2. On August 18, 2011, Jill, Laurel, and I made our way to
St. Francis for our first day of Health Academy. We
had heard different stories of what we would be
doing for the next semester, but we were still not
positive what to expect. Finding our way to the
classroom was quite the struggle, however, once we
found our way we were immediately greeted by Mrs.
Clarke-Hang and felt very welcomed. For the next
week we reviewed the syllabus, discussed the rules of
the hospital, and listened to a few different speakers
explain what we should know about Health
Academy. We were also assigned a career paper to
get things started. Little did I know, this semester
would be very life-changing.

3. On August 31 and September 1, 2011, I spent my first rotation in
Rehab Services. Each day I followed a Physical Therapist (PT) to see
two patients. I also got to see what an Occupational Therapist
does. The difference between the two was explained to me as a
Physical Therapist looks out for the lower part of your body
(balance, legs, feet, etc.), whereas an Occupational Therapist
takes care of the upper portion (fingers, arms, etc.). The PT would
do simple exercises with the patients such as having them get out of
bed, raise their arms above their head, walk a short distance while
wearing a safety belt (the PT would hold on to it just in case), etc.
Patients were also asked simple questions such as do you live
alone, do you have safety bars on your toilet/in your shower, do you
have a walk-in shower or sit-in tub, do you have to walk up stairs in
your house?
Rehab Services was very interesting, however, after seeing more in-
depth I do not see Physical Therapy as a career choice in my future.
I would highly recommend this type of career for anyone who
wants to work in the medical field but does not want to constantly
be on call or work long hours. I still had fun though!

4. This week I went to the OR at SJC. It. Was. AMAZING!! I had the best rotation
yet. On Monday I arrived and changed into scrubs, hair cap, shoe
covers, mask and protective eye wear. The first surgery I was sent to was
supposed to be an Appendectomy, where they remove the appendix.
However, they found cancer in the patients colon so they ended up
removing their colon and I got to see it!! Then I watched a doctor trim a
man's prostate, then hook up a catheter to the man's penis. The last
thing I saw on Monday was a Hysterectomy where they removed the
woman's uterus. It was so cool because they used a robot to perform
the operation. When the uterus was finally removed I got to hold it! It
was so awesome.
On Tuesday I changed again then while I was waiting for a surgery to begin
I sat and watched another Hysterectomy and this time they were
removing the woman's uterus and ovaries. Next, I watched an Inguinal
Hernia and that was so cool too because I got to stand right by the
patient's head and watch the entire thing! After that I watched an
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery where they broke out some of the bone in the
patient's nose. It was weird because you could hear the bone breaking
and everything! Finally, I saw a Colonoscopy and then another Hernia
performed all on one patient. I had the best two days of rotation ever!!!

5. For Rotation six I was in Labor and Delivery at SJC. It was so cool!
Both days I was there I got to see a birth! The first birth I saw took
a lot longer than the one I saw on day two. This was because it
was the woman's first child and the first baby is always the
hardest to get out. The woman I saw give birth on day two was
on her third child. They both had girls! Day one and two I saw
how they stitch up a woman after she tears from giving birth.
There are four degrees of tearing, four being the worst. Mommy
1 had a third degree tear....OUCH and Mommy 2 just had a
second degree...still pretty painful looking. Both of the moms
requested skin to skin contact after the baby was born. Mommy
1 requested her baby to be cleaned off a little bit first, but
Mommy 2 did not wait one second to hold her child. I also saw
how they weigh, measure and bathe the babies after being
born. Labor and Delivery was really really cool you just have to
be patient because you're mainly waiting around for someone
to start pushing but when the delivery does start everything starts
to speed up. I loved it and it was a great experience!

6. For rotation seven I went to Respiratory at SFC on the fourth
floor. As you've probably pieced together by
now, respiratory has to do with your breathing and lungs.
Both days I followed a Respiratory Therapist. Each day
Respiratory Therapists are assigned to different units in the
hospital. The purpose for doing this is to keep the them
updated with the different areas of study in the
hospital, this way their knowledge of everything will stay
constant and will be renewed periodically.
The first day of my rotation, the Respiratory Therapist was
assigned to the CTI unit. Basically, what the therapist did
was go to see the different patients and provide breathing
treatments. All of these treatments seemed to be all the
same to me, in fact a couple of them are the same they
just have a different name and are more expensive. It just
depends on what you prefer.

