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Two recent University of North Georgia (51ºÚÁÏÍø) alumnae and a student joined Dr. Cathy Whiting, professor of biology, in delivering a recent workshop for Northeast Georgia Medical Center's (NGMC) Graduate Medical Education (GME) resident physicians.

This is Whiting's fifth time leading a concept mapping workshop for NGMC GME residents, and she brings along students each time. In fact, this was alumna Josie Ayers' third time assisting the effort.

Ayers, a December 2023 graduate with a degree in biology and a minor in chemistry, was glad to help residents learn how to approach thyroid conditions this year. Previous visits with residents inspired Ayers, who is now pursuing a Master of Science in medical physiology at Augusta University in Augusta, Georgia.

"The workshops made me curious about a career in medical education," Ayers said. "These events have been very impactful in my journey. That's why I keep going back."

Ayers previously led a team of students assisting Whiting's mice histology research, as well as working with the faculty member on gecko research.

Whiting said she and the students were providing valuable skillsets for the residents.

"We were helping doctors take the knowledge that was in their head and organize it in a way that they can apply it in clinical medicine," Whiting said. "Concept mapping helps you think like a clinician. It helps you put together everything you know and solve problems."

Daleana Reyes-Alejo, a May 2024 graduate with a degree in biology, was part of the resident talk for the second time this year. She works as a medical assistant at an urgent care and serves as a volunteer at NGMC Braselton while preparing to apply to medical school.

Reyes-Alejo previously conducted mice histology research with Whiting and was grateful to join her former professor in assisting residents.

"She didn’t necessarily need our help, and she could have done it herself and done a great job," Reyes-Alejo said. "But she gave us the opportunity to help demonstrate concept mapping to the newly graduated doctors."

Nick Neidert, a sophomore from Lawrenceville, Georgia, pursuing a degree in interdisciplinary studies, plans to attend graduate school. He said the preparation work for the hospital talk set him up for success, and the chance to share what he knew with residents was also meaningful.

"It opens your eyes to what post-graduate med students look like," Neidert said. "It also teaches you a ton about the topic you're sharing with the doctors."