Health Professions Newsletter: 8/31/26

• Health Professions Week 2026 (9/21-9/25)

Join us for our 4th annual Health Professions Week in September! This year’s events include student and healthcare panels, trainings, and of course lots of giveaways! Check out our website (go.gmu.edu/hpw) and register for events via Mason360. More events will be added soon!

• Engage! Healthcare Access: A Panel and Roundtable Discussions on Equity, Barriers, and Community Solutions (10/15)

This annual engagement event brings together community organizations, faculty, staff, students, and community organizations to explore critical social justice issues. This year’s topic is HEALTHCARE ACCESS, featuring perspectives across the healthcare spectrum and examining the factors that impact equitable access to care. Through expert insights and group discussions, we’ll identify opportunities for collaborative service projects, research, and community-engaged solutions.

Date: October 15, 2026
Time: 12:00pm-2:00pm
Location: George’s, Johnson Center, 3rd FL
Registration: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=VXKFnlffR0ygwAVGRgOAyxlVsZu5UJVNsqLbT5OWWNJUN0VVSlk5VkI5Q0s5NU1ZQzc3OTNVVkw3Sy4u

• Pre-Health Virtual Shadowing Opportunities

We’re thrilled to invite you to our upcoming free virtual shadowing sessions, open to all students, including high school, undergraduate, and graduate students interested in healthcare! Each session allows you to earn a certificate for shadowing hours, making it a valuable addition to your resume or application as you explore and apply to different healthcare careers.

Note: While virtual shadowing can be beneficial to explore professions, it is not a substitute for in-person shadowing. GMU Health Professions Advising encourages Pre-Health students to seek local opportunities and to only use virtual shadowing to supplement.

🚨🚑 EMERGENCY MEDICINE  : Sept 1, 2026, 7:30 pm PDT-9:00 pm PDT
🦠 INFECTIOUS DISEASE  : Sept 2, 2026, 4:00 pm PDT–5:30 pm PDT
👴 GERIATRIC MEDICINE: Sept 4, 2026, 4:00 pm PDT–5:30 pm PDT
🎗️ MEDICAL ONCOLOGY: Sept 8, 2026, 7:30 pm PDT–9:00 pm PDT
🦠 PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASE: Sept 9, 2026, 4:00 pm PDT–5:30 pm PDT
🎗️ ONCOLOGY: Sept 10, 2026, 4:30 pm PDT–6:00 pm PDT
🩸 VASCULAR SURGERY: Sept 11, 2026, 4:00 pm PDT–5:30 pm PDT
👴 GERIATRICS: Sept 25, 2026, 7:00 pm PDT–8:30 pm PDT
🦠 HIV / INFECTIOUS DISEASE: Oct 1, 2026, 6:30 pm PDT–8:00 pm PDT

Why You Should Attend

• • It’s Free for All Students: Whether you’re in high school, college, or grad school, you can attend at no cost.
  • Live Q&A: Engage with healthcare professionals and get your questions answered directly.
  • Broaden Your Horizons: Explore different roles in healthcare and understand the variety of paths you can take in this field.

How to Join

1. 1. Register using the links above for each session you wish to attend. You can even automatically add them to your calendar.
   2. Log in at least 5 minutes before the start time to ensure a smooth connection.
   3. Bring your questions for an interactive and informative experience!

Space is limited, so be sure to register early to secure your spot. If you have any questions or need more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out at [email protected].

• EMS Club Kickoff! – Welcome & Vital Signs (8/31)

Join us for the first EMS Club meeting of the semester! Come meet fellow students interested in emergency medicine, learn about upcoming events and opportunities, and get hands-on practice with vital signs basics—a core EMS skill. Whether you’re brand new or already experienced, this is a great way to connect and learn.

