Program gives students a look at medical jobs

Students learn how to do suturing during the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences' MASH program. The program, which ends on Friday, introduces students to a variety of professions in health care to help them determine the right path for them.
Students learn how to do suturing during the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences' MASH program. The program, which ends on Friday, introduces students to a variety of professions in health care to help them determine the right path for them.

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences MASH program is under way.

The two-week program, which ends Friday, introduces students to a variety of professions in health care to help them determine the right path for them.

Students visit local hospitals, clinics and other providers during the program.

"They learn how to do casting and suturing with family medicine residentss," said Bradi Kelley, UAMS prehealth recruiter and regional MASH director. They visit the operating room, lab and pathology. They do pig heart dissections and a mock-trauma at LifeNet. We're touring different departments at both local hospitals.

"We're hoping to help them figure out if health care is what they want to do in the future and if so what area of health care interests them."

Jade Lloyd, a junior at Arkansas High School, said she enjoyed this year's MASH program.

"I've definitely learned going into this field is about helping others," Lloyd said. "You have to have a passion for it. You can't just do it for the pay. You have to have a heart for it.I started out wanting to be a pediatrician. My mom is a nurse but in the fifth grade I lost a friend who had a brain tumor so now I may be leaning toward radiology."

At the end of the program, students will also be CPR certified.

The program not only benefits the kids but the local medical community.

"These kids are like a breath of fresh air when they come through. I can tell the professionals enjoy teaching these students and exposing them to their particular healthcare profession," Kelley said.

Participating in the MASH program is an honor. There are usually about 100 to 120 students who apply each year, and between 16 and 20 are accepted .

"It is an application process," Kelley said. "Applications generally go out in February each year. The deadline to return it is mid-April.Then we have a committee that sits down and scores the applications. It's based on their GPA, school and community involvement, extracurricular activities, their essays and one-on-one interviews."

An applicant has to be a current sophomore, junior or senior.

Kelley said the program couldn't be done without support from the community.

"We are so thankful for our sponsors that cover all the costs of the program so it is free to all accepted students," she said. "Community support for this program helps tremendously. It wouldn't be possible without the support of our local hospitals and other health care professionals."

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