A select group of outstanding Lansing high school students have been chosen for a new program that gives them insight into a career as a physician, thanks to a partnership between the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and Sparrow Health System.
This summer, 16 students will learn what it takes to get to medical school, what the life of a medical school student is like, and what kinds of careers are open to doctors of osteopathic medicine.
“The Future DOcs program is unique to meet participants’ individual needs—just like the osteopathic philosophy,” said Katherine Ruger, admissions director for the college.
Participants are mentored by MSU medical students and will meet and work with faculty members and Sparrow physicians by taking part in classroom activities, building study skills and exam strategies, learning basic CPR, and taking part in an osteopathic manipulative medicine demonstration. Open to ninth through 11th graders, students will attend the program Saturday mornings for seven weeks through July, alternating locations between Sparrow and MSU’s campus.
“MSU is best suited to prepare them for an advanced learning environment and test-taking, and through Sparrow, we can deliver an integrated, hands-on experience,” said Timothy Hodge, executive medical director of emergency services at Sparrow and a member of the Sparrow Health System Board of Directors. “Even when they come to the emergency department, I don’t want to expose them to just emergency medicine--I want to give them an experience where they can interact with pathologists and other health care professionals.”
In the fall, Future DOcs will expand to include 15 students from each of the three Lansing-area high schools including Sexton, Everett and Eastern.
Hodge, an MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine alumnus, believes the importance of Future DOcs goes well beyond the classroom and even the medical profession.
“We’re going to see 16 great students this summer and I look forward to them being at the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine someday,” he said. “But this program isn’t just about helping kids learn about what it takes to be a physician. It’s about inspiring minds and growing leaders. Our schools need help and by partnering with leading organizations like Sparrow and MSU, I expect to see these students become leaders in their respective high schools and leaders for this community.”
Students were nominated for participation by their respective high school guidance counselors and selected by a review committee based on academic performance, a letter of recommendation and a written essay.