7. The second day of my rotation, the Respiratory Therapist was
assigned to the PICU, Burn, and Neuro Units. I got to see a
patient in the burn unit who had a bunch of bad sores all
over their body. It was pretty cool. The therapist provided
different breathing treatments as well! There are quite a
few different breathing treatments; I will admit I was
getting a little overwhelmed but I still really enjoyed myself.
This rotation definitely wasn't my most exciting but it really
opened my mind. I have started to spark an interest in
becoming a Respiratory Therapist. It might sound boring to
some, but really if you think about it, you are never
confined to just one unit for the rest of your career.
Everyday you are assigned a new unit to work in so you
are constantly getting to learn about new things. It was
pretty awesome!

8. For Rotation eleven I was in General Surgery. This
was basically exactly like the OR so of course I
loved it! I saw my third hysterectomy, two
laparoscopic gallbladder surgeries, and two
hernia surgeries (one was open ventral and the
other was laparoscopic). They were all so
awesome! The laparoscopic hernia was
probably my favorite because they used the
camera to look inside the patient to place the
mesh over the hernia to repair it. They didn't
even have to cut into the patient except
making the incisions for the camera and for the
instruments! It was so cool. I am really starting
to think that general surgery/OR is my calling!

20. My first choice, Pediatrics, consists of caring for children from birth to early
adulthood; specializing in diseases and ailments specific to young and growing bodies;
supervising the health of children; advising parents on taking care of their new babies;
diagnosing childhood cancer; etc. To be a great Pediatrician you must obtain excellent
communicating skills. It is important to be a good communicator since you are going to be
speaking with children who are just learning to talk and you do not want what you are going
to say scare them or make them think they are just going to get hurt.
It is recommended that while in high school you take challenging math and
science classes. This included AP biology, chemistry, physics and calculus. You should also
enhance your communication skills with English composition, speech and drama classes.
Psychology is recommended to learn about human nature and explore the mind-body
connection. Also, while in high school, you should be volunteering at a health
clinic, hospital, women’s clinic, or eldercare facility to start familiarizing yourself with what to
expect.
After high school you should anticipate eight more years of schooling; four years of
regular college, then four years of medical school. To reach medical school you will be
expected to attain a college degree, not necessarily made up of a major in biology though.
The reason behind not having to major in biology is that it would be easier if someone were
to major in natural sciences since the following classes will be a part of it:
biochemistry, zoology, anatomy, statistics, microbiology, physiology, immunology, genetics
and cell physiology. Working your way up to medical school will consist of you taking the
following courses as well (may vary between medical schools): one to two years of biology-
including labs; one year of physics- including labs; one year of English; two years of
chemistry- including one year of organic chemistry and labs; and one year of calculus.

21. Once someone has finally reached medical school they will need to obtain a
Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.) degree. The first two years will be
spent in the classroom and labs learning. The last two years will be spent earning clinical
experience under supervision of licensed physicians.
After graduation, when you are completely finished with school, you will need to
attain a minimum of three years in residency training. This will be hands-on experience in
your specialty prior to obtaining a license to practice. Many employers require receiving
board certification through the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP), which is one of the
boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).
Pediatricians are also faced with talking to teens about birth control, helping
overweight children plan a diet, order tests to confirm your diagnosis, give babies
immunization shots, treat children for strep throat and other common ailments, etc. You will
be spending years studying and training and a lifetime keeping up with advances in
medicine, responding to emergencies late at night, working closely with other doctors, etc.
I find myself so interested in becoming a Pediatrician because I have always
known that I want to work with children. Also, being a Pediatrician brings you into contact
with so many new people; and I adore meeting new people and getting to know them. I
believe that I would be able to handle all the schooling as well. So far I have been going to
school for 12 years, I am positive eight more years will be a breeze.

