UCI Health gastroenterologist Dr. Nimisha Parekh
The Summer Health Experience program offered by UCI Health aims to introduce girls 15-18 years old to the wide range of healthcare career options beyond doctor and nurse. The next session is taking place starting July 29, 2019, and the deadline to apply is April 22, 2019.
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SHE is the brainchild of Dr. Nimisha Parekh, a gastroenterologist and director of the UCI Health Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program.
The SHE program includes:
- Hands-on clinical activities
- Basic life support training
- Creation of a health awareness project
- College prep counseling
The week is capped by a graduation ceremony where the students will receive a certificate of completion and a reference letter for their college application.
Parekh discusses this unique medical education opportunity, one of the only of its kind in the country.
Q: What was your reason for starting SHE?
A: There are many more careers available in healthcare beyond doctors and nurses, and unless you have a personal connection or experience, you are not necessarily aware of that. Healthcare is a good career for women. It’s stable, and it appeals to their caring, nurturing instincts as well.
Q: How did you develop the curriculum?
A: It was a team effort that involved business development and administrative staff, as well as clinical and medical experts. In addition to the opportunities to shadow and learn from healthcare professionals and participate in hand-on labs and procedure simulations, we also offer personalized counseling on how to apply for college and prepare for exams, as well an essay clinic and interview coaching.
Q: Have you received any feedback from past attendees on how their participation has made a difference in their lives?
A: We have gotten emails thanking us for the opportunity to learn about so many different healthcare career choices, such as acupuncture, nurse practitioner and physician’s assistant, as well as hearing about the different ways that people got into their profession. One participant let us know that she received a full-ride scholarship to the University of Wisconsin in Madison.
Q: What does this program mean to you?
A: It gives me an opportunity to mentor high school students at a time in their lives when the decisions that they make now will affect what happens the rest of their lives. In a society where there’s so much information overload, it’s important to reach out with a meaningful message.
Q: Has this experience changed the way you go about your job?
A: This keeps me motivated. It’s a lot of extra work, but I enjoy the opportunities to mentor, increase awareness of all the types of opportunities available in healthcare and help improve the girls’ chances of getting into a healthcare career.
Q: Do you see yourself as a role model?
A: I guess, to a certain extent. High school is a very pivotal time, a turning point for these girls, and when I was in high school, I went to a math and science program at Arizona State University for two summers. It was very exciting, working and going to class for five weeks.
Q: Do any of your male colleagues participate?
A: Yes they do, and they love it, especially Dr. Jason Samarasena and Dr. Gregory Albers. They are all very supportive, and I appreciate that.
Q: What kind of support does SHE receive from UCI Health?
A: We use the facilities in the UC Irvine Medical Center and at the UC Irvine School of Medicine. Our students shadow the physicians, nurses, administrators, research scientists and allied health professionals as they make their rounds and go about their daily tasks. Everyone who participates in the program volunteers their time and expertise. Many of the CDDC (H.H. Chao Comprehensive Digestive Disease Center) staff and volunteers, as well as GI (gastrointestinal) division staff provide assistance. This program would not be successful without them, and I am grateful to them for giving their time and sharing their expertise.
Q: Are there any avenues available for those interested in supporting the program?
A: There are different ways to support the program. Healthcare and business professionals are welcome to donate their time and expertise. We also offer scholarships, and there are sponsorship opportunities available. Anyone who interested in supporting the program can email Sonha Castelli at sncastel@uci.edu.
Q: How can I apply to the program?
Apply to participate in the SHE Program ›