The Misericordia University American Medical Association's inaugural Pre-Medical Conference, "Why Medicine?" attracted more than 90 high school and college students, and their families to campus for a series of guest speakers and workshops aimed at careers in the medical fields.

The conference was hosted by the university's Pre-Medicine Club. The forum was for students interested in a career in medicine. Guest lecturers discussed the rigor of premedicine curriculum, the role of the physician assistant in the health care industry today, and what type of hands-on research are available at the undergraduate and graduate levels for students.Karen A. Arscott, D.O.,

M.S.C., associate professor of clinical sciences at The Commonwealth Medical College, Scranton, was the keynote speaker. During her presentation, Dr. Arscott discussed her path to a career in medicine and much more.Alexandra Wagner, Tamaqua, a member of the university's American Medical Student Association and its president elect, helped coordinate the conference.