PCOM Winter Gala
Friday, February 24
Hilton Hotel, Philadelphia
I am by no means one of those girls that dresses up with makeup and heels every day (not hatin' on them, just saying that the time they spend getting ready in the morning is valuable sleep time for me, and my extensive collection of collegiate sweatwear is much more comfortable than skinny jeans and stilettos), but for me, the PCOM Winter Gala was the equivalent of prom. Hair was styled, dresses were squeezed into, and heels were worn (oh yeah, and the guys looked handsome too, but all they have to do is put on a suit and shave to look good). Over 200 members of the PCOM community turned out for a night of dancing, raffle prizes, and casino games at the Hilton.
How the gambling worked: You started with $300 of fake money. For every $100 you won, you got one raffle ticket, which could be put towards a number of prizes, including a 40" flatscreen television, Xbox, iPad, and my personal favorite, the garage parking spot (that spot is worth $300 and saves you from walking up Monument Avenue in inclement weather; if I wasn't going on rotations next year, I would have put every last ticket in that box).
Best part of the night: All proceeds from the event went to the Gift of Life Family House, which provides temporary lodging and support programs for organ transplant patients and their families.
Second best: Sashaying around my apartment in new 4.5" heels (highest I've ever worn was 3") paid off--no broken/twisted/sprained ankles (if there were, at least I'd be in the room full of osteopaths), no looking like a newborn giraffe while I walked, AND I was taller than most guys there.
You know where to go for photos.
SNMA's 24th Annual Recognition Banquet
Friday, March 2
Hilton Hotel, Philadelphia
A week later, the Student National Medical Association had its 24th Annual Recognition Banquet, also at the Hilton (perks of being located next to a fancy hotel). Although I wasn't able to attend (I met my "not looking like a complete slob" quota at the Gala), I spoke with Luther Quarles (OMS-II), the outgoing SNMA President about the event. The theme was "Hollywood," and the night's awards included the 2012 Meta Christy Award, named after the first African-American PCOM graduate, which was awarded to Dr. Judith Lightfoot, PCOM Class of 1992 and current Infectious Disease specialist at Garden State Infectious Disease Associates. Other awards included the Elton G. Cosby Chapter Member of the Year (awarded to Sabrina Clark, OMS-II/MBA Candidate) and Mentor of the Year (awarded to Marsha Williams). Over 100 PCOM students, faculty, staff and alumni were in attendance, including a lady who is near and dear to our hearts: Miss Debbie, who received a standing ovation.
The Banquet also started the SNMA leadership transition, and Dominique Brundidge and Christina Price were welcomed as the 2012-2013 SNMA Co-Presidents.
The event was covered by the ever-fabulous Bruce, the PCOM photographer, so the album is a must-view.
It's like we almost have lives or something.
