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We want to invite New York State underrepresented minoritized and economically disadvantaged students who aspire to pursue optometry or other healthcare careers to join us for our CSTEP Symposium: Train to Go Pro, taking place on Friday, June 14, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM EST (Registration begins at 9:30 AM).
Join our esteemed staff and faculty, alongside CSTEP and OD students, for our annual “Train to Go Pro” event as part of our 4th annual Eye Care Camp. Inspired by the rigorous preparation required for athletes striving to turn professional, we have crafted this event to mirror the hard work necessary to excel in a healthcare career.
Throughout the day, participants will gain insights into the application process and best practices from our admissions department. Additionally, they will learn how to cultivate a professional mindset and be inspired by our keynote speaker.
A highlight of the event will be a panel discussion featuring faculty on the Admissions Committee at SUNY College of Optometry, along with insights throughout the day from our Admissions team, Director of Career Development and CSTEP, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, and our VP of Student Affairs.
The symposium will conclude with an optional forum to connect with members of our college community and all the distinguished speakers present.
| 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM | Check-in and Registration Campus |
| 10:00 AM – 10:10 AM | Introduction & Overview of the Process (Academic Requirements)
Office of Admissions |
| 10:10 AM – 10:50 AM | Setting Yourself Apart
Office of Admissions |
| 10:50 AM – 11:50 AM | Mastering the Academic Components (GPA and Standardized Exams)
Adam Nessim, M.D., The Pre-med Consultants (consider OAT Booster) |
| 11:50 AM – 12:20 PM | Keynote Speaker |
| 12:20 PM – 1:20 PM | Lunch Break
(Sponsored by VSP Vision) |
| 1:20 PM – 1:40 PM | Professional Exposure & Extra-curricular Experiences
Deborah Wang, O.D., Director of Career Development |
| 1:40 PM – 2:00 PM | The Personal Statement
Office of Admissions |
| 2:00 PM – 2:15 PM | Institutional Fit
Office of Admissions |
| 2:15 PM – 3:00 PM | Preparing for the Interview
Admissions Committee |
| 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM | Mock Interviews
Office of Admissions |
| 3:30 PM – 3:45 PM | Conclusion |
| 3:45 PM – 4:00 PM | Intersession Break |
| 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Camp Team Activities |
Vice President for Student Affairs
SUNY Optometry’s appointed Chief Diversity Officer
galbieri@sunyopt.edu
Dr. Deborah Wang grew up in the suburbs of Portland, Oregon and she eventually attended the University of Oregon. There, she majored in Human Physiology at the Robert D. Clark Honors College. Afterwards, she moved to New York City to complete her graduate studies at the SUNY College of Optometry.
Upon graduating, she began working at an ophthalmology practice in Brooklyn, NY, where she played a pivotal role as the first hired doctor, contributing significantly to the establishment and growth of the practice. In 2024, she transitioned from clinical care to the role of Director of Career Development at SUNY College of Optometry.
Dr. Wang believes in the importance of being involved with her professional network, holding the position of immediate president of OSCONY (Optometric Society of the City of New York). Additionally, she has served as the co-chair of the NYSOA (New York State Optometric Assocation) Young Advocates Committee in the NYC/LI region, chair of the Continuing Education Sub-Committee and is a member of the Brand, Communications and Outreach Committee, as well as the Annual Innovation Vision Conference.
Outside of work, Dr. Wang enjoys reading and exploring the bountiful NYC food scene, writing reviews as Yelp Elite for the past 8 years.
Joy Harewood, OD, FAAO, Dipl ABO is a graduate of the UC Berkeley School of Optometry and completed a residency in ocular disease at the SUNY College of Optometry. She has achieved Fellowship of the American Academy of Optometry and is a Diplomate in the American Board of Optometry. Dr Harewood has extensive experience in hospital-based eye care and the first was the first fulltime optometrist performing inpatient consults at Northwell Health’s Staten Island University Hospital campus. This is a position she held for 6 years. Dr. Harewood then worked as a faculty member in the Department of Ophthalmology at BronxCare Health System. There, she taught optometry and ophthalmology residents in a clinical and didactic setting, and provided direct patient care. She currently serves on the UC Berkeley Council for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB). She was named the inaugural Director for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging at SUNY College of Optometry in 2020, along with being appointed as an Associate Clinical Professor. She is a leading voice in the push to increase diversity in the optometric field.
