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WOMEN IN
MEDICINE
qualified pre-health profession students are able to take part in these me so much about the dental field. I believe this will help me tremen-
important experiences. As a result, the biological sciences depart- dously with my career path. I believe that her and I have built up a
ment developed a semester-long “Preceptorship in the Health Pro- good relationship for me to be able to ask her for a recommendation
fessions” course targeted to sophomore-level students. Many BCMS letter for dental school. She has reassured me that dentistry is exactly
physicians currently play an active role in mentoring our undergrad- what I want to do.” — Junior Cassandra Garcia
uate students, including St. Mary’s alum Dr. David Henkes.
“”Being able to participate in the medical preceptorship course offered
When asked how he felt that this course changed the experience by St. Mary’s University provided me with unforgettable and invaluable
of a St. Mary’s student, Dr. Henkes responded, “Shadowing is an experiences at an early point in my career as a student and future physi-
important step in investigating a medical career and I applaud my cian. Not only was it the highlight of my spring semester, it also affirmed
alma mater for giving students the opportunity to achieve this in a me in my decision to continue to pursue my passion for obstetrics and
deliberate, structured manner. Students can better determine hands gynecology.” — Junior Deandra Gonzalez
on if medicine is their passion or not; and if so, what aspects of med-
icine appeal to them most. I think St. Mary’s is progressive in incor- St. Mary’s is currently looking for people in a wide range of health-
porating this into curriculum and I suspect it is a popular course.” care fields to serve as mentors. This includes doctors, dentists,
nurses, physician’s assistants, physical therapists, pharmacists, regis-
Students who participated in the course in the Spring 2016 se- tered dieticians, nutritionists, and others. The teaching of the next
mester mirrored these feelings, such as Junior Stephen Braden: “Ma- generation of healthcare professionals lays in the hands of those cur-
triculation into healthcare universities, currently and rently in the profession, a sentiment echo by Dr. Henkes, “Through-
exponentially, continues to be a proven challenge. A favorable re- out my medical career, beginning in my undergraduate years, I have
quirement of these schools is shadowing and interning. Through the had mentors who invested time in me, guided me and helped me
St. Mary’s University internship program, I was blessed with the op- shape my future as a physician. It is my responsibility, in turn, to
portunity to intern with a physician for the San Antonio Spurs. Ad- encourage and motivate future generations.”
ditionally, this phenomenal program counted as an upper biology
elective, but more importantly presented educated discussions and If you are interested in participating in this program as a mentor,
further research into current medical developments. This program please contact Carly Friedman at cfriedman@stmarytx.edu or 201-
is unique and a great way to immerse yourself in various medical 436-3611.
fields with accomplished professionals.”
Carly Friedman, PhD is the Pre-Health Professions
Interested students applied to the course and were interviewed Advisor at St. Mary’s University. She has taught and
concerning their interests and commitment to the course. The thir- advised college students for over ten years. She is mar-
teen students who were selected in Spring 2016 received HIPAA ried to BCMS member, Duncan Friedman, MD, who
and OSHA certifications and were matched with a mentor who is an ophthalmologist at Braverman, Terry, and Oei
most closely practiced in the student’s specialty interest. During the Eye Associates. Carly is also a member of the BCMS Alliance.
semester, students spent at least 40 hours assisting their mentors and
learning about current healthcare laws, ethics, and common prac- Lori Boies, PhD is an Instructor at St. Mary’s Uni-
tices on what makes a good physician. Below are quotes from stu- versity in the Department of Biological Sciences. She
dents that demonstrate the impact these experiences have had: is married to BCMS member, Brian Boies, MD, who
is an anesthesiologist and pain medicine physician at
“The class was a great experience! I didn’t realize how important it is UTHSCSA. Lori is an active member of both the
to shadow a doctor. It opens your mind to different environments and TMA Alliance (VP Communications) and BCMS Alliance (Pres-Elect).
medical careers. The most important thing I learned working with my She has also served on TMA councils and committees including Cancer,
mentor was that patient don’t care how much you know about medicine Socioeconomics, and Medical Education.
until you show them how much you care.” — Junior Ana Garcia
“I loved meeting with Dr. Diaz-Murphy every week. She has taught
visit us at www.bcms.org 21
