DocPrep Experience: Exploring the Medical Field

It is not very often that high school students are able to experience what it means to be in the healthcare field. However, the DocPrep program provided a unique opportunity for young scholars to gain enriching exposure to a career in medicine. During the week of June 26-June 30, around 60 high school students from DeBakey High School for Health Professions, B Alexander High School, Foy H. Moody High School, South Texas ISD Medical Professions, and South Texas ISD Health Profession entered Baylor College of Medicine as a part of the program, allowing students to explore medicine and foster their interest in healthcare.

“Being surrounded by active, experienced medical professionals is a significant factor that defined my experience at DocPrep. It gave me a stronger essence of what it feels like going into the medical field," Nicholas Toc, a rising senior at DeBakey High School, recounted when reflecting on the week’s worth of medical activities and meaningful conversations with medical students, physicians, and other healthcare workers.

DeBakey High School Student Jasmine Sidhu performs intubation on life-like mannequin as Abby Von Eik observes. (Photo: Julia Hu)

During their time at DocPrep, students were encouraged to participate in medical procedures such as suturing, performing CPR in the simulation lab, auscultating life-like mannequins, conducting intubation, and checking vital signs. In addition to engaging in hands-on procedures, students were also given the opportunity to learn from physicians who had volunteered their time to share their journey to medicine. 

Dr. Ronald Cotton, a transplant surgeon and part of the Baylor faculty, came to visit students and shared insightful advice. “Make the best out of all opportunities provided to you, find people that align with your goals, and develop yourself beyond a professional identity” were words that resonated deeply with many of the young, aspiring medical professionals. 

For DeBakey High School, this was a special moment as Dr. Cotton had graduated as the valedictorian from DeBakey High School for Health Professions in 1998. He remarked on how “Debakey experiences were transformative” and had allowed him to become a part of the Baylor family. Lastly, Dr. Cotton concluded that he pursued transplant surgery because he believes that it is nothing short of a miracle to be able to give an individual a second chance at life, leaving the audience inspired and motivated to follow their dreams. 

DeBakey High School students take a picture with Dr. Haskins. (Photo: Dr. Dupre)

Students also met with Dr. Angela Haskins, a physician in the field of otolaryngology and head and neck surgery, who shared that her passion for the specialty stemmed from witnessing a cochlear implant that allowed a young patient to hear for the first time. She encouraged students to continue to chase their passions and work hard to achieve them while at the same time prioritizing self-care. At the end of her presentation, students gathered around Dr. Haskins to ask more questions and take pictures as a form of remembrance of the insightful presentation. 

Guidance from medical students provided DocPrep participants with valuable lessons on establishing a foundation for working toward a career in medicine. “Immerse yourself in activities and get involved by exploring your interests to fully enjoy the college experience, " noted Orion Nguyen, a Baylor College of Medicine medical student.

A medical student demonstrates how to tie a surgical knot while DocPrep students observe.

The DocPrep program began almost 30 years ago and has continued to be a significant experience for many high school students interested in medicine. “We began DocPrep to help high school students develop an awareness of the medical field and foster students’ understanding of the application process to assist them in achieving their dream,” remarked Dr. Nancy Moreno, director of the Department of Education, Innovation & Technology. In a heartfelt message, Dr. Moreno concluded that the “most rewarding part of organizing DocPrep was to see students return to Baylor College of Medicine and achieve excellence.” 

Overall, the DocPrep experience was truly inspiring. It was an honor to learn how medicine provides the unique ability to alter patients' lives in a meaningful and surreal way: by giving them a new chance at improved health.