SHARE week (ii)

Makes you want to come to SHARE week, doesn't it?

On Thursday, September 3rd, 2009, leaders from 4 different community organizations in Newark were invited to a panel discussion. The discussion focused on topics such as: the nature and goal of the organizations, progress and difficulties of the organizations, and how NJMS students can help.

Doing what we do best: Eat!

Invited guests from the community include:

Casto Maldonado, from FOCUS, a community center offering services for the Hispanic populations of Newark;

Angla Stewart, New Community Corporation;
Teri Bennet, Welcome Baptist Church;
and Gina Butler, Covenant House.

Community leaders speaking to the students.

The leaders shared their experiences in helping the community and encouraged the students that helping those around them, who may not have the same privileges that the students may have, will enrich them personally, an important experience for future physicians. Mr. Casto Maldonado also stressed that as much as student initiative in helping the community is important, studying as medical students and becoming a good physician should be the prime reason and focus. "The community needs good doctors", he said.

Shashi Kapadia (NJMS '13) and Nelson Chiu (NJMS '12)

James Lin, assistant director and community resource, and Emily Fay, secretary and event organizer of SHARE, led the panel discussion.

Emily Fay (NJMS '12) and James Lin (NJMS '12)

The panel discussion lasted about an hour, and raffle prizes were given out at the end of the evening. A $10 gift card to Dunkin' Donuts to a student chosen at random, and a $50 certificate to Mompou was given to one of the three students who attended all four days of SHARE week. 

SHARE e-board and Leaders of the Community

A total of 71 students attended SHARE week evenings at least once. SHARE hopes that many students gained a greater perspective beyond the scope of anatomy textbooks through SHARE week. A good number of students signed up for various organizations and inquired about the activities. The leaders of SHARE hope that the students enjoyed this event. Please let us know if you have any questions or suggestions!