HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS GET A TASTE OF MEDICINE AND FUTURE CAREERS
BY MELISSA HAGAN; PHOTOS BY SARAH SHIPES & ATHINA SMITH
It’s prime time and we are all glued to the TV watching the next episode of Grey’s Anatomy, Royal Pains, and House in syndication or, in my day, it was ER, Chicago Hope, and St. Elsewhere. Many are attracted by Hollywood’s sensational and glamorous depiction of medicine. The perception on TV of extravagant lifestyles and super-model co-workers could not be further from reality. Most of us do not truly comprehend what it takes to get there, much less succeed, in the highly competitive field of healthcare.
Getting to the heart of the realities of medical professions is the Pre-Med Program at Mosley High School. Retired physician and motivational speaker Dr. John Wade, in charge of helping high school students get a head start in the study of medicine and developing our next generation of healthcare professionals, invites prominent local speakers from different medical fields to share their experience at monthly Pre-Med morning meetings in Mosley’s Media Center. During their senior year, students enroll in up to five externships in area clinics where they complete requirements and earn Letters of Recommendation for college and medical school.
Students are required to complete skills training at hands-on monthly Monday Pre-Med Meetings. These include learning suturing skills, dissecting hearts, and exposure to surgical and sterile techniques. A formative examination is given at the end of the sessions to ensure skills are mastered.
In the newly renovated Mosley High School, a fully equipped medical lab is available to PreMed students for dissection and research, as well as a new lecture room with modern technology, and a developing Pre-Med Office. The goal is to create a real-world clinic environment where students can participate in hands-on activities.
According to Dr. Wade, “Every disease we talk about in science is brought to life through real-world situations in the clinic that students get to experience hands-on. Stories stick, while principles fade… a great deal of theory and quotes are forgotten, but when students actually touch it and experience it – it sticks!”
The program was started about a year ago as an extracurricular activity in MAPPS (Mosley Advanced Placement Program for Success), but school leaders hope to eventually incorporate it into their overall curriculum. It plays a major role in career exploration by helping young people decide what they want in a career by exposing them to the realities of being a physician or healthcare provider and providing them with opportunities to learn vital skills through handson experience.
One of Dr. Wade’s concerns is that students will get all the way through college and spend a great deal of money, only to realize that it is not what they want to do. By narrowing their focus and determining their specialization early on, students can develop a competitive edge in this broad field. “I decided I want to help students make those vital choices in high school. As a result, it will improve their grades, their focus, and a commitment to make good grades now, so when they go to college, they will know exactly what they want to do.”
Students in the Pre-Med program aren’t just interested in becoming doctors; many want to be nurses, veterinarians, pharmacists, and dentists, to name a few. Dr. Wade reiterates, “My commitment is on a student’s personal growth. The Pre-Med program provides them with maximum exposure to real-world experiences by shadowing physicians through externship clinics and summarizing their outcomes and the essence of the hands-on experience. I want them to be able to answer two questions after each externship: (1) What did I learn? and (2) What did I love about this experience?”
[divider][divider]“After high school, I plan to follow my dreams in becoming a Veterinarian. I wish I can have the opportunity to attend Auburn University to fulfill my dream. This program has helped me pursue my dream, learning all the medical terms so I can strive to reach my goal.” – Athina Smith, 11th Grade Pre-Med Student
“The knowledge of experienced physicians and their recommendations on how to start college was one of the most valuable experiences. They even gave us information on how to start our own practices one day and how to apply for medical school now. This information is priceless knowledge when coming from people who have went through all the schooling and now are successful in thei career. Also the rigor of our classes have helped prepare me for college classes.” – Kyle Hudson, 11th Grade Pre-Med Student
“Dr. Wade is a true inspiration because he shows pure passion every day for his students and this program. He always offers motivational advice and stresses to the students they must have a passion for the career field they choose in life. He has made it clear to the students on every occasion that if you love your job then it won’t feel like work. These are the doctors and nurses we want practicing. Those that have chosen a medical field they love. Dr. Wade is igniting that beautiful medicine fire in our Mosley students.” – Veronica Kemeny, parent
“The most difficult part has been deciphering whether or not I want to pursue that profession. This is difficult because each field is interesting but some career fields spark more interest in me.” – Paris Kemeny, Age 14, 9th Grade Pre-Med Program student
The Pre-Med Program also leads to certifications in CPR, ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support), and Phlebotomy. As a result, students with these credentials can get jobs in the clinical field, earn income, and gain onthe-job experience while completing school. An added bonus for Pre-Med students are field trips to medical schools in Florida and “Bodies: The Exhibit” in Atlanta, Georgia, where they see dissected human bodies.
The interest in the program is high. 150 students, from freshmen to seniors, participated during the inaugural year and Mosley’s faculty and administrators estimate that over 200 students will join the Pre-Med program in 2016.
With palpable enthusiasm, Dr. Wade explains “What is exciting is that the program is studentled. It is a discovery! Students are the compass and help guide the program in regards to selecting and introducing speakers, choosing clinics they will visit, planning the end-of-theyear Pre-Med Banquet, and coordinating lab coat/pinning ceremonies to recognize students for their program accomplishments.”
Students can apply for the program online or in the MAPPS office. There is no cost to get in the program and students are not required to pay any additional fees. However, donations are needed and accepted from local area businesses and parents who wish to see the program continue to grow.
Dr. Wade encourages students not only to be successful in the classroom, but successful in life. His focus is developing our next generation of healthcare professionals as well as building character, leadership, and a positive attitude. “My commitment and the DNA of what I do are based on personal growth. I believe if a person can grow, anything is possible. Growth is the success and essence of who we are. We were created to grow, not to be stagnant like stale water.”
Growth can sometimes be tough and change never comes easy. Sandra Harrison, Mosley High School’s Principal, is very supportive of the program. “She created an environment for the Pre-Med Program to thrive.” Says Dr. Wade. He also credits good leadership and a great faculty that have a sincere desire to see young people succeed in life. His assistant, Danielle Thomsen-Masters, has been a key leader in their combined efforts. “In the past, teachers focused predominantly on theory; now they are allowing hands-on experience to be fused with academics and giving kids the holistic development they need to succeed!”
“My ultimate goal is to prepare these kids for LIFE! They are going to be successful because they are smart. I want them to develop the essence of growth, whether they stay here in Panama City or venture out into the world. I want to instill a commitment to grow. They will one day live in a future we will never see. What we impart to them today will transform that future.”
The Pre-Med Program at Mosley High School invites guest speakers from all medical disciplines to educate students on opportunities in the health and wellness industry. To be a guest speaker or for more information on supporting Mosley High School’s Pre-Med Program, please contact Dr. John Wade, Pre-Med Department Director or Danielle Thomsen-Masters, Pre-Med Department Coordinator at 850-767-4445 or visit their website at www.MosleyPreMed.com.
[author image=”https://www.panamacityliving.com/media/2014/10/PC-MAG-Photo-MHagan-full.png” ]Melissa Hagan is the President of Emerald Coast Interview Consulting since 2002. After locating to Panama City in 1998 as a military spouse, Melissa spent a large portion of her career at Gulf Coast State College as a Grant Manager, Project Director, and served as the Chief Development Officer. Melissa earned a Bachelors degree in Communications/Public Relations from Mississippi University for Women in 1989 and went on to complete a Masters Degree from the University of Oklahoma in Educational Leadership in 1999. Melissa is heavily involved in the local community and currently serves on several advisory boards for non-profit organizations. Recently, Melissa was appointed to the Florida Commission on the Status of Women where she will serve as an advocate and make recommendations to the legislature, governor, and cabinet on issues affecting women. [/author]