Mon, Aug 31, 2026
5:30 PM – 7 PM EDT
Student Union Building – SUBI 3A
https://cglink.me/2d7/r2299707

• Multicultural Student Association of Pre-health Students Semester Kickoff (9/3)

A welcome event for all MAPS students! Create a vision board for the upcoming school year and participate in trivia and games while getting to know other GMU pre-health students! Snacks and drinks provided!

Thu, Sep 3, 2026
4 PM – 6:30 PM EDT
HUB BALLROOM BACK
https://cglink.me/2d7/r2300830

• Pre-Dental Society General Body Meeting (9/8)

Join us for the Pre-Dental Society’s first General Body Meeting of the semester! We’ll introduce our executive board, share our plans for the year, discuss upcoming volunteer, shadowing, and networking opportunities, and answer any questions about the pre-dental journey. We look forward to meeting new and returning members!

Tue, Sep 8, 2026
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM EDT
(Registration required for location)
https://cglink.me/2d7/r2300786

• EMS Club – Behavioral Emergencies (9/14)

Join the EMS Club at George Mason University for an engaging Behavioral Emergencies Skills Event focused on building confidence in responding to challenging patient interactions. This hands-on session provides a supportive environment to develop practical approaches to communication, assessment, and decision-making while working through realistic scenarios. Whether you’re interested in EMS, healthcare, or simply expanding your emergency response knowledge, this is a great opportunity to learn, practice, and connect with fellow students.

Mon, Sep 14, 2026
5:30 PM – 7 PM EDT
Student Union Building – SUBI 3A
https://cglink.me/2d7/r2299739

Join the EMS Club at George Mason University and fellow student organizations for a collaborative CPR Skills Event! This interactive session is a great opportunity to practice lifesaving techniques, build confidence in responding to emergencies, and connect with students from across campus who share an interest in healthcare and emergency preparedness. Whether you’re looking to refresh your skills or gain more hands-on experience, everyone is welcome to learn in a supportive and engaging environment.

Tue, Sep 22, 2026
6:30 PM – 8 PM EDT
The HUB Ballroom Back Section
https://cglink.me/2d7/r2299776

• EMS Club – Splinting Night (10/5)

Join the EMS Club at George Mason University for a hands-on Splinting Skills Night! This interactive session is designed to help students build confidence in caring for injured patients while developing practical prehospital care skills in a supportive learning environment. Whether you’re new to EMS or looking to strengthen your existing knowledge, this is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience, collaborate with fellow students, and connect with others who share an interest in emergency medicine.

Mon, Oct 5, 2026
5:30 PM – 7 PM EDT
The HUB Rooms 3 & 4
https://cglink.me/2d7/r2299741

• Pre-Dental Society Manual Dexterity (10/13)

Join the Pre-Dental Society for a hands-on Manual Dexterity Workshop designed to help strengthen the fine motor skills essential for dentistry. Participants will complete interactive activities, learn why manual dexterity is important in dental school and clinical practice, and gain practical tips for improving precision, coordination, and hand-eye control in a fun and supportive environment.

Tue, Oct 13, 2026
5:30 PM – 7 PM EDT
(Registration required for location)
https://cglink.me/2d7/r2300789

MMC SEP 2026 – Family Medicine for Print

• Military Medical Community Events (upcoming date: 9/14)

The Military Medical Community (MMC) hosts monthly virtual presentations by tri-service military physicians in a specialty at different stages of their career. Presentations are followed by breakout rooms where future medical school applicants can speak with recruiters, medical students, and admissions office staff; and medical students can speak with residency directors and specialty leaders. In addition to specialty night presentations the MMC webpage hosts a calendar of other military medicine events, resources, and information on starting a chapter on your campus.

Upcoming Events:

• • September 14th, 2026 | 6:30PM Eastern (3:30PM Pacific)
  • October 5th, 2026 Orthopedics
  • November 2026: AOA Specialty Week
  • January 2027: Internal Medicine Specialties
  • February 2027: Urology and Surgical Oncology
  • March 2027: Aerospace and Preventive Medicine
  • April 2027: Emergency Medicine

Students should join us for our breakout rooms after the conclusion of the main presentation in the second hour. 

