Albany Medical Center, The College of St. Rose Partner for Discussion of Medical Careers, Women and Girls in Science

Pre-med students had a chance to hear from Albany Medical Center professionals about pursuing a career in medicine.

The event, Making BOLD Moves in Medicine, was presented by the Albany Medical Center Office of Health Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, and was held on International Day of Women and Girls in Science on Friday, Feb. 11. More than a dozen College of St. Rose students heard from a panel which included an Albany Medical Center psychologist, anesthesiologist, registered nurse, physician assistant and a medical student.

The conversation ranged from what a day in the life of each specialty is like and what level of education is needed for each, to overcoming barriers women can face in pursuing a career in the medical field.

“The purpose of the conversation was to amplify the voices of women in medicine and science,” said Angela Antonikowski, PhD, MA, Chief Health Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Officer at Albany Medical Center. “Through these types of events we can strengthen our partnership with the College of St. Rose and continue discussions about the various pathways to medicine.”

The panel discussion also was intended to open the door to the possibilities available to the students, including those they may not have been exposed to yet in their academic careers.

“Health care does have a high representation of women, but inclusion is lacking in many areas,” Dr. Antonikowski said. “Even though we’ve made a lot of strides, this collaboration was an opportunity to continue that dialogue.”