The First-Generation Medical Professionals (FGMP) student organization hosted the 2nd Annual First Generation in Medicine Celebration, honoring the resilience, community and accomplishments of students, faculty and alumni who are the first in their families to pursue a career in medicine.
The evening brought together members of the NEOMED community to share stories, support one another and celebrate the unique paths that first-generation students take on their journeys through medical school.
The event featured an inspiring panel discussion with Kathryn Mansel, M.D. (’06), Akron Children’s Hospital, Poojajeet Khaira, M.D. (’22), MetroHealth, and Nino Kovaljesko, M.D. (’24), Cleveland Clinic Akron General, who shared their personal experiences and reflections as first-generation physicians. Their stories offered valuable insight and encouragement to current students as they navigate their own professional journeys.
Second-year medical student Jessica Ismail, president of FGMP, reflected on the event, saying “The celebration served as a reminder that no one walks this path alone — and that through community, mentorship and shared experience, first-generation students continue to uplift and inspire one another in the pursuit of medicine.”
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