This year, we’re honored to be joined by Dr. Michelle Dalal as our keynote speaker. Dr. Dalal is a Physician and Associate Professor of Pediatrics at UMass Chan Medical School, and the Medical Director of University Health and Counseling Services at Northeastern University. In her role, she supports students’ physical and mental well-being through a holistic, lifestyle-based approach to care.
Dr. Dalal earned her degree in Nutrition from Cornell University, her medical degree from the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, and completed her pediatric residency at Brown University/Hasbro Children’s Hospital. She has also trained in Motivational Interviewing and Culinary Coaching to help patients make sustainable health changes.
Dr. Dalal’s work integrates lifestyle medicine into everyday clinical care. She is an active advocate for public health, serving as a Worcester District Delegate to the Massachusetts Medical Society and on its Committee on Public Health, with leadership experience in mental health, substance use, and oral health advocacy.
Her research focuses on adolescent and young adult health, particularly the impact of lifestyle interventions on depression. She is co-author of The Teen Lifestyle Medicine Handbook: The Power of Healthy Living and has presented her work at conferences locally and internationally.
Outside of her professional life, Dr. Dalal enjoys reading, traveling, and exploring new cultures. She’s also a proud Northeastern parent—one daughter is pursuing her Doctorate in Physical Therapy, and another recently began her first year at the university.
Conference Schedule
*Subject to change as planning continues*
| 8:30-9:00am | Conference Check-In | Attendees collect name tags and network with other participants. Light refreshments available while supplies last. |
| 9:00-9:50am | Keynote address | A current practitioner shares about their journey through healthcare and the role wellness has played. |
| 10:00-10:50am | Admissions Panel | Representatives from various health graduate programs speak about admissions processes and current trends. |
| 11:00-11:50am | Alumni Panel | Northeastern alumni reflect on their journey applying to and in medical school, dental school, and PA school. |
| 12:00-2:30pm | School and Resource Fair*, Wellness Activities, and Lunch | At the School and Resource Fair, speak to admissions representatives from a variety of schools and programs about their school’s mission and culture. Explore resources available to guide you along your application journey. Participate in short activities designed to promote wellness, including a service activity to support unhoused individuals. A box lunch will be available to those who register for and attend the all-day conference. |
*Students and alumni who are unable to attend the all-day conference may still attend the School and Resource Fair in the afternoon. No registration is required if attending only the School and Resource Fair.
Registrants will be invited to a conference preparation workshop in January, hosted by Career Design, to learn more about professional skills for successful conference participation.
Conference Partners
There is no required fee for students or exhibitors to participate in this event as our office strives to create equitable opportunities for engagement.
However,
events like these are only possible through the generous philanthropic contributions of individuals and organizations like yours. If your program is interested in providing a gift to the Northeastern University PreMed & PreHealth Advising program to invest in our students and the growth of annual events, such as this Health Professions Conference, please email Program Director, Ciara O’Donnell (
c.odonnell@northeastern.edu). We appreciate your thoughtful consideration to invest in the future of medicine!
All conference events will take place in the Curry Student Center on Northeastern University’s Boston campus (abbreviation “CSC” on the Campus Map HERE).
For directions to the Boston campus, please click HERE.
The closest visitor parking garage to the Curry Student Center is the Gainsborough Garage located at: 10 Gainsborough Street, Boston, MA 02115
The closest hotels to campus are:
Boston Back Bay Hilton Hotel
Prudential Stop, Green E Line
40 Dalton Street
Boston, MA 02199
617.236.1100
Colonnade Hotel
Prudential Stop, Green E Line
120 Huntington Ave
Boston, MA 02116
617.424.7000
Sheraton Boston
Prudential Stop, Green E Line
39 Dalton Street
Boston, MA 02199
617.236.2000
While there will be food provided at the conference, if you are looking for other food options nearby, consider the following options:
Modality
The conference will be offered in-person on the Boston campus. For those studying at other locations within the campus network, recordings of the sessions will be made available on this webpage following the event. Please only register for the conference if you will be able to attend in-person.
Snow Plan
While we are hoping for mild weather, winters in Boston can be unpredictable. In the event that the conference cannot be held in-person due to inclement weather, a snow plan will be emailed to all attendees and presenters.
