Future Health Leaders
JED and UH CAPS host an inspiring panel in collaboration, offering students a closer look at careers in medicine.
What does it really take to become a doctor? It’s more than acing exams or memorizing anatomy — it’s about resilience, heart and purpose.
That was the resounding message at Future Health Leaders, a panel event hosted by the JED Campus Initiative and University of Houston Counseling and Psychological Services in partnership with Valenti Integrated, the Jack J. Valenti School of Communication’s student-run agency.
Held March 27 at Student Center South, the event brought students face-to-face with the people behind the white coats — physicians from across Houston who shared the highs, lows and lessons learned on their journeys into medicine.
The panel featured a dynamic group of experts from leading institutions, including the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital and Memorial Plastic Surgery:
- Dr. Eric Choy, Texas Children’s Hospital
- Dr. Kenya Steele, Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine
- Dr. Tuan Truong, Memorial Plastic Surgery
- Dr. Winston Liaw, Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine
- Dr. Galant Chan, Baylor College of Medicine
Future Health Leaders panelists from left to right: Dr. Kenya Steele, Dr. Winston Liaw, Dr. Galant Chan, Dr. Eric Choy, Dr. Truan Truong.
Future Health Leaders panelists from left to right: Dr. Kenya Steele, Dr. Winston Liaw, Dr. Galant Chan, Dr. Eric Choy, Dr. Truan Truong.
Panelists and student organizations pose together for a photo.
Panelists and student organizations pose together for a photo.
Each brought their unique voice to the conversation, painting an honest portrait of what it means to practice medicine today. Whether discussing long hours, the emotional toll or the deep reward of helping others, their stories were grounded in authenticity.
“We’re not treating disease, we’re treating people,” said Dr. Kenya Steele, emphasizing the human aspect of the profession.
Beyond the panel, the event also spotlighted a key JED Campus value: social connection. Several student organizations hosted tables and chatted with attendees, including AED (Alpha Epsilon Delta), the American Medical Women’s Association, Black Students Health Association, Minority Association of Pre-medical Students, Society of Future Medical Professionals, Health Students Association, Latino Medical Student Association, and AMSA (American Medical Student Association).
Panelist Dr. Galant Chan speaking with students.
Panelist Dr. Galant Chan speaking with students.
A Student-Led Effort
Future Health Leaders wasn’t just driven by professionals — it was made possible by the creativity and dedication of UH students. Valenti Integrated team members Sierra Nicholay, Thanh Mac, Brielle Rivera, Elijah Trombley and Alejandra Jimenez-Cruz played a vital role in bringing the event to life, handling everything from recruiting panelists to designing promotional materials and spreading the word across campus.
UH students Sierra Nicholay (left) and Brielle Rivera (right).
UH students Sierra Nicholay (left) and Brielle Rivera (right).
"My group and I saw a great opportunity to bring UH students together with passionate medical leaders who could share valuable insights and spark real conversations about working and growing in the health care field,” said Sierra Nicholay, one of the student organizers.
Designing the promotional materials gave the team hands-on experience in communication strategy, but Sierra said it was the real-life impact that left the biggest impression.
Events like Future Health Leaders offer more than just inspiration — they provide real-world insight for students pursuing careers in health care.
“It’s important for students to attend events like this because it provides a chance to hear from those who have been in their shoes before,” Sierra added. “They know the feeling and what it takes to succeed in the field.”
The event's success was a testament to the power of collaboration — between departments, professionals and students all working toward a common goal.
Marti Trummer-Cabrera, UH’s JED Campus Lead, summed it up best.
“It was truly a team effort.”
For a list of mental health resources available to UH students, faculty and staff, visit the CoogsCARE website.
Need Support Now?
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call CAPS crisis support 24/7 at 713-743-5454, or for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline call or text 988, or chat online at 988 Lifeline Chat and Text.
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