For Premedical Students: Pre-med Power Hour! Students can have their Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP), Uniformed Services University (USU), or general medical school application questions answered by medical students, physician recruiters, and faculty.

• • Medical School Admissions . . . .https://meet.google.com/weg-uxmt-ybp
    • • USU Admissions Office Application Advising Or Call 224-215-0110 PIN: 799 542 011#
  • Air Force HPSP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . https://meet.google.com/ysi-ujts-zze
    • • Or Call 470-326-0109 PIN: 827 099 891#
  • Army HPSP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . https://meet.google.com/zzv-vcnb-ztn
    • • Or Call 575-914-2320 PIN: 722 267 124#
  • Navy HPSP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . https://meet.google.com/djg-ggjt-ofn
    • • Or Call 570-818-2249 PIN: 419 085 795#
  • USU Student Life . . . . . . . . . . . .https://meet.google.com/mof-bhfd-mvu
    • • Or Call 413-752-0017 PIN: 219 317 758#

• AACOM Osteopathic Medical College Recruiting Events

Come take a look at our events calendar to learn about osteopathic medicine-related events: https://www.aacom.org/become-a-doctor/prepare-for-medical-school/com-recruiting-events.    

Registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf6DEvT2ESCnjj3Rh8bSNyG65z6R5GzMqtkGkOuy6gHPYfSjw/viewform

• Drexel University OT Prospective Student Webinar (9/23)

Prospective students of the University’s Master of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy Program are cordially invited to attend this Office of Graduate Admissions Webinar to learn more about this program on the Elkins Park campus. Receive information on program curriculum, profession stats, cost of attendance, application process and more at a one-hour virtual presentation/Q&A event hosted by Elkins Park Campus admissions staff!

• Virtual Optometry Fair (10/14)

Meet Representatives from Schools & Colleges of Optometry in a Live Virtual Setting! Free for all Prospective Students to Attend!

Date: Wednesday, October 14
Time: 9:00am – 7:00pm EST
Registration: https://www.careereco.com/Fair/EventSchedule?fairId=46dd04de-364c-4faa-a527-b40f0102b26b 

• Eye Opener Program – Optometry Shadowing

The Eye Opener Session program (eyeopenersession.org) is a matching service for potential and future optometry students who are looking for a Doctor of Optometry to shadow, via in person or virtually, to learn more about a day-in-the-life of an optometrist (OD). Communication can also be done via chat and/or email. Students will be matched with an OD based on geographical information, common interests, and goals. Website: https://www.eyeopenersession.org/

Come take a look at our events calendar to learn about pharmacy-related events: https://pharmacyforme.org/events/list/

• GW PA Program Virtual Info Session (9/14)

• JMU PA Virtual Info Sessions (upcoming date: 9/17)

During a Physician Assistant (PA) Program Info Session, a PA Program faculty member will be on-hand to present some basic Program information and answer any questions that applicants may have about the admissions process, the Program’s curriculum, or other Program details. Sessions can last anywhere from 60-90 minutes depending on how many people attend and how many questions are asked.

Upcoming Dates:

• Sep 17, 2026 10:00 AM EST
• Oct 6, 2026 2:30 PM EST
• Nov 16, 2026 8:30 AM EST
• Dec 15, 2026 12:00 PM EST

Registration: https://jmu.questionpro.com/a/TakeSurvey?tt=Gwtm5eH62pEECHrPeIW9eQ%3D%3D

Directions on how to join the virtual session will come in an email before the session.
email: [email protected] with any questions.

• Drexel University Physician Assistant Program Prospective Student Information Session (9/17)

More to come soon!

• UVA M.Ed. in Communication Sciences & Disorders Virtual or In-Person Visits (upcoming dates: 9/11, 9/18, 9/25)

The Communication Sciences and Disorders Program (CSD) hosts scheduled visit events during the academic year. Please register to attend an on-site event if you will be in the area.

