Feb. 12, 2022
By Jessica Cerrito
Staff Writer
Ever since she was a little girl, junior Ana Gonzales, who is also a member of The Lighthouse staff, has aspired to become a surgeon. She wants to be an innovator and help as many people as she can.
To prepare herself for her future career, she is currently taking Mr. Mosca’s Forensic Science class and plans to enroll in Human Anatomy & Physiology next year. However, Gonzales said she is also seeking learning opportunities beyond the traditional classroom. That is why, in October, she took steps to create a Medical Club at LHS.
“To get this club started, I had to create a curriculum that explains what the purpose of the club is, the advantages of it and what the club will be about. I also had to get signatures of 15 or more students and, lastly, I had to get an advisor,” Gonzales said.
Even though science teacher Mr. DeVito does not have a medical background, Gonzales said she approached him to be the club’s advisor, and he happily accepted the offer.
“Mr. DeVito was my substitute teacher for Forensic Science, and I saw how great of a teacher he is,” Gonzales said. “As an advisor, Mr. DeVito brings in people from the medical field to speak to our students, he brings in the activities we will do at each meeting and he brings a positive attitude.”
The Medical Club’s purpose is to explore different aspects of medicine and allow students to ask and answer questions relating to these careers. It meets on the last Tuesday of every month during lunch in Room 211, and all are welcome to join.
Gonzales said she looks forward to learning about careers in medicine and reviewing cases on the website OnlineMedEd CaseX to come up with diagnoses.
“In hopes that Covid gets better, the Medical Club plans to take trips to hospitals so students can have firsthand experience in the medical field,” Gonzales said.
The Medical Club also plans to host bake sales and fundraisers for organizations that help people who cannot pay their medical bills. DeVito said he thinks the club will be successful because 28 students showed up to the interest meeting on Dec. 22.
“To get a better idea about the pathway into the medical field or about what people do with various careers in medicine or research, we plan on interviewing people in the medical field, creating post-secondary road maps for the students in the club and using simulators to do mock diagnostics on fake patients,” DeVito said.
He advises students who are looking towards a career in medicine to work hard, remain dedicated and remember that the only obstacle is themselves.
“If you want to pursue a career in the medical field, you need to be able to make quick decisions based on limited evidence and have the confidence to trust your decisions,” DeVito said. “The club provides a better plan… for the future and [is] a great résumé piece on your college applications.”
Sophomore Serena Berges, who is a member of the Medical Club, aspires to become a registered nurse.
“It is a great opportunity to learn more about the field and ask questions to see if working in the medical field is right for them.”
“My aunt and cousin are nurses, and they always talk about how rewarding the job is, even on their most difficult days,” Berges said.
She said her commitment to nursing is unwavering despite the chaotic schedules nurses face.
“Challenges are a part of every career, and I still want a career in the medical field because it’s a great job,” Berges said. “[Nursing is] definitely worth it in the end.”
She said students should join the Medical Club because the meetings give members a chance to exchange ideas with people who share a common interest.
“It is a great opportunity to learn more about the field and ask questions to see if working in the medical field is right for them,” Berges said.
Sophomore Lucas Melendez said he decided to join the Medical Club even though he does not intend to work in the health care industry.
“My mom works in the medical field in the ENT [Ear, Nose and Throat] Department, and I’ve always been interested in this field,” Melendez said.
He said the club will be successful because there is a wide range of topics and careers to discuss. He said Covid-19 has also caused more individuals to take interest in helping others.
“I look forward to being able to learn more about the medical field, partake in activities or fundraisers to benefit others and to be able to make a difference in people’s lives with the information I obtain,” said Melendez.
