My name is Anthony Orneta and
I am the Program Coordinator for New York University’s annual summer intensive
– Project Healthcare. I am writing in hopes that you pass along the
information listed below to your pre-health students and students interested in
medicine and healthcare.
As a member of Project
Healthcare students are given the unique opportunity to play an active role in
patient care in Bellevue Hospital Center’s Emergency Department. Through hands
on experience, in one of New York City’s most active emergency departments, our
volunteers are able to explore a diverse array of interests and are exposed to
the reality of a career in medicine. The volunteers learn to function as
patient advocates, and are also exposed to numerous aspects of patient care
while working closely with the clinical staff. Our 10-week intensive summer
program is one of the most competitive and attractive programs offered to
collegiate students.
In addition to the Emergency
Department, which includes adult and pediatric emergency rooms as well as the
Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program, all participants rotate through
the Operating Room and Cardiac Catheterization Lab to observe and help
facilitate care. They ride along with FDNY EMTs, and spend time with the
Social Work staff where they learn about the social needs of patients suffering
with issues such as domestic violence, sexual assault, substance abuse, and/or
homelessness.
The main function of our
volunteers is patient advocacy. This directly translates to providing food and
water to patients, providing blankets and clothing and, above all, emotional
comfort by way of conversation and interaction. Volunteer participants also
engage in concrete tasks such as making up stretchers, transporting patients,
providing patient support during procedures, interpreting, assisting with
undressing patients, and the stocking and preparation of equipment. In
the clinical area, they are afforded the opportunity to observe procedures,
assist with custodial care, and interact with patients of varied cultural,
social and economic backgrounds. While intermingling with all levels of
clinical staff, they may also engage in active networking with RNs, residents,
attending physicians, social workers, PCTs and ancillary personnel. In
short, our program offers each participant an opportunity to further develop
the skills of flexibility, compassion, and creativity, while addressing the
demands of spontaneous situations.
Quantitative research has
shown that a large majority of our alumni continue their education in the
health care field. With many past participants gaining acceptance into some of
the most prestigious medical institutions in the nation, citing their
experiences in Project Healthcare as pivotal to fostering the motivation and
dedication that helped them to achieve success. For our volunteers, it is often
the individual patient interactions that are most impactful. Our volunteers
appreciate the stories, the experiences and the trust that patients share with
them.
More information and, more
specifically, the application for Project Healthcare can be accessed through
this link.
The application for Project Healthcare 2017 is now open and will officially
close on Sunday, February 5th at 11:59pm. The application requires
the submission of a personal statement, an updated resume and two letters of
recommendation. Please note that no particular previous experiences are
required. Each year, in selecting our volunteers, we look for a diverse group
of students with equally diverse interests and experiences. We welcome any
questions, should you have them.
I thank you for allowing me
to share a synopsis of our program and hope you will pass the information along
appropriately. I’m proud to say, our program is going into its 36th
year and to this point has almost solely gained popularity through
word-of-mouth from alumni, students and individuals at educational institutions
such as yourself.
Sincerely,
Anthony Orneta
Program Coordinator
)! We will be having a
fundraiser at Yogurtology this Wednesday, 11/30. Officers will be
present from 7-9pm to take attendance but you are welcome to come out any time
during the day- just make sure you mention you're with UF Habitat when you
check out. Get more details about our event 
