TeenLife 2024 Guide to Summer Programs

By MEGAN VU
Future Physicians of America
In my quest to pursue a future as a physician, I
actively sought opportunities to strengthen my
foundations in clinical research while recognizing
the significance of collaboration. I specifically
chose FPA because ) it was the only high school
program I found that guaranteed my being
able to perform and actually publish my clinical
research and 2) its focus on interactive learning.
While teaching me important skills such as
advanced cardiac life support, reading an EKG,
and managing traumatic wounds, FPA also
helped me apply those skills. In fact, my fondest
memory was the medical simulation in which we
had to resuscitate a mannequin that was actively
trying to die on us! This experience accurately
represented the urgency of the situation, with
the stressful beeping and ominous EKG tracings
demanding us to make life-saving decisions on
the spot.
But FPA wasn't limited to performing CPR. I also
learned suturing, splinting, point of care ultrasonography,
endotracheal intubation, intraosseous
access, using an AED, performing a neurologic
exam and draining an abscess.
Another huge highlight of FPA was the opportunity
to learn how to write a medical paper.
The faculty taught me how to perform my own
clinical research, including data collection and
statistical analysis. I was able to publish 3 papers
in PubMed indexed journals by the time
I sent in my Early Decision application to
Brown PLME.
A typical day at FPA usually starts off with a lecture,
introducing the new knowledge and techniques. Then, the
second half of the session is devoted to putting into practice
what we learned. And, it's okay to mess up! The faculty
provided a comforting, stress-free environment that actively
promotes learning. (Thank goodness because I can't sew
sutures for my life).
Finding good pre-med summer programs can be hard, but
a good starting point is to consider your preferred learning
methods. For me, I learn best by lectures and hands-on
methods. I loved the interactiveness of the faculty, and their
ability to break down the complex material. There was a ton
of learning, but the small class size made for a lot of engaging
discussion, so I also had a lot of fun. And, I also tend to mess
up a lot, so the welcoming environment of FPA was a great
fit for me.
I cannot overstate how great FPA was for me. Because
FPA provided me with a solid foundation, I can confidently
pursue my academic goals at Brown University as a 1st year
PLME student.
54 | 2024 TEENLIFE GUIDE TO SUMMER PROGRAMS