The CSD program schedules online visits during the academic year for individuals who cannot travel to Charlottesville in person. After you register for a virtual session, you will receive a follow-up email with a link to the Zoom room for your virtual visit.

Dates for both virtual and in-person visits:

• Friday, September 11
• Friday, September 18
• Friday, September 25
• Friday, October 2
• Friday, October 16
• Friday, November 6
• Friday, December 4

Virtual information sessions are hosted from 11:00-11:50 AM on given dates, and in-person visits are hosted from 12:00-1:45 PM on given dates. In-person visits begin at the Sheila C. Johnson Center – Speech Language Hearing Center, 417 Emmet Street South, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903.

Registration: https://education.virginia.edu/events?page=0&search=communication%20sciences%20%26%20disorders&sponsor=All&topic=All&type=All 

For more information, contact [email protected].

• VMCAS Q&A Webinar (8/31)

Do you have questions about VMCAS? Come join us for another Q&A session! Monday, August 31st at 1 pm ET/10 am PT. Hosted by Megan Woods, Associate Director for Application Services at the AAVMC. We will have an overview presentation of VMCAS, and staff from AAVMC and Liaison will be available to answer your questions.

Date: Mon August 31st
Time: 1 ET/10 am PT
Registration: https://aavmc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Fg9QJuwPRo-hU4Fb2xAXSg?utm_source=EMP&utm_medium=email&utm_content=104478747&utm_campaign=42911-139199&utm_term=32-606200#/registration

After this event takes place, you will be able to view the recording here, along with our other recorded events.

• Audiology: Drexel University Doctor of Audiology Prospective Student Information Session (9/8)

Prospective students of the University’s Doctor of Audiology Program are cordially invited to attend this Office of Graduate Admissions Webinar to learn more about this program on the Elkins Park campus. Receive information on program curriculum, profession stats, cost of attendance, application process and more at a one-hour virtual presentation/Q&A event hosted by Elkins Park Campus admissions staff!

Date: Tuesday, September 8
Time: 6:00 pm EDT
Registration: https://drexel.edu/admissions/visit-tours/graduate-professional-events/college-and-school-events/event-registration?_i=05D90240-829D-4A28-B2FE-03DE697F85C4

• This is Public Health Virtual School Fair (9/15)

The Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH)’s This is Public Health (TIPH) Graduate School Fair is going virtual, offering a unique opportunity to explore graduate education in public health!

Join us and connect with public health institutions from across the nation, all from the comfort of your own space. This is the perfect opportunity for anyone aspiring to make a difference in the vital field of public health. Don’t let this unparalleled opportunity pass you by – start shaping your future in public health today!

Register to attend the event on Tuesday, October 28, from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM ET and meet representatives from public health schools & programs!

Participants do not need to attend the full five-hour block. Please check the schedule to see when schools and programs that you’re interested in will have their room(s) available.

Date: Tuesday, September 15
Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm EST
Registration: https://aspph.org/event/tiph-graduate-school-virtual-fair-september-15-2026/ 

• Pre-Health Test Prep Borrowing Program

Interested in borrowing MCAT or DAT prep books completely free? George Mason University Health Professions Advising is excited to offer free MCAT or DAT prep books from our library to current students that apply to our borrowing program!

Our Test Prep Borrowing Program operates on an rolling-based system. This means that applications can be submitted at any time and are processed continuously. There are a limited number of books available; thus, all applicants may not be awarded books.

These books are primarily useful for content review; therefore, we strongly suggest incorporating additional resources (see Test Prep Resources) in your study plan to gain more question exposure and strengthen testing stamina.

Eligibility:
1. Must be a current George Mason University student or graduate at the time of application.
2. Must have a scheduled MCAT or DAT within 6 months (confirmation is required).
3. Demonstrate financial need

There are a limited number of books available; thus, all applicants may not be awarded books. Other factors such as GPA, number of prerequisite courses completed at the time of application, etc may also be considered.

