St. Lucie West Centennial High School student Jazmine Villa participated in the University of Miami and Holy Cross Health Summer Surgical Scholars (S³) Program, a new immersive program for high school students interested in medicine and surgery, this summer.
Over the course of four days, participants shadowed general surgery residents and attending physicians in the operating room, clinic, and emergency room, attended academic lectures, and participated in additional hands-on experiences. “The S³ Program provides high school students a truly unique opportunity to develop early medical interests and gain insight into surgical specialties,” said Nathan Schoen, M.D., M.P.H., cofounder of S³ and chief surgery resident of University of Miami at Holy Cross. “Through my own struggle finding meaningful shadowing and mentorship as a young student, I knew there was a need for an established, immersive shadowing program in surgery. With the assistance of my own mentors and co-residents, we gladly volunteered our time to teach these impressive high school students. We aimed to pique their interest in medicine and serve as role models who can help guide their future careers, possibly even at Holy Cross for their own residencies.”
“Fostering interest and motivation in medicine with the next generation of healthcare providers is vital to the future of the industry,” said Dr. Michael Perez, chief of surgery and S³ cofounder. “For these potential future physicians and healthcare professionals, completion of the University of Miami / Holy Cross Health Summer Surgical Scholars Program not only provides insight and direction to these students, but is also a well-deserved, impressive addition to their resumes and college applications.”
