News

Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP)

SPCC Atlanta AHEC has had yet another successful summer of intense programming. Over the summer, we partnered with the Morehouse School of Medicine and Emory University School of Medicine’s HCOP to provide our scholars with mentorship from various health career professionals. We also provided them with several learning opportunities, healthcare facility tours, and exposure to various health careers. Our scholars interacted with healthcare professionals who shared their own personal experiences about their education, career backgrounds, extracurricular life, and more. This engagement afforded students the opportunity to build relationships for long-lasting mentorships.

These are the purposes and goals of this collaborative effort:
  • Build scholars’ knowledge and comprