First Generation & Pre-Med? Help build something new at ECU!

My name is Hannah Kelly, and I am a sophomore pre-medical student majoring in Biology with a minor in Nutrition. I am currently working to establish a new student organization called Pirate Pioneers in Medicine, and I am looking for students who may be interested in helping me bring this idea to life. 

Pirate Pioneers in Medicine is designed to support and empower first-generation undergraduate students pursuing a career in medicine or other healthcare professions. As a first-generational pre-med student myself, and the first person in my family, hometown community, and high school to pursue an M.D., I know how challenging it can feel to navigate the pre-med journey without a roadmap. 

There are so many incredible opportunities and resources available at ECU, from clinical experiences and research to volunteering, mentorship, and professional connections. However, I personally discovered many of these resources later than I wish I had. I hope to build a supportive community that connects students with clinical, volunteer, research, and other healthcare-related opportunities while providing pre-medical resources, guidance, and mentorship from faculty, healthcare professionals, and medical students. 

While the organization is open to all students pursuing medicine or healthcare careers, its resources and programming will be primarily tailored to support first-generation students navigating the pre-medical journey. Before I can officially present this organization for approval, I need to establish a general body of interested members who believe in this mission and would like to see this organization become a reality.

I am also looking for potential Executive Board members, who would be interested in taking on a leadership role and helping build the organization from the ground up. No previous leadership experience is required, just enthusiasm for the mission, a willingness to contribute ideas, and a desire to help create something meaningful for future students!

If this sounds like something you would be interested in being part of, whether as a general member or a potential member of the Executive Board, please fill out the interest form below:

https://forms.gle/kHX3Tyu7AxxeNm489

Starting this organization is something I am incredibly passionate about, and I would love to find other students who are interested in helping create a community where first-generation students pursuing medicine feel supported, informed, and confident in their journey.

If you have any questions or experience trouble accessing the form, please feel free to reach out to me at kellyha24@students.ecu.edu. Thank you for taking the time to read about Pirate Pioneers in Medicine. I hope you will consider joining me in helping turn this idea into a reality!