"Applying to the health career focus program was the best decision I made in high school. Not only did I join a family within the Providence family of like-minded, pre-medical and pre-health individuals, but I gained the science background, the testing skills, and the critical thinking skills that are now helping me to succeed in my masters of science in global medicine program now. I know these same skills will continue to help me as I matriculate into medical school. Volunteering in the hospital at such a young age, a critical part of the health careers focus program, has been invaluable-- physicians I work with never fail to be impressed, and this experience has helped me to gain positions in competitive medically related organizations. I would recommend this program to anyone considering a profession in medicine. It was a maturing and eye opening experience-- and one I remember very fondly." Laura Lewis, PHS Graduate, Medical Focus Program, Class of 2006, November 16, 2010
Medical Focus Program Philosophy Statement and Goals
Providence High School’s MEDICAL FOCUS PROGRAM embraces the following Core Values according to The Mission of the Sisters of Providence under the umbrella of Providence Health & Services.
Students enrolled in this enrichment elective program learn to appreciate and respect life in all forms. In addition, they embrace, advocate, and live the core values of Respect, Compassion, Excellence, Justice, and Stewardship. They must hold themselves to a higher ethical and moral standard and learn to make wise health decisions. This is critical to their ultimate success in the field of health care as they prepare to become true health care professionals and providers of the future. Joseph Califano's quote "You, the individual, can do more for your health and well being than any doctor, any hospital, any drug, and any exotic medical device," is reflected in the philosophy and goal of information and learning provided for the students.
Exploration and experience are critical steps in understanding the demands of the field and prepare the student for a possible career in the field of health care. The challenge. a high caliber work ethic, and accountability as well as critical thinking skills observed and learned during internships all add up to a well-rounded four-year preparation for the student. The growth of technology in health care has made the program more exciting for this generation and appeals to a wider demographic interested in mathemathical and technological skills
Medical Information + Your Information = Wise Health Decisions that Can be Used for Self, Family, Friends and the Global Community
Goals Explained by the Scope and Sequence of the Curriculum
The Medical Program @PHS was established as an elective in 1989 when Providence HS and Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center entered into an agreement to jointly encourage students to explore the field of healthcare by focusing on health care systems, trends and advances, and the wide variety of jobs offered in the field.
The four-year program covers topics from health, medicine, and biotechnology to health care within political, social, economic, religious and ethical frameworks. The course introduces students to medical terms, growing trends in medical and health technology as well as instruction on vital signs and procedures such as CPR and first aid. The program also includes the history of medicine with its growing milestones, and biomedical issues such as health care systems in this country and other countries.
The program also covers elective courses in bioethics, genetics, anatomy & physiology, anthropology, and psychobiology. Along with the core science courses and a solid college preparatory curriculum, this program gives students a unique advantage developing study skills, critical thinking skills, time management skills, and the ability to handle a rigorous workload when transitioning to college. From professional lectures, dissection, visiting labs and medical centers to interning at hospitals and volunteering with health organizations, most students view the program as being a rich and rewarding educational and personal experience.
The Program follows the Scope and Sequence of the school’s Science Curriculum of College Preparatory, Honors, and Advanced Placement (The College Board) courses. The success of the program is the result of a unique partnership between Providence High School and Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center. Expansion of the program now includes participation and support of the following organizations/institutions- Providence Holy Cross Medical Center, Shriner’s Hospital, USC University Hospital, LA County + USC Medical Center, Glendale Memorial Hospital, Kaiser Permanente, Midway Medical Center, Huntington Memorial Hospital, and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
Community Clinics and Physician Group Clinics have also agreed to support, mentor, and assist with internship responsibilities. Students are also encouraged to volunteer for agencies such as American Red Cross, AIDS Walk, American Cancer Society, The Braille Institute, and the American Lung Association. The experience and exploration of the field is a critical step to the professional demands of the field. It prepares the student for a path to a possible career in healthcare services. The challenge and high caliber of expected work ethic and accountability as well as skills observed and learned during internships all add up to a solid and well-rounded four-year preparation of the student.
25-30 students are selected from the pool of incoming freshmen students applying to the program and meeting the established program criteria. Admission is restricted to 9th grade level. Students who discontinue/drop out may not apply for readmission. Enrollment Fee: $525.00 per year.
Criteria for Acceptance into the Medical Program:
Intellective, conscientious, and motivated student. Exemplary record of elementary school academic and behavior performance. Entrance exam performance. Approval of Administration and Medical Program Director. Ability to participate in program’s activities/projects outside of regular school hours. Quality of personal statement/essay in the school’s application form (completed under proper guidelines and specifications).
Criteria for continuing in the Medical Program: (assessed every semester)
Interest and motivation (evaluated at the end of every semester). Emotional maturity and capacity to handle challenging courses. Cumulative GPA of 3.00 or better. Active class participation and strong academic performance in tests/quizzes/projects. Appropriate and professional behavior when attending presentations or touring the medical center. Timely and accurate reporting of internship hours to Clerical/Field Supervisor. Approval of Program Director and Administration. Active and timely completion of volunteer service at assigned healthcare facility.
Student must complete the required hours during junior and senior years or will be dropped from the program.
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