Gaining valuable insight while going to school is something all students should look to acquire.

When it comes to the world of medicine, a number of Helix Charter High students are taking advantage of the opportunities coming their way. 

Students at the school in the field of medicine are interning at various hospitals around San Diego County. Among the tasks they are undertaking are things such as giving flu shots to patients, taking the vitals of patients and so on. If this sounds like a good opportunity for hands-on training, it certainly is.

Helix’s Kathryn Welch, Medical Pathway Instructor and Assistant Athletic Director, teaches both the introductory and capstone course in the patient care course series.

“Our senior students prepare for their medical assistant exam and upon passing are nationally certified medical assistants,” Welch stated. “They are qualified to enter the workforce immediately after graduation. Since we do not have opportunities on campus for our students to practice their skills, Helix started to look for partners in our community in which students could intern at MA’s. Sharp has been an amazing partner and has truly fostered our students.”

According to Welch, some 40 students will complete the program this year. Each student completes two to four hour shifts a week for 10 weeks (total of 80 hours of direct patient interaction).

“We have students at the following locations: SRS Scripps Ranch, SRS Sorrento Mesa, SRS Main, SRS Frost, SRS Santee,” Welch went on to say. “They are working in dermatology, family medicine, OBGyn, pediatrics, orthopedics, and pulmonary.”

Welch noted that students arrive around 1 p.m. and stay until 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and thursdays. They will room patients, take vitals, give vaccines, provide after care instructions, prep rooms and materials, assist with casting, surgery prep, vision and hearing tests, and other routine procedures. They are also tasked with charting, calling patients, and scheduling as needed.

When it comes to the benefits of these experiences outside the classroom, Welch believes they are quite beneficial.

“Medically and academically I think this is incredibly valuable,” Welch remarked. “Having the opportunity to work with several different medical professionals, learning how in-class lessons apply in the real world, and gaining confidence in their skills will prove to help them as they apply to colleges and continue to explore the medical field. Additonally, as many of my students will work while they are college students, this certification and experience will allow them to work per diem or even part-time in a field that supports their interest, help them build connections in the medical field and continue to help them explore future careers.”

Students getting hands-on learning 

For students involved, the valuable experience they take away from each day in the field is well worth it.

According to senior Leiya Mae Campania, “One of the most rewarding parts of being a medical assistant intern is learning from other experienced professionals. I enjoy observing and assisting my MA Audrey whom I work with and other medical staff, gaining insight into how medical practices run, and developing skills in patient care, medical procedures, and administrative tasks. As well as, being able to directly interact with patients. It’s fulfilling to play a role in making patients feel comfortable, answering their questions, and being part of their healthcare journey. Whether taking vitals, assisting with minor treatments, or explaining procedures, these moments provide real-world application of medical knowledge.”

After finishing her time at Helix, Campania said she plans to pursue nursing school with the ultimate goal of becoming a NICU travel nurse.

“Those who have the opportunity to be a part of the Patient Care internship I would say there is a combination of learning, contributing to patient care, and being part of a healthcare team,” Campania added. “This was my first time being able to experience seeing how a medical facility operates from patient intake and record-keeping to the complexities of patient care which is invaluable. Overall, my experience as an intern has placed myself in a better position for the future.”

Fellow senior Sol Rodriguez Corrales said they mostly enjoyed all of the hands-on work that was available.

“Another thing I really enjoyed was the amount of procedures I was able to observe,” Rodriguez Corrales stated. “Being at an OBGYN clinic was very versatile, some procedures resulted in me seeing lots of blood and bodily fluids, while others were more verbal consultations.”

While Rodriguez Corrales is not planning on going to med school once finished with undergraduate work, they are looking to be enrolled within PA school to become a pediatric physicians assistant. “My internship experience was very pleasant, everyone is very eager to teach. Don’t be scared to ask questions, you will not have a good time if you don’t address your concerns.”

For fellow senior Kamilah Jones, the hands-on experience allowing them to apply what has been learned in class is well worth it. They also pointed out the importance of being able to see what takes place inside a medical office and how it operates on a daily basis.

“I do plan on going to med school after finishing Helix, though I do plan on getting my degree first before I apply,” Jones commented. 

For other Helix students having this interning opportunity at some point and time, Jones noted, “A few things that I would tell them is to be willing to learn and try new things. I would also say ask as many questions as you can, as it can’t hurt and it will expand your knowledge for the future. As well as see absolutely everything that your advisor allows you to see. As it gives you the best chance to see all the different positions within the office and a better sense of what you could see yourself doing in the future.”

For these and other students getting their foot inside the doors of the medical world, it is definitely a healthy outlook now and down the road.

Editor’s note: Does your school offer some interesting and beneficial opportunities for its students? If so, email [email protected] with details for a possible story.