2.5 weeks, 96 hours - Medical academy students get the experience of a lifetime

The Medical Summer Academy had a jam-packed couple of weeks of learning, exploring and hands-on experiences giving them a front row vision of just what it is like to work in the medical field.

A man stands a few feet away from a dais and is talking to a group of high school students who are seated and all wearing white shirts and tan pants. Behind him is a woman also listening.

The group heard from physicians, physical therapists, nurses, physician assistants, occupational therapists and others, covering all aspects of the health field.

Two high school girls dressed in blue scrubs sit together. The girl on the left is smiling, wearing glasses and putting a bandage on the other girl's wrist. She is laughing, puttin gher hand over her mouth.

Students were trained in first aid, performed dissections and learned how to respond to a motor vehicle accident. They performed sonograms on a simulator, treated sports injuries, visited Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in Middletown and learned wilderness training. They were all certified in CPR. And they had fun doing it!

A group of seven high school students stand around a mannequin that is lying on a bed. An adult is performing a simulated sonogram and the results are on a monitor above them.

The group took a trip to Philadelphia taking in the sites and visiting the Franklin Institute Science Museum.

A large group of high school students and a few adults stand outside on a sunny day in front of a brick building.

The students were presented with their certificates after completing this enrichment course, one of five offered this summer at the high school.

“You students should be very proud of yourselves,” said Pine Bush High School Principal Aaron Hopmayer, while addressing the group. “You gave up part of your summer to learn. This sets you apart from all other students in the area and throughout the country.”

A high school girl wearing a white shirt and glasses, has her dark hair pulled back and shakes the hand of a woman with shoulder-length dark hair.

Pine Bush’s new superintendent, Brian Dunn, also spoke to the graduates and their families and friends.

A young man with short curly dark hair smiles and shakes the hand of a woman who is smiling back. He is wearing a white shirt and holding a large manila envelope.

“I’m thrilled to be here to honor these students,” said Mr. Dunn. “What I love about the medical academy is it’s based on science and service to our community.”

Dr. Michael Raucci and Antonia Ciccarelli lead the academy, which, in addition to the experience, earned students a credit in science.

“We did a lot in 12 days,” said Ms. Ciccarelli. “It is a wonderful opportunity for the students.” Ciccarelli herself attended this academy when she was a student at PBHS.

A group of 18 high school students smile and hold their manila envelopes in their hands. Half are sitting in seats in the front row, others are standing behind them. There is a third row with one student and four adults. The students are all wearing white shirts and tan pants. The adults have blue shirts on.

“This is a great learning experience,” said Dr. Raucci. “Ninety-six hours in two and a half weeks. This program is a good one. Students can see if they want to go down this path. You all have some knowledge now and can figure out what kind of life you want.”

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2.5 weeks, 96 hours – Medical academy students get the experience of a lifetime