Learning. Doing. Sharing.
Rady Children’s Hospital’s Summer Medical Academy is an educational summer program that provides high school age students with unique and exciting opportunities to explore the world of medical training and practice. The Summer Medical Academy is for students who have an interest in healthcare as a career, and to inspire those students to become caring, insightful health professionals in a complex and rapidly changing world.
During the 4th annual Summer Medical Academy, 46 10th-12th grade students came from throughout San Diego county for two weeks. Sessions range from skills clinics to lectures, tours to career panels; we work to create the right balance for students with a broad range of learning styles. Under the guidance and expertise of more than 125 faculty from Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego, UCSD Skaggs School of Pharmacy, Illumina, and the UCSD School of Medicine, our SMA 2017 students learned about:
- Cardiac Conditions & Surgery
- Palliative Care
- Eastern & Alternative Medicine
- Pharmacy
- Orthopedics
- Wound Management & Suturing
- Genomics
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Self Care Tips & Techniques
- Specialties such as Psychiatry, Immunology, Anesthesia, Perinatology, and Pediatrics
- Clinical Skills such as CPR, medical history taking, and Umbilical IV placement, handheld ventilation
- Disaster Preparedness & Trauma
- Healing Arts
Being the change.
With the knowledge and encouragement of Dr. Glenn Billman, Chief Quality Officer at Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego, students took a deep look at one of the most pressing topics of our time – Prescription Drug Abuse. Through their research, interviews with key experts in various sectors, and their own personal experience, students created and gave a presentation from the perspective of their “power group,” as well as showing a 30-second PSA directed towards their peers. Most importantly, they shared their recommendations for how this public health epidemic can be solved.
SMA 2017 Program Celebration.
A Lifelong Impact.
One of the main goals of the Summer Medical Academy is to reinforce and/or increase our students’ interest in pursuing a career in healthcare. This year, 100% reported that the program did just that!
100% of students who participated in the 2017 Summer Medical Academy also reported that they would recommend the program to a friend who was interested in healthcare!
“I am now open to considering alternate medical jobs rather than pursuing a single career.”
“My knowledge about the medical field has really expanded because of this academy.”
“I think the most important thing I learned in the SMA was ‘If it’s not passion, don’t do it.’ I will never forget those words.”
Students shared that the program affected them personally and professionally as well, with many of them learning important lessons that will stay with them throughout their careers. In particular, they now know the importance of being open to the great and expansive world of healthcare and medicine.
“I learned that I don’t always have to have the entirety of my life planned out. There are so many ways and so many roads to take. This program also helped me manage my time and helped me feel less self conscious.”
“I learned that there is so much more to the medical field other than doctors and hospitals. And in becoming a doctor, there is so many other things to consider than just school.”
Coming into the program, many students were unsure of exactly what they were getting themselves into. Expectations were high, and we’re proud to share that 100% of students reported that the 2017 Summer Medical Academy either exceeded or met their expectations.
“It exceeded my expectations because it brought things into consideration that are going to be valuable in the years ahead. I loved all the hands-on experience.”
“Being able to meet with such a wide-variety of specialists was such a privilege, but what surprised me the most was the hands-on activities. Those blew my mind and was an experience I doubt I’ll receive anywhere else. I definitely feel more knowledgeable about the realities of this field, and it has helped give me career advice.”
Join the fun.
We are excited to share that additional Medical Academies will be coming soon! Contact us for more information: summermedicalacademy@rchsd.org.