools to give students more hands-on and networking opportunities. For example, our suture workshop brings in a doctor from St. George’s University so students can practise suturing and ask questions directly, and our space medicine panel brings together doctors and a medical student to talk about a lesser-known area of medicine.
SAMU: What is your favourite memory with the Pre-Med Prep Network so far?
MPMP Network: One of our favourite memories was a laser tag event during midterm season last year. With exams and school being so stressful, it gave us a chance to get our minds off everything for a while and just spend time with the other executives and members. It’s definitely something we’d like to do again.
SAMU: How has being part of this group affected your university experience?
MPMP Network: Being part of the group has connected us with a community of students and executives who are working toward similar goals. It has also given us experience that we can carry into our résumés and future applications, while helping us prepare for things like the MCAT. Having access to these resources, events and people has made applying to medical school feel less overwhelming. We feel more prepared for medical school and for a future career in medicine because of what we’ve been able to experience through the group.
SAMU: What would you say to a MacEwan student who wants to go into medicine but does not know where to start?
MPMP Network: We would tell them to join the MacEwan Pre-Med Prep Network! One of the hardest parts of wanting to pursue medicine is figuring out what you’re actually supposed to do next. Through the group, students can learn from people who have already written the MCAT, practise for interviews and MMIs, attend panels with doctors and medical students, find volunteer opportunities and connect with people who understand the process. Having those resources and people around you can make the path feel a lot clearer and help you feel more prepared for what comes next.
SAMU: What would you say to someone thinking about joining a Student Group?
MPMP Network: Just do it! You really have nothing to lose. MacEwan has so many different Student Groups and communities built around different interests, so there are lots of chances to find something that fits you. If the group you’re looking for doesn’t exist, you can even start one yourself.
Joining a Student Group is also a great way to meet people and build friendships that can last beyond university. We would recommend that everyone try joining at least one group during their time at MacEwan.
You can connect with MacEwan Pre-Med Prep Network on Instagram
(@mpmpnetwork) or by email at mpmpnetwork@gmail.com.
Follow SAMU on social media through Instagram (@sa_macewan), TikTok (@sa_macewan) and Facebook (Students’ Association of MacEwan University) to stay up to date on the latest events, programs and services from your Students’ Association.