A Day of Exploration, Mentorship, and Discovery in Cardiology for NU Docs
Northwestern University undergraduates in the NU Docs pathway program gathered at Feinberg for the second annual Cardiology Day—an immersive full-day experience designed to bring the field of cardiology to life through direct interaction with clinicians, hands-on learning, and meaningful conversations about the future of medicine.
NU Docs, a 10-month pathway program offered through the Feinberg School of Medicine Office of Health Equity, introduces undergraduate students to careers in medicine and life sciences through advising, mentorship, clinical exposure, and specialty-focused experiences, such as Cardiology Day.
The day opened with remarks from Quentin Youmans, MD, MSc, Director of Pathway Programs and Student Support and Assistant Professor of Medicine (Cardiology), who offered his passion for cardiology and the profound impact the specialty has on the lives of patients at risk for, and those with established cardiovascular conditions. He shared three reasons he loves the field: the deeply meaningful relationships formed with patients, cardiology’s strong evidence-based foundation, and the dynamic, hands-on nature of the work that often leads to immediate, measurable improvements in health.
The day continued with an Introduction to Cardiology session led by Ike Okwuosa, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine (Cardiology) and Assistant Dean of Medical Education. Dr. Okwuosa provided an overview of the scope and scale of cardiovascular science and medicine leveraged by rapidly evolving innovations, brilliantly emphasizing a new aphorism: “healthcare investigators are the superstars of Cardiology.” He encouraged students to ask questions, explore the “why” behind decisions, and use curiosity as a cornerstone of patient-centered care.
Next, students took part in one of the day’s most anticipated activities: the Cadaver Heart Experience. Fully supported by corporate partner ZOLL and guided by leaders and cardiology fellows at Northwestern Medicine, the session was engaging as students examined cardiac anatomy closely with mentorship and explored tools used in cardiac patient care—linking scientific concepts to real-world clinical practice.
The highlight featured a luncheon discussion led by Melvin Echols, MD, FACC, Chief Health Equity Advancement & Inclusion Officer at the American College of Cardiology and Associate Director of the Cardiovascular Research Institute at Morehouse School of Medicine, who discussed the humanity of medicine, reminding students that “you have to decide to care.” He reflected on the importance of personal values, gratitude, and intentional empathy, reminding students that caring for patients is a deliberate choice—one shaped by their own stories, experiences, and commitment to understanding the communities they will serve.
The afternoon continued with an Echo Immersion Program led by Alana Lewis, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine (Cardiology). Students observed echocardiography techniques and learned how cardiac imaging informs diagnosis and treatment across a spectrum of cardiovascular conditions.
The day concluded with “The Future of Medicine Is You,” a discussion led by Nausheen Akhter, MD, a 2025 winner of the Northwestern Medicine Humanitarian Award. She shared two principles that shaped her own journey—embracing uncertainty and staying aligned with purpose—and reminded students that “there are things that do not exist today that you will help develop.”
The second annual Cardiology Day demonstrated the impact of early mentorship, and hands-on experiences. Through specialty-focused programming, NU Docs continues to empower emerging scholars, helping them deepen their interests, build confidence, and gain the insight needed to succeed as future physicians.