Table Talks Bring Together Students and Faculty
Yasmeen Kawji, L3 Class Coordinator
The Protégés team hosted their 8th Annual Table Talks beginning in January of this
year and will continue to host them through April. Table Talks are a series of 20
special dinners that connect doctors of the past, present, and future to facilitate
the handoff of knowledge and experience to current medical students.
Faculty host dinners for small groups of LSU medical students, usually no more than
15 at a time. The dinners provide an opportunity for students to seek career and life
advice from faculty, as well as an opportunity for faculty to share their experiences
and connect with students who are just beginning their medical journey. This format
allows students to forge connections with faculty in a more informal setting. One
of the dinners was exclusively set aside for L1s so that more of the incoming class
had the opportunity to experience this unique program.
The team has received enthusiastic feedback from students:
From Dr. Robert Maupin’s Table Talk: "I had a wonderful time! Dr. Maupin provided so much useful advice and insight into
OBGYN. It was a relaxed environment with little pressure, and I felt very comfortable
asking questions and discussing my future career. Overall, 10/10 experience!"
From Dr. Jessica Patrick-Esteve’s Table Talk: "I truly think this is such an amazing idea. It is great exposure to students who don’t have an idea about what specialty they want to go into. The vibes were very calm and welcoming, and everything about meeting new peers was great as well. 10/10."
From Dr. Shane Sanne Table Talk: "I thought it went great! Dr. Sanne and his wife were very friendly and welcoming. It was very casual which made for a comfortable environment and they both gave fantastic advice. I could tell they were very into mentoring, and I was super comfortable asking them questions. Highly recommend!"
From Dr. James Riopelle & Anesthesia’s Table Talk: "It went well! I was able to meet an attending and some residents and get their perspectives on anesthesia, LSU's residency program, and how to schedule my 4th year of school to prepare for a residency in anesthesia."
