July 9, 2008

Instead of heading down the shore or hanging out around the house, two dozen select high schoolers are getting an opportunity to experience what it's like to be a doctor at Drexel University College of Medicine's Mini-Med Summer Camp.

From July 7 to August 8, campers will meet daily at the College's Center City Campus to interact with Drexel University College of Medicine physicians, fellows and residents in specialties like surgery, emergency medicine and critical care. The students will go on rounds with physicians at Hahnemann University Hospital and observe outpatient office visits. Every day will be different as campers experience life in the ER, see what goes on inside the operating room, and present their own cases while observing firsthand the doctor/patient relationship.

"We are thrilled to be entering the third year of this program. The students just love it," says David Stein, MD, assistant professor of surgery and director of the Drexel University College of Medicine Mini-Med program.

This highly competitive summer learning experience is for high school students entering their junior or senior year who are interested in a career in medicine. This is the first year the Kal and Lucille Rudman Foundation is sponsoring two students from Masterman High School, with scholarships in the name of Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers' daughter, Jenne, a Masterman graduate.

"After reading about all that the program offered and receiving the scholarship, I thought this is too good of an opportunity to pass up," says Elizabeth Massele, a 16-year-old entering her junior year. With aspirations of being a heart surgeon, Massele adds, "I like to help people and think being a doctor is a great way to do that."

Drexel University College of Medicine Mini-Med Summer Camp is part of a series of community educational programs offering specialized information in the medical field. All programs are open to the public and geared toward community members interested in expanding their medical knowledge.