The answer to the question, “Is there a doctor in the house?” will be a resounding, “Yes!” during the second annual Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium at Methodist University.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta, practicing neurosurgeon and chief medical correspondent for CNN, will present Medicine and Media on Wednesday, April 17 in Reeves Auditorium on the university campus. While the event is free and limited seating will be open to the public, advanced tickets are required.

Gupta’s presentation as keynote speaker of the symposium, which has expanded from a one-day event in 2012 to a weeklong event this year, marks the inaugural lecture of the Presidential Lecture Series. In a recent press release on the event, Methodist University president Dr. Ben Hancock acknowledged that the series, made possible through the generosity of community partners and individuals, “strives to bring renowned national experts to the campus and community, emphasizing signature programs at Methodist University.”

Pam McEvoy, director of Public Affairs for Methodist University, explained that the series is part of the “MU Journey.”

“Last year, when Dr. Hancock was inaugurated, it was his vision to bring speakers to campus for the students to engage with the students and the community,” said McEvoy. “This is part of Dr. Hancock’s vision of the MU journey that allows students the opportunity to say, ‘Whoa, Dr. Gupta came my sophomore year!’ And this event falls in nicely with the symposium because we are launching our health sciences program. Dr. Hancock thought Dr. Gupta would be a good fit.”

The new School of Health Sciences includes the Applied Exercise Science, Athletic Training, Health Care Administration, Nursing and Physician Assistant programs.

In addition to his lecture, the multiple Emmy-award-winning chief medical correspondent for CNN will be meeting in informal chats with health-science students and potential preceptors and healthcare administrators who are further along in the program, noted McEvoy.

“Throughout his time with us,” McEvoy said, “we will have students with him. We have what we call Leadership Fellows who will be integrated into what he’s doing.”

For more information on the lecture and tickets, please contact McEvoy at (910) 630-7043, Director of Marketing and Communications Maria Brunson at (910) 630-7114 or Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications Roxana Ross at (910) 630-7292.

Photo: Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN’s chief medical correspondent, will speak at Methodist University on April, 17.