Medical Academy Program begins March 30 at UW-Eau Claire

Blugold students, area high school juniors and seniors and other community members are invited to register to attend. Registration will remain open until program capacity is met. 

Once again, this collaboration between UW-Eau Claire and Mayo Clinic Health System is a series of five 90-minute presentations on the human body and the pathway to a career in medicine.

Dr. Julie Anderson, professor of biology and director of the Health Careers Center at UW-Eau Claire, is looking forward to this third iteration of the program and encourages anyone interested to register.

“We are excited to once again showcase the UW-Eau Claire and Mayo Clinic Health System partnership through the outstanding Medical Academy Program,” Anderson says.

“This year, in addition to highlighting their clinical specialties, Mayo physicians will share insights into the many roles, responsibilities and pathways that shape a career in medicine. Also new this year, the program will conclude with a panel discussion featuring representatives from every stage of medical training — from pre-med to medical student, resident and fellow — providing attendees with a valuable, firsthand look at the steps to a medical career.”

Register through this form.

Spring 2026 sessions include:

• March 30: Paul Horvath, M.D., Emergency Medicine (Trauma) and Physician Leadership
• April 6: Pravesh Sharma, M.D., Psychiatry & Psychology and Substance Abuse Research
• April 13: Nathan Connell, M.D., Otolaryngology (ENT) and Novel Implantable Devices
• April 20: Emily Smith, M.D., Family Medicine and Outreach to Unhoused Neighbors
• April 27: The Pathway to Medicine Panel: From Pre-Med to Practicing Physician
  • UW-Eau Claire pre-med student
  • Medical student
  • Resident physician
  • Early-career physician

Hear from past attendees of the Medical Academy Program

We know that our students make the best spokespeople, so two Blugold attendees of last year’s event shared some highlights of their experience at the Medical Academy.

Cadence Cordova, biochemistry/molecular biology major from Boise, Idaho

“As a pre-M.D./Ph.D. student, the opportunity to learn from physicians about their specialties and experiences was something I could not pass up. I also learned about specific case studies in different specialties and participated in hands-on activities, getting a look at some of the skills I might need as a physician.

“Interacting with Mayo Clinic physicians helped me learn so much more about medicine and further reinforced my interest in and desire for a career in the field. I left each session feeling inspired and invigorated for my future career, and I highly recommend anyone who is interested in medicine take advantage of this incredible opportunity at UWEC.”

Joshua Teeter, biochemistry/molecular biology major from Naperville, Illinois 

(Top image caption: Joshua Teeter learning CPR from Mayo physician Dr. Bilal Unar)

“I enrolled because wanted to gain some more insight into the world of medicine. I also happened to know the Mayo neurologist who was hosting the academy. This program presents a lot of complex topics, but it also gives a more holistic view of medical professionals. It’s a great academic and personal learning experience.

“Honestly, I would say to just enroll. Whether you’re in high school, college or not in school, you’ll learn a lot. Come in with an open mind to absorb knowledge that isn’t necessarily academic. Some concepts and ideas are complex and a little hard to grasp without some sort of medical background, but you can glean the mindset and thinking that goes into each role.”