If Richards High School juniors Aeja Hill and Amanda Perez pursue careers in medicine as they plan, Camp Cardiac at Northwestern University likely will get credit for their choices.

Hill and Perez shadowed doctors, talked with medical students, dissected a pig’s heart, and earned certification in first aid and CPR.  The menu of hands-on encounters proved invaluable in helping them make informed decisions about careers in the medical field.

“My experience was incredible,” said Perez, who will consider careers as an oncologist, nurse practitioner, and oncology nurse.  “I learned so much.  It was the best thing I’ve done academically.”

Hill, who aspires to become a pediatrician, enjoyed the opportunity to meet medical students.

“I learned about all the education involved in becoming a doctor.  I liked hearing what the college students said, what inspired them to go into the medical field, and their academic experiences,” Hill said.

While dissecting a pig’s heart may not appeal to many, Hill and Perez appreciated the opportunity.

“It was the most enjoyable part.  That made me realize that I enjoy doing those kinds of things,” Perez said.  

Both recommended the program to any student considering careers in medicine.

“If anyone is interested in working in the medical field, they should really think about attending this program because it’s very helpful,” Perez said.

“Just being able to be on Northwestern’s medical school campus was great.  I was inspired even more to go I into the medical field from my experience at Camp Cardiac,” Hill said.