This week marks the kickoff of CU-HERE’s (Columbia University Health Sciences Exploration and Research Experience) 2024 session. This innovative program is designed to inspire local high school students from Harlem and the Bronx to pursue careers in the medical field through access and education.
What is CU-HERE?
CU-HERE is a several-week summer observership that immerses students in the dynamic nature of clinical medicine and research. Participants have the unique opportunity to observe medical professionals at all levels throughout the hospital, including doctors, nurses, and medical students.
The program includes hands-on experiences across various environments, from operating rooms, clinics, and research labs, to angiography suites and intensive care units. Students not only witness the intricacies of patient care but also learn the importance of maintaining the highest moral and educational standards in the medical field.
Program Highlights and Growth
This year is the third iteration of CU-HERE, and the program welcomes 20 high school students from four schools in Harlem and the Bronx, four interns from previous cohorts, and a pre-med student from the United Kingdom.
In 2022, breast surgeon Lisa Wiechmann, MD, started the program with four juniors from Harlem High School. By 2023, it expanded to 14 student observers and three interns. The positive feedback and remarkable student achievements have fueled the program's expansion and enhancement.
Success Stories: Emmanuel's Journey
One of the most inspiring stories from the CU-HERE Program is that of Emmanuel, a participant from the inaugural cohort of 2022. Emmanuel shares:
"Nothing can compare to my time spent in the OR. I was lucky to witness three different surgeries, from the lumpectomy in the breast surgery department to the CABG and Fistula surgeries in other departments. Seeing all of the different roles in the OR that made the surgery function, like the scrub and the circulating nurses, allowed me to see how many people are involved in the healthcare of one person and why the medical field needs more students interested and involved. Though the rules in the OR are strict and often daunting, it allowed me to recognize the discipline that is required of you in the medical field, a level of skill I hope to acquire in the future."
Emmanuel's dedication and enthusiasm led him to Brown University's esteemed 8-year combined college/medical school program, where he is committed to becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon. He returned to CU-HERE as an intern in 2023 and joins a Columbia research lab this year.
Looking Ahead
The CU-HERE Program is more than just an observership; it is a life-changing experience that shapes the futures of young, aspiring medical professionals. Over the next few weeks, follow along as the students document their journeys. Together, let’s celebrate the next generation of leaders in healthcare.
Stay tuned for more updates and stories from the CU-HERE Program 2024!