Imagine being able to spend a school day off campus learning how a hospital works, what the nurses and doctors do on a daily basis, and getting to interact with patients. This is a dream for any student interested in the medical field.

A lucky a group of 19 Miami High seniors, who are part of the Allied Health Science Program (AHSP), have been given the chance to spend their periods 3 and 5 of their A days at the University of Miami Hospital (UMH) located at 1400 NW 12^th Ave.

Ms. Turner, the AHSP teacher, explained that these 4^th year medical skills students are required to go to UMH in order to complete 45 clinical hours, which are required to complete their Medical Assisting Program, which counts towards their certification.

In the Hospital

While the main reason for going to UMH is for hours, it also helps students get an insight into the medical field. For this reason, students are put into different units around the hospital which range from surgical intensive care to oncology and trauma.

Manuel Baldizon, who is in the cardiac care unit (CCU), said, “In my unit, patients are very delicate; many of them have heart pacers and central lines. So, for now, I get to help a lot with filing, documenting, and translating for visitors.”

Andy Tavel, who is in the cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation unit, said, “I help patients who have had pulmonary or cardiac issues get back in motion by helping them walk, move, and lift themselves.”

Challenges

Even though students have spent a short time at UMH, they have all faced some challenges. Juan Alvarado, who is in the pre-op unit, said that he has gotten lost several times because the hospital is huge and has so many floors.

Kayce Reyes, who is in the EKG/nuclear imaging unit, said that it’s hard resisting the urge to want to do everything that the nurses do.

Brenda Sanchez, who is in the oncology unit, said that her biggest challenge has been dealing with the hunger. “In my unit the nurses are always getting Starbucks. I see them eating, which makes me hungry. It’s even harder to deal with the hunger since we are at UMH for around three hours,” she said.

What They Like Best

Despite the challenges that students have faced, they all have a favorite part of the internship. Jamilee Yern, who is in the surgical intensive care unit, recounted, “The best part of my internship has been seeing how the hospital works and seeing patients that have had surgery right in front of me. Last week I saw an elderly man who had a surgery from the back of his ear all the way to his upper neck.”

For Yeiri Aparicio, who is in the surgical intensive care unit, the best parts have been the hands-on experience, being out of school, and being allowed to buy food at the hospital.

Louis Hernandez, who is in the neuro intensive care unit, likes seeing how a hospital works with its staff. He said, “I enjoy seeing the various procedures, and comparing that to how I would do it, so I can correct any mistakes.”

Application Process

Not everybody can be part of UMH internship. In October students were required to fill out a basic application, a background search form, and a parental consent form. Students were also required to turn in a resume, show proof of having their vaccinations, and complete online modules about hospital safety.

Once applications were turned in and approved, students were told they would be going to UMH from February to May. They were also told they had to buy a specific uniform, which consists of a green polo (which must be kept tucked in at all times), khaki pants, all white shoes, a brown or black belt, and their UMH badge, which was given to them on their first day of the internship.