Pre-med students, from left front, Jacqueline Chu, Chelsea Walton, Christina Riley, Lauren Manning, Tejal Patel. Back from left: Dr. Randell Nuschke, Pre-Med Orientation at the Shore Medical director, Alex Varas, Emmanual McDonald, Justine Gaver, Leon Anijar, Rachel Catalana, Evan Schreyer.

COURT HOUSE — Thirteen college students can now agree that being afforded an observational opportunity at Cape Regional Medical Center, and at local medical staff practices, definitely serves to be a career-defining experience.

This summer’s "Pre-Med Orientation at the Shore" Program students hailed from Emory, Villanova, Ursinus, Philadelphia, Wake Forest, Bucknell, St. John’s (Minnesota), George Washington, University of Pennsylvania, Eckerd and Hartford universities/colleges and really took full advantage of the opportunity to observe in various departments throughout the medical center, as well as accompany anesthesiologists and surgeons into the operating room, according to a release.

Their educational program included time spent in the cardiac catheterization laboratory and Cape Regional’s Emergency Department. Many witnessed a birth in Maternity.

The “Pre-Med Orientation at the Shore” Program ran from July 7–Aug. 15.

At the program’s conclusion, a graduation luncheon was held in the students’ honor and was an opportunity to share feedback.
“The young men and women who participated in our 2008 ‘Pre-Med Orientation at the Shore’ Program are the most motivated and passionate group of students,” stated Dr. Randell Nuschke, program director.

“Each student was enthusiastic to learn and experience all the varied aspects of the medical field, from the clinical Pharmacy to the Emergency Department to the private practice. They were always eager for more experience. Each one leaves this program with a heightened view of the career choices available to them,” Nuschke added.

“Our thanks to all of the Medical Center staff who went the extra mile to give the program’s students an unparalleled experience,” stated Julie Paolella, director of Volunteer Services.

“This experience is one that just may help these students make that important decision to choose a career in medicine,” she continued.