Students Gain Real-World Experience at Sharp Coronado Hospital

Students from Coronado High School participate in a healthcare internship.

News Summary

Fifteen second-year students from Coronado High School’s Sports Medicine Capstone pathway class participated in an internship at Sharp Coronado Hospital, gaining practical healthcare experience. They rotated through various departments, applied classroom knowledge, and observed clinical practices, enhancing their understanding of healthcare careers. The collaboration between the school and hospital allowed students to broaden their perspectives and prepare for future endeavors in the medical field.

Coronado, California – This spring, fifteen second-year students from Coronado High School’s Sports Medicine Capstone pathway class gained valuable real-world experience through an internship at Sharp Coronado Hospital. After being paused during the pandemic, the internship program has resumed, allowing students to further their education in a practical healthcare environment.

The students had the opportunity to rotate through five different departments in the hospital, applying their classroom knowledge in professional settings. This hands-on experience included suggesting treatment plans for acute stroke patients, recommending rehabilitation exercises following hip replacement surgery, and interpreting chest X-rays. Such activities not only enhanced their clinical knowledge but also prepared them for potential careers in healthcare.

Arrielle Luna, the instructor of the Sports Medicine Capstone class, highlighted the significance of applying learned knowledge to real clinical scenarios. The internship emphasized the importance of connecting theoretical concepts with practical applications, which can greatly benefit students as they consider their future paths in the medical field. Sharp Coronado Hospital’s Community Relations Manager, Mallory Guglielmo, expressed appreciation for the students’ return, indicating a collaborative relationship between the school and the hospital.

During the internship, students observed various departments such as the Emergency Department and the Stroke Program, witnessing real-time medical responses and clinical practices. They also explored wellness initiatives through the Sewell Healthy Living Center and gained insights into clinical nutrition. Additionally, students experienced firsthand the use of advanced technology, such as the da Vinci surgical robot, which is used in minimally invasive surgeries.

Junior student Selena Clark noted that the internship broadened her understanding of healthcare professions beyond the traditional roles of doctors and nurses. The exposure to various fields within healthcare allowed her and her peers to consider numerous career options that they might not have been aware of before. This diversity of experience underscores the internship’s role in expanding students’ perspectives about the healthcare industry.

Wendy Rutherford, the Special Populations Program Manager at Sharp Coronado Hospital, commended the students for their quick-thinking abilities and active engagement during medical scenarios. For example, they successfully identified the type of stroke in a patient and proposed appropriate medical interventions, demonstrating their readiness to apply their knowledge effectively in real-world situations.

As the internship program progresses, it continues to enhance students’ understanding of clinical practices and solidifies their interest in pursuing careers in healthcare. The collaboration between Sharp Coronado Hospital and Coronado High School represents a commitment to developing the next generation of medical professionals, emphasizing the value of real-world learning experiences.

In conclusion, the internship at Sharp Coronado Hospital not only allowed students to gain practical skills but also fostered their passion for healthcare, preparing them for future endeavors in the field. By connecting education with real-life applications, students are better equipped to navigate the diverse opportunities awaiting them in the medical profession.