In May of 2016, I had an extraordinary opportunity to get up close and personal with hospital procedures. My father, a sales representative for Medtronic, was called into Allegheny General Hospital to oversee a case involving an emergency neural angioplasty. With this, I was able to come with him to witness the four hour long surgery. Dawned in scrubs and filled with curiosity, I was introduced to proper surgical procedures and hospital functions. Using a catheter and a neural stent, the surgeon performing the act entered the patient’s groin and snaked the device into the brain in order to remove arterial blockage and restore normal blood flow to the organ. The event was truly incredible, for the patient was able to leave the hospital that same day with nothing but a small incision near the groin.

Total hours: 4

I have been very involved in regards to my exploration of the medical field via hands-on experience. Wanting to help give back to the community as well as to expose myself to the complex world that is modern medicine, I contacted a local clinic (TCWU) and secured a volunteer/observation position during the summer of 2016. Partnered with nearby Union Hospital, this particular non-profit clinic is staffed entirely by medical personnel volunteering their own time to help those in need. During my time at this clinic, I am able to witness numerous individuals stricken with poverty. Despite their financial situations and lack of health insurance, these patients are still human beings that deserve the best treatment available. Observing doctor-patient interactions as well as analyzing medical charts and data, I am able to learn through firsthand experience.

Total hours: 6