On Friday, Sept. 11, students had the opportunity to hear from two health care professionals who have traveled that path and built careers centered on science, patient care and service.
Elizabeth Bandyk, MSN, RN, FCN, of CURA Care Management, and Mark Bandyk, MD, clinical professor at the University of Florida College of Medicine, joined students in Phillips Hall for a program presented by Bethany’s biology department and nursing program.
Rather than simply talking about their professions, Elizabeth and Mark shared the experiences, decisions, and lessons that shaped their careers.
Elizabeth spoke about her journey from biology into nursing and how her interest in science developed into a career focused on caring for others. Her presentation, “Biology to Nursing: Caring, Science, and Service,” gave students a look at how an undergraduate education in the sciences can provide a foundation for a career in nursing and other health professions.
Mark offered a different perspective, sharing his journey through medical education and into a career in medicine. In his presentation, “Pursuit of a Medical Education: A Wonderful Road Travelled,” he reflected on the opportunities and challenges he encountered along the way and the experiences that ultimately shaped his career. 
Together, their stories gave students a chance to see that there is no single path to health care. The knowledge and relationships they are building as undergraduates can become the foundation for careers in medicine, nursing, and related fields.
Following their presentations, students continued the conversation with Elizabeth and Mark, asking questions about medical education, nursing, and careers in health care.
The program also brought together two areas of study at Bethany that share a common purpose: preparing students to take what they learn in the classroom and use it in service to others.
For students beginning to imagine what comes after Bethany, these presentations offered something particularly valuable: the chance to learn from professionals who once faced many of the same decisions they are beginning to consider today.
BETHANY, W.Va. (Sept. 15, 2026) — For Bethany College students considering careers in nursing, medicine, and other health professions, the path from the classroom to a career can sometimes feel like a long one.
On Friday, Sept. 11, students had the opportunity to hear from two health care professionals who have traveled that path and built careers centered on science, patient care and service.
Elizabeth Bandyk, MSN, RN, FCN, of CURA Care Management, and Mark Bandyk, MD, clinical professor at the University of Florida College of Medicine, joined students in Phillips Hall for a program presented by Bethany’s biology department and nursing program.
Rather than simply talking about their professions, Elizabeth and Mark shared the experiences, decisions, and lessons that shaped their careers.
Elizabeth spoke about her journey from biology into nursing and how her interest in science developed into a career focused on caring for others. Her presentation, “Biology to Nursing: Caring, Science, and Service,” gave students a look at how an undergraduate education in the sciences can provide a foundation for a career in nursing and other health professions.
Mark offered a different perspective, sharing his journey through medical education and into a career in medicine. In his presentation, “Pursuit of a Medical Education: A Wonderful Road Travelled,” he reflected on the opportunities and challenges he encountered along the way and the experiences that ultimately shaped his career.
Together, their stories gave students a chance to see that there is no single path to health care. The knowledge and relationships they are building as undergraduates can become the foundation for careers in medicine, nursing, and related fields.
Following their presentations, students continued the conversation with Elizabeth and Mark, asking questions about medical education, nursing, and careers in health care.
The program also brought together two areas of study at Bethany that share a common purpose: preparing students to take what they learn in the classroom and use it in service to others.
For students beginning to imagine what comes after Bethany, these presentations offered something particularly valuable: the chance to learn from professionals who once faced many of the same decisions they are beginning to consider today.
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