For more information, please visit our website: go.gmu.edu/prehealthprep. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

If you would like to donate your gently used books to our program, please drop them off at the Undergraduate Education office (Johnson Center, Room 228) during business hours (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm) or email [email protected].

*Posting the test prep resources below is for information purposes only and does not imply endorsements by GMU Health Professions Advising.

• UWorld MCAT Prep Resources*

• 3,000+ MCAT-style practice questions
• 8 print and digital prep books
• 1,300+ step-by-step video lessons
• 4,000+ flashcards for concept reinforcement
• Practice tests that simulate the exam
• Official AAMC Prep Hub Resources
• Smart study tools
• Analytics that pinpoint weaknesses

• MCAT Bootcamp Resources*

• Kaplan Resources*

The best way to jumpstart your MCAT prep? Finding your strengths and weaknesses right off the bat. With our free starter pack, you’ll be able to determine the areas where you need the most practice in order to achieve your goal score. Click Here To Start For Free! What’s Included:

• One realistic, full-length MCAT practice test
• A personalized study calendar preview
• A Qbank with 230 questions
• Learning modules with video lessons and quizzes
• New: Instantly receive personalized study tips, content explanation breakdowns, and resource recommendations—whenever you need them—with Kaplan’s AI tutor

• Erudition’s PAT (Perceptual Ability Test) Prep for the DAT*

  • I wanted to reach out and share some super helpful free PAT resources with pre-dental students in Pre-Health Advising. We’d love for students at George Mason University to be aware of these amazing study materials when preparing for their DAT, as we’re sure they will make learning the perceptual ability problems a lot easier! These free materials, like all of Erudition’s materials, provide lots of clear graphics and visual aids, which have helped our students get the hang of PAT problems more quickly and effectively. YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@eruditionpat Our information pages go over the rules of PAT problems, example problems, and tips and strategies for each type of PAT problem: PAT overview
  • Intro to Keyhole problems
  • Intro to Top-front-end problems
  • Intro to Angle ranking problems
  • Intro to Hole punching problems
  • Intro to Cube counting problems
  • Intro to Pattern folding problems Students can sign up for a free account at eruditionprep.com/pat and start studying using our free access question banks (select question banks from our course) and free ADA explanations (detailed explanations for ADA sample items).

• DAT Destroyer*

Dr. Jim Romano’s DAT Destroyer has been a trusted study guide that has been helping students prepare for the DAT for over 35 years. DAT Destroyer Study Guide: https://orgoman.com/products/dat-destroyer DAT Blog: https://orgoman.com/blogs/dental-admissions-test-and-road-to-dental-school-acceptance In addition to the books, Dr. Romano leads an active DAT Study Group where new questions and material are added daily, and he also provides his Biology Review PDF free to members. We also maintain a free YouTube library with hundreds of videos covering Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Math for the DAT exam.

• MedSchoolCoach*

Hi Current applicant, Life as a pre-med is full of challenges: from grueling MCAT prep to crafting a compelling application. At MedSchoolCoach, we’re here to support you every step of the way with powerful and free resources designed to simplify the journey to med school. Struggling to memorize facts, formulas, and pathways for the MCAT? Our 50 MCAT Mnemonics Guide will help you effortlessly recall information and make your studying more effective. Working on Secondary Essays? Get instant access to 84 real-life secondary essays that got students accepted in this handy guide. No matter where you are on your path to medicine, we’re here to help you succeed. Best of luck, Sahil Mehta, MD Founder & CEO, MedSchoolCoach

• Blueprint Resources*

·  Free Books and Guides ·  Free Sample MCAT Account ·  MCAT Flashcards ·  Content Checklist

• The Princeton Review Resources*

Student success is at the heart of everything we do. Get your prep on! For MCAT and Admission Resources, please visit https://linktr.ee/tprevents. *Posting these test prep resources is for information purposes only and does not imply endorsements by GMU Health Professions.