BHSU Hosts Third Annual TN Health Careers Summit & Expo and Cancer Awareness Day

Baptist Health Sciences University (BHSU) recently hosted its third annual TN Health Careers Summit & Expo alongside Cancer Awareness Day, creating a dual-event experience that brought together students, health professionals, and advocates. This impactful day celebrated the future of health care while raising awareness about cancer prevention and treatment in the Memphis community.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Health Professionals

The TN Health Careers Summit & Expo aimed to inspire middle school, high school, and college students to consider careers in health and related fields. This half-day event included opportunities for students, parents, teachers, and advisors to:

1. Network with health professionals and programs.
2. Learn from a keynote panel.
3. Participate in interactive breakout sessions.
4. Contribute to a statewide service project honoring U.S. Military Veterans and health care providers.

Empowering the Community Through Cancer Education

Cancer Awareness Day was spearheaded by the Radiation Therapy program in collaboration with Baptist Cancer Center. With a focus on education and advocacy, attendees explored a variety of informative booths and exhibits highlighting cancer prevention, early detection, and the latest treatment advancements. Additionally, participants gained insights into the vital role of support systems for cancer patients during their journeys.

Reflections from Event Leaders

Briana Jegier, the statewide planning chair, shared her enthusiasm for the event: "We were so excited to serve as the host for this statewide event for the third consecutive year and to welcome 300 students and 40 vendors to our campus. This event is key to our mission of engaging students with networking opportunities and interactive experiences so they can find their calling in health and STEM fields. Students shared their excitement about exploring both familiar and new health career opportunities. Partnering with National Cancer Awareness Day also provided a unique chance for students to hear directly from cancer survivors and patients about the life-changing impact of careers in health."

Lauren Brown, Radiation Therapy Clinical Coordinator, emphasized the importance of cancer education: "This event highlights the impact cancer has on all our lives at BHSU and the collaborative roles we play in supporting those with cancer. Prevention is the first step, so we prioritize providing education on cancer risks and the importance of screenings. Many people are unaware of their risks or where to go for testing. Over the years, our event has grown, involving more local organizations to spread awareness. We’re proud of the positive impact this has had on our community, especially in lowering the statistics for late-stage diagnoses. Through Baptist Cancer Centers and their leading oncology professionals, patients in the tri-state area have access to top-tier treatment options."

Uniting Health and Advocacy

The third annual event showcased BHSU’s commitment to advancing health education while serving the community. By bringing together aspiring health care professionals, experienced practitioners, and passionate advocates, this event continues to empower students to pursue careers that make a meaningful difference.