Empower is a symposium on underrepresented voices in medicine.

Empower is a free virtual conference hosted by students from Harvard Medical School. It is our aim to diversify the next generation of physicians and physician-scientists and to enhance, equip, educate, and empower the future of medicine.

Conference 2025

March 8 - 9, 2025

Time to be announced | Virtual

FUELING PASSION, IGNITING PURPOSE

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FUELING PASSION, IGNITING PURPOSE 〰️

Hear from our attendees.

  • "The 1:1 interview was a powerful opportunity. I have looked into interview preparation and it is very costly. My family and I do not have the funds to allocate towards interview prep, or application review by professionals so having this conference provided me with many tools that I can use moving forward in my application process."

  • "It was amazing to hear about other stories or individuals that have been through out situations. Their stories are an inspiration to keep us pushing against the obstacles and odds and that at the end it will all be worth it!"

  • "All the panelists for this event had so many different paths to medical school. I know now that I am going to carve out my own too. As a first gen, Black, Muslim, woman student I don’t have these resources and you all have done something so special for everyone with this event."

  • “This conference was truly empowering. Not only were we provided with a lot of rich information about the journey to medicine but also exposed to so many leaders and bright minds in medicine. Listening to the stories that were shared during the conference was truly inspirational and humbling."

  • "I loved being able to hear from current medical students and their paths to medicine and their advice for the application process and essays. It made me feel much more confident in myself when I apply because these people were in my shoes not too long and feeling the same feelings of self-doubt at times."

  • "I have left Empower more inspired and motivated to continue my pursuit of becoming a physician. Most importantly, it was incredible getting to hear first generation physicians and knowing that there are people like me that are out in the field and have accomplished what I set out to do."

  • "The vulnerability shared amongst many of the speakers was so powerful and really helped with my inner thoughts and feelings. Every session I attended I gained invaluable, priceless experiences from them and I am still in awe about the empowering people I met today."

Empower your future.

Learn more.

Who is eligible for Empower?

Historically underrepresented students in medicine are welcome to apply. Students must self-identify with one of the following categories. Pre-medical college through post-baccalaureate students are eligible to apply.

  • Black, Hispanic/Latine, American Indian/Native American (including Alaskan or Hawaiian Native), and Pacific Islanders

  • LGBTQIA+

  • First-Generation, Low-Income

How do I apply?

Click the Apply Today button in the header or follow this link to the application portal. You’ll create an account on this site which will be used to access the application form and, if accepted, access the conference site. Our Application Readers will review your complete application and you will be notified if accepted to Empower.

What will I learn at Empower?

Empower features keynotes by leaders in medicine, an admissions presentation by Harvard Medical School admissions staff, application information sessions including MCAT and AMCAS support, and various panels. Previous panels have included affinity spaces, summer programs and gap years, finding your passions, overcoming adversity, paths in and beyond medical school, and mentorship and activism. The schedule of Empower changes every year as we strive to incorporate attendee feedback.

Is Empower free?

Empower is completely free of charge for our attendees. We are supported by the Office of Recruitment & Multicultural Affairs at Harvard Medical School and our other generous sponsors.

Who can I contact if I have additional questions?

Please feel free to reach out to a member of our team at empower_conference@hms.harvard.edu. You may also use our contact form.

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Percentage of Conference Attendees

URiM includes Black, Hispanic/Latine, American Indian/Native American (including Alaskan or Hawaiian Native), and Pacific Islanders.

4 years
55+ programming hours
350+ speakers and panelists
1000+ attendees
80+ sessions
$700+ resource discounts available to attendees

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