Alumni Blog

St. Augustine Mini-Medical Residence Program

Posted February 9th, 2015

In September 2013, St. Augustine Prep and Premier Orthopaedic Associates partnered to pilot a “Mini-Medical Residency” rotation for students interested in medicine to gain real life experience in various subspecialties in the southern New Jersey area. Under the direction of Mr. Kevin McHale, Anatomy & Physiology teacher, and Thomas A Dwyer, MD, local orthopaedic surgeon, together they enlisted the support of over 15 local physicians and healthcare providers to offer St. Augustine Prep students with an interest in medicine an opportunity to further explore career options as a future medical professional. It was a great success!

Students spend a full work day with their choice from our network of over 15 mentors in the fields of general and surgical orthopedics, sports medicine, internal medicine, cardiology, anesthesiology, emergency medicine, pediatrics, interventional radiology, maxillofacial surgery, bariatric surgery, physician assistant, and physical therapy. After the opportunity to shadow and observe in a variety of medical specialties, the students conclude the semester with a Cadaver Lab, a hands on experience with the possibility of using arthroscopic equipment on cadaver knees and shoulders. Typically these labs are environments used for teaching medical students and surgical residents, however, through this partnership St. Augustine Prep students may benefit from having this experience as a high school student.