FAMU showcases health science programs to industry employers

The setting was just right during FAMU's second annual President’s Executive Leadership Summit. Before an excited crowd of health industry employers from all across Florida, FAMU showcased its nursing, allied health, public health, and pharmacy programs.

The nearly 200 participants from various agencies had an opportunity to learn more about how FAMU students and professors are tackling the world's major health problems. The audience included representatives from Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, Apalachee Center and Incorporated, the American Cancer Society, the Big Bend Hospice, the Boston Scientific Corporation, Capital Health Plan, the Florida Hospital Association, the Sickle Cell Foundation, Vision Works, Hour Glass, and Leon County Emergency Medical Services.

Justin Brian Williams, a 2011 graduate who majored in health care management, told the audience they should invest in FAMU.

“When you invest in a FAMU graduate, always know that you will receive quality,” said Williams, who interned with OptumHealth Behavioral Solutions in Atlanta, Ga. Williams was the first intern from a historically black college or university to participate in the internship program.

FAMU pharmacy graduate Averill Gordon, who is the corporate manager for pharmacy quality assurance for Walgreen Co., also shared his thoughts on investing in FAMU.

“When you get a FAMU student, you should feel confident that you are getting the best,” said Gordon. “‘Excellence with Caring’ is definitely what we do.”

John Hogan, CEO for Capital Health Plan who served as the chair of the Summit, said he endorsed the summit as a way of connecting FAMU with local and regional experts in the health care industry.

“The focus of today’s summit is to focus on FAMU’s assets in the health care industry,” said Hogan. “We are here to focus on the future and issues down the road. In health care, we face tremendous issues.”

FAMU President James H. Ammons charged the audience to join FAMU’s Business and Industry Cluster and to build a relationship with the university.