When Agata Chmiel wrote her summer to-do list, she inexplicably jotted ‘dissect a pig’s heart’ near the top. Friends and family almost certainly cried ‘what?’ followed quickly by ‘why?’ upon hearing the news.
Nevertheless, the Richards High School senior knew what she wanted.
Chmiel, in fact, felt so motivated by the opportunity that she drove from Oak Lawn to Evanston and back every day for a week. She needed to know if medicine might suit her as a career.
Find out what's happening in Oak Lawnwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Camp Cardiac, sponsored by the Northwestern University Medical School, provided the answer.
By talking daily with medical students, job shadowing doctors and other professionals, lab activities, and earning certification in CPR, Chmiel underscored what she already suspected.
Find out what's happening in Oak Lawnwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“It confirmed my career choice. One of my favorite aspects of medicine is that it’s a field that will always consist of advancement and life-long learning. It takes a ton of commitment and life-altering dedication,” Chmiel said.
Each day at Camp Cardiac offered challenge and a glimpse of careers in health care. Students met with cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, nurse practitioners, dieticians, and many others.
The menu of hands-on experiences proved invaluable in affirming Chmiel’s decision to pursue a career in the medical field. Students attended lectures on anatomy and physiology and, yes, they dissected a pig’s heart.
Chmiel recommended the program to any student considering careers in medicine.
“I would definitely suggest this program to anyone thinking about a career in the medical field. It’s a chance, before you commit yourself to years of education, to see medicine behind-the-scenes,” she said.