22. My next career of interest would be Psychology. I have always been very curious
about how our minds work. I have never fully grasped the concept of dreams, how we
handle certain situations, or why we act the way we do when we hear about different
things. Psychologists in healthcare help patients and their families/friends overcome
emotional or psychological difficulties. They also study the human mind and behavior.
Those who work in the psychology field can work with different degree
levels, however, if you choose to practice individually you must obtain advanced schooling.
Psychologists typically need a master’s degree or doctorate to become licensed or certified
in every state, which you need to begin your work as a psychologist.
Psychology is such a large field of study that there is really almost no end to what
you could do. Some of the specialties consist of counseling, school or clinical
psychology, working with large companies and organizations to improve workplace
productivity or employee satisfaction, conduct research, publish papers, or even give
speeches.
A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement in the psychology field, but there
is high competition for jobs at this level. With this degree you will usually find jobs with the
federal government or work as an assistant to psychologists. An undergrad psychology
degree can prepare you for graduate programs. The bachelor’s degree program includes
course topics as research methods and decision-making and core requirements in areas like
development, social and clinical psychology.

23. If you are at the doctoral level then you may choose from a Doctor
of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) program. Most states
require you to have a Ph.D. or Psy.D. if you plan on running your own
practice. Doctoral candidates must complete research, residency, or
comprehensive exams (varies by program). Students usually work as
research assistants or teaching.
Psychologists who are preparing for a career in health psychology
often obtain general psychology training at the undergraduate and
doctoral levels, then receive specialty training at the postdoctoral or
internship level. For an undergraduate; health psychology courses are
available at about a third of North American colleges and universities. These
students are encouraged to take courses focusing on abnormal and social
psychology, learning processes and behavior
therapies, psychophysiology, anatomy and
physiology, psychopharmacology, community psychology, and public
health. A number of programs exist now in the United States and other
countries for graduates. Predoctoral internships provide specialized training
in health psychology in which at least half of the trainee’s time is spent in
supervised health psychology activities. Postdoctoral fellowships are found
in many university medical centers, universities, and health centers. Health
psychology programs offer specialized research and/or clinical training in
different areas of health psychology.

24. Another area of healthcare I have had numerous thoughts about is Obstetrics and Gynecology
(OBGYN). This is the specialization of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases/disorders that affect
women. These include: breast cancer, cervical cancer, and menopause. Obstetricians and Gynecologists
also help with expecting mothers through their pregnancy, during childbirth, and into postpartum (the
period just after deliver, as with postpartum depression- medicinenet.com).
I am interested in Obstetrics and Gynecology because, as I stated earlier, I love children; but I
am also curious in the specialization in the diseases/disorders that affect women. I have known/know many
women who go through breast cancer and I have always wondered what goes into treating them.
Generally, you must obtain a Bachelor’s degree, four-year Medical degree, complete a four-
year residency, and receive licensing in order to practice medicine to become an OBGYN. Depending on if
you graduated from an allopathic or osteopathic medical school, you have the option of passing an exam
to become board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology from either the American Board of Medical
Specialists (ABMS) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).
Undergrad coursework requirements for an OBGYN consist of: chemistry, physics, biology, and
other sciences. While in medical school, you will be taking courses in genetics, human
anatomy, microbiology, pharmacology, pathology, and more for the first two years. The last two years you
will be gaining hands-on experience in hospitals and clinics under the supervision of licensed physicians. You
will rotate through different specialties including Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, etc.
After eight years of schooling, you will need to complete an internship and residency in a
hospital; this may last up to eight years. Gaining residency at more distinguished facilities often requires a
very high class ranking, strong recommendation letters, and published medical research.
To become and OBGYN a state licensure is mandatory. After schooling and residency, you must
seek professional certification from the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) before legally
beginning your medical practice. To receive licensure, you must complete the U.S. Medical Licensing
Examination (USMLE).

