Five aspiring doctors enrolled this summer in the University of Miami/Holy Cross Health Summer Surgical Scholars Program, a new immersive program for high school students interested in medicine and surgery.
Dr. Nathan Schoen, co-founder of the Summer Surgical Scholars Program and chief surgery resident at University of Miami at Holy Cross, teaches Vincent Perez how to perform CPR. Perez was one of five high school students who participated in the program's
inaugural session.A member of Trinity Health, Holy Cross Health is a Catholic teaching hospital in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Over the course of four days, participants in the scholars program shadowed general surgery residents and attending physicians in the operating room, clinic and emergency room, attended academic lectures and participated in additional hands-on experiences.
Dr. Nathan Schoen, chief surgery resident of University of Miami at Holy Cross, said the program he co-founded "provides high school students a truly unique opportunity to develop early medical interests and gain insight into surgical specialties."
The program was available free to students ages 16 and older who are relatives of Holy Cross Health employees. The general surgery residents and attending physicians who participated volunteered their time.