Internship Spotlight Angie Ortega Biology Major, Pre-Medical Track Clinical Shadowing Participant • St. Joseph’s University Medical Center • Paterson and Wayne, New Jersey Angie is exploring several areas of medicine through firsthand observation in oncology, emergency care, pharmacy, intensive care and physical therapy. Angie’s Internship Experience What does a typical day look like? I usually observe doctors and nurses engaged in patient care and learn about their day-to-day work, particularly how certain procedures begin and the aftercare patients receive. What has been the highlight of your experience so far? A highlight of my experience was observing a BioProtect Rectal Balloon Spacer procedure in the Oncology Department. It was interesting to see the procedure and learn how it can benefit patients with prostate cancer undergoing radiation therapy. What is something you learned that surprised you? A William Paterson University graduate who works at St. Joseph’s walked us through the recovery process following open-heart surgery and explained that some patients need an intra-aortic balloon pump for circulatory support. The machine uses a balloon inflated with helium to help push blood and then deflates, creating a vacuum effect that lowers resistance. How did William Paterson prepare you for this opportunity? William Paterson’s Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students (MAPS) helped prepare me for this opportunity. The organization brought in a physician assistant as a guest speaker who emphasized the importance of gaining shadowing experience before applying to physician assistant or medical school. Shadowing allows students to understand what it is like to work in the field and see how a hospital operates. I have also followed the advice of campus mentors who encouraged me to build connections with doctors early so I can seek guidance and recommendation letters as I prepare for medical school. How did you find this opportunity? I found the opportunity through William Paterson’s Career Development Center. How will this experience help you achieve your career goals? This experience has reassured me that I want to become a doctor and has allowed me to build connections with physicians in several specialties. The opportunity to observe and learn about procedures that I may perform in the future has been rewarding. I also met medical students who are just beginning their studies, and they offered encouragement and advice about the medical school application process and the MCAT exam.
