Club Med is scheduled to have an ophthalmologist, a doctor specializing in eye disease, address club members on Nov. 12, according to club president Omeed Malek. The ophthalmologist, Michael Behforouz, is an esteemed doctor and has been featured in the Indianapolis Monthly “Best of 2011.”
“(Guest speakers) give valuable insight into their field and their lives so that students can determine if they think that field of medicine is right for them,” Malek said via email.
According to Malek, hearing a neurologist speak during his freshmen year sparked his interest in neurology.
Club Med sponsor Sarah Gillim has a similar story. “Guest speakers have influenced me throughout my life, making me want to pursue various subjects,” she said.
Malek said many guest speakers are found through members’ parents and their connections. “We try to get guest speakers from popular fields like pharmacy and oncology to come talk to us,” he said.
For instance, Club Med also plans to invite Domenico Calcaterra, a heart and thoracic surgeon, within the year. Calcaterra is an Ivy League graduate who practices surgery at IU Health North Hospital.
In the perspective of a student, Malek said he believes guest speakers are fun and informational.
“It’s been a Club Med tradition and a big part of what we do during the year, so I’m just keeping that tradition alive,” he said.