Symposium for Pathways to Excellence in Medicine
About this Event
The Symposium for Pathways to Excellence in Medicine is part of a larger . This event is designed for medical students across the region who are considering a career in academic medicine. The event features a keynote speech, speaker/panel sessions led by our esteemed Penn/CHOP faculty members, and a Research Poster Forum that will highlight work from medical students across the Philadelphia region. Come enjoy free lunch and network with medical students all across Philadelphia!
If you would like to submit your abstract to present at the Research Poster Forum, please fill out this form by September 7th, 2026 at 11:59pm.
Agenda
🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:10 PM
Registration
🕑: 12:10 PM - 01:00 PM
Keynote Speaker
Info: Many students enter medicine with a strong sense of purpose, but sustaining that motivation over time requires intentional career planning and a network of support. Academic medicine offers diverse opportunities to align clinical work with research, education, advocacy, and community engagement—but doing so doesn’t happen by chance. This session explores how students can thoughtfully shape an academic medicine career that reflects their values and passions. Through practical insights and real-world examples, attendees will learn strategies to approach career decisions with clarity, intention, and authenticity.
🕑: 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Session Option 1 for Medical Students:
Info: Answering The Questions That Lead to Improved Health: Incorporating Research into Your Career as a Doctor: What questions are shaping your future as a physician? Join Penn and CHOP faculty for a conversation about how research experiences can influence specialty interests, strengthen your residency application, and open doors to future opportunities. Learn when to seek out meaningful projects, how to get involved during medical school, and how research that centers health equity can help address disparities and promote more inclusive, effective care. Whether you are exploring your options or pursuing a specialty where research is especially valued, discover how research can shape both your residency-match strategy and long-term career trajectory.
🕑: 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Session Option 2 for Medical Students
Info: Caring for Patients Beyond the Bedside - Engaging in Community Partnership as a Physician: Communities are so much more than geographical areas! This session will describe how you can integrate a passion for community-engaged and community-partnered work with a fulfilling career that makes the most of your role as a physician.
🕑: 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Pre-Medical Student Session
Info: Navigating Medical School: Separating Fact from Fiction: Join current medical students from across the Philadelphia region for a candid panel discussion that separates fact from fiction about the path to medicine. They will share personal experiences, practical insights, and honest advice to help you better understand the application process and prepare for medical school. Whether you are just exploring the field or actively preparing your application, this session will clarify common misconceptions and provide a realistic view of what it takes to become a physician.
🕑: 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Research Poster Froum
Info: See the research presented by medical and pre-medical students!
🕑: 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Panel about Academic Medicine
Info: Why Academic Medicine? Opportunities for Impact: A panel discussion on the variety of opportunities for physicians in academic medicine. Panelists will share about how they integrate clinical care with other interests, passions and expertise (be they education, research, advocacy, policy, or more!). At the end, we will announce the winners of the research poster forum.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
