By: Re'Neisha Lee, Dr. Brittny James, & Amberly Williams
The Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health (FAMU, IPH) is known for providing students with robust educational opportunities, hands-on experiences, and guidance from expert faculty to prepare its graduates for successful careers. The College is home to the entire HCES team - Dr. Bruce James II graduated with a PharmD degree, Dr. Brittny James has a Doctor of Public Health degree, and Ms. Lee, Mr. Martin, Ms. Quintana, and Ms. Williams all have Master of Public Health degrees from FAMU COPPS, IPH programs.
Like the College, HCES' leadership has a similar mission to foster both professional and personal development. That said, Drs. Bruce II and Brittny James have dedicated their careers to not only educating minority communities but mentoring and providing opportunities to early career professionals. For example, they boast a team of HBCU graduates of varying minority backgrounds. Further, in their recent American Public Health Association presentation, the HCES team described the company as a professional puzzle that uses a calculated approach to developing employees' sense of navigating the work environment (see below). This model has shown promise, as the company has demonstrated low turnover and high employee satisfaction scores from annual evaluations.
Overview of Contract Chasing
In October 2022, Dr. Brittny James and Ms. Williams voluntarily hosted a 45-minute session with the FAMU COPPS, IPH PharmD students that provided and overview of the "real world" post-graduation and provided them with a brief glance into the world of contract employment. To further discuss the opportunities that exist beyond the bench, classroom, or retail pharmacy, HCES is leveraging their resources to host Contract Chasing, which will bring seasoned professionals and businesses to the “highest of 7 hills” to assist students with gaining access to the workforce through contract experience. Entailing a panel discussion, breakout sessions, and a networking mixer, this event will provide students access to organizations and employers that align with the mission of bringing opportunities to some of the best and brightest FAMU students in health and business disciplines.
Event Details
The invitation has been extended for students to attend the inaugural Contract Chasing event. Details are as follows:
When: Saturday, February 4, 2023
Time: 9am-3pm
Location: FAMU COPPS Blue Cross Blue Shield Auditorium (Pharmacy Auditorium), 1601 S. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd., Tallahassee, Floria 32307
How to register: Interested students should register using this link, or by clicking the image below.
Please be advised
The final day to register is Friday, January 13, 2023 OR once all seats are filled.
Seats are limited due to room capacity, so please register as soon as possible.
Feel free to share with a current FAMU student who might benefit from this event.
Verification of registration and student status will be required for attendance.
Hostess and Partners
This event is hosted by FAMU COPPS, IPH's own, Ms. Ericka Horne, MPH, CHES, a student in the Doctor of Public Health program. Its target audience is early graduates and we believe this event would serve as a great opportunity to meet business leaders and learn valuable information about the contract world. The business partners and individuals who will participating in the panel discussion, breakout sessions, and networking mixer include:
Additionally, various FAMU health professions organizations will have the opportunity table to promote their activities and events and recruit members.
Questions about the event should be sent via email at info@hcesmail.com.