25. Next area of healthcare is Physical Therapy. If I chose to become a physical
therapist I would choose to do it for a sports team. I am a huge athlete, I have played sports
my entire life, and so I know how often an athlete can become injured and then need
physical therapy to help them get back on their feet. I also have numerous friends who have
gone through therapy, and it is all thanks to the physical therapists that these kids get to
continue on with their dreams.
Physical therapists rehabilitate patients, including low-back pains, arthritis, head
injuries, fractures, accident victims, heart disease, etc. The physical therapist provides
services to improve mobility, prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities, restore
function, and relieve pain.
There are no specific undergrad majors, however, most physical therapy
departments offer a master’s degree that can be completed in about two years. These
degrees require courses to be taken in math, chemistry, physics, biology, and anatomy. An
undergrad student could enroll in a bachelor’s degree program in a specific area or
complete a pre-physical therapy-training course.
Community Colleges offer associate’s degree programs that prepare graduates to
enter into a master’s degree program. Students that enroll in this kind of program will take
courses including human physiology and anatomy, organic chemistry, general
chemistry, anatomical kinesiology, and biology.

26. Before you can go out into the world as a full on licensed physical
therapist you must complete a master’s degree program. A Master
of Physical Therapy degree program combines foundational
science courses with classes that emphasize clinical experiences.
Clinical courses may be taken between the first two years of
enrollment and the last year as well. After completing a master’s
degree in physical therapy a graduate is prepared to sit for the
National Physical Therapy Examination.
A few of the core physical therapy courses touch on
subjects such as cardiopulmonary physical therapy, neurological
physical therapy, physical therapy and psychosocial
issues, musculoskeletal disorders and physical therapy research.
It is required to obtain a state license before a graduate of a
physical therapy master’s degree can begin. After passing the
National Physical Therapy Examination, you may be expected to
complete additional state requirements, such as jurisprudence
examinations. Once you receive your license, it will eventually have
to be renewed to stay valid.

27. My final area of healthcare is Anesthesiology. I am interested in this
area of healthcare because I have thought it would be appealing to learn
how you are supposed to monitor a patient’s vitals when they are under
anesthetics.
In the beginning you begin your career with an undergraduate
degree, usually in one of the life sciences or mathematics. Continuing on
from the undergrad degree, a student is required to acquire a medical
degree and complete a residency program in anesthesiology. While
working through your residency, you are expected to study anesthesia
theory and complete internships in areas including critical
care, cardiology, and emergency medicine.
Anesthesiologists dedicate four years to a baccalaureate
degree, four years to medical school, and four years to a residency
program. There is only a limited number of schools that offer a master’s
degree in anesthesiology. While undergoing a two-year master’s degree
program, students study courses in physiology, pharmacology, pulmonary
mechanics, and electrocardiography.

28. The first two years of medical school are normally
spent in laboratories and classrooms completing courses
such as cell and tissue biology, gross
anatomy, pharmacology, and microbiology. The last
two years are spent at hospitals or clinics practicing
patient care. Towards the end of your fourth year, you
should be interviewed for residency positions at
hospitals.
The American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA)
gives out certification in anesthesiology and
anesthesiology sub-specialties. You must posses a
medical degree and recertification is to be completed
every ten years.
You can choose to work for a hospital or
outpatient medical facility once you complete your
residency program.

29. Kevin Arkin
Kapaun Mt. Carmel High School
8506 East Central
Wichita, KS 67206
316-634-0315

30. John Arnold
RedRock Canyon Grill
1844 North Rock Road
Wichita, KS 67206
316-636-1844

31. Chris Bloomer
Kapaun Mt. Carmel High School
8506 East Central
Wichita, KS 67206
316-634-0315

36. Next year I will be attending the University
of Kansas! I will be rooming with one of my
best friends, and I plan on rushing to be in
a sorority. Currently, I am planning on
majoring in Psychology! I am pretty darn
excited

37. As the semester comes to an end, so does Health
Academy. Throughout the semester I have had
numerous feelings about this class. There were
days when I could not wait to get to the
hospital, but I also had my days when all I really
wanted to do was go home and sleep (I’m sure
everyone did). I have learned so much with the
“hands-on” experience on rotations to
independent study in the classroom. This has been
a life experience I will never forget! There is no
regret in taking this class, because it really has
helped me cut down on some of my decisions. It is
going to be really weird not coming to the hospital
everyday next semester…I have thoroughly
enjoyed working with everyone and I will not
forget any of you, especially Mrs. Hang!