Julie Flygare Speaks on Narcolepsy at USC

By julie | May 10, 2014 |

On April 22, 2014, I had the honor of speaking at USC to future med-students and neurologists. I was invited by the Neuroscience Interaxon group, an undergraduate outreach program that teaches elementary, middle, and high school students neuroscience lessons, in an effort to spark interest in the sciences for higher education. Most Interaxon members plan to attend med school and become neurologists – perfect target audience!

In my presentation, I shared my inspiring narcolepsy journey from collapsing to the ground with laughter and dreaming through law school to getting treatment, graduating and becoming an advocate and community leader.

“Julie Flygare’s presentation was engaging and contained genuine emotion that gave a face to a medical issue that many are unaware of or know little about,” described USC Neuroscience Undergraduate student, Alakea. “As a future medical student, it was astonishing that it took doctors so long to recognize the symptoms and identify a cause with the advanced technology today. I would love for her to come speak to USC Keck School of Medicine in the near future as her story is relevant and relatable.”

The USC students laughed at my jokes and asked great follow-up questions. They are very BRIGHT and THOUGHTFUL young people – it was so refreshing. Afterward, I signed books and chatted with students individually.

Thank you so much to Alakea, Kate and the Interaxon group for hosting my USC presentation. Special thanks for my cute mug – I will cherish this as the first GIFT I’ve received from a speaking gig. 🙂