Washington, Idaho High School Students Explore Medical Careers in U-DOC

PULLMAN, Wash. — Seventeen Washington and Idaho high school students interested in medical careers are attending an enrichment program at Washington State University and the University of Idaho this summer.
                     

The six-week program, called U-DOC, permits students to explore medical and health careers and prepare for their college experience.

Mary Sanchez Lanier, program director, said U-DOC encourages participation by underrepresented minorities, rural, first generation and economically disadvantaged students.

 “Aspiring to be a physician does not always result in becoming a physician,” said Sanchez Lanier. “A successful college experience is essential for students who wish to pursue a professional medical education.”

U-DOC program participants receive an introduction to various health professions and the curriculum required to enter them.  They learn basic medical procedures from health care professionals at hospitals and clinics in Moscow and Plummer, both in Idaho, and Pullman and Spokane.  Small group of the students participate in service projects with the elderly at several senior citizen locations in Moscow.  Participants also visit Eastern State Hospital in Medical Lake and a pathology lab in Spokane. Exercises designed to improve their study, test-taking, writing, presentation and computer skills are presented.

The U-DOC program originated at the University of Washington in 1993 and is funded by a grant from the Health Careers Opportunity Program in the Health Resources and Services Administration. It runs in Washington and Idaho this year from June 13 to July 23. 

Participants from Idaho are Cord Barker, Genesee; Janae Brogan, New Plymouth; Alyssa Delbridge-Ramos, Sandpoint; John Elias, Idaho Falls; Mikalla Loosli, Ashton, Brenda Resendiz, Idaho Falls; Noonie Sawir, Moscow; and Kirk Robinson, Boise.

Attending from Washington are Maria Castro, Mesa; Amy Erdman, Spokane; Lauren Horn-Smith, Okanagan; Laura Huston, Sequim; Mara Lopez, Toppenish; Rodolfo Mondaca, Yakima; Mirella Suarez, Yakima; Elmera Takhtrawan, Spokane; and Avilene Torres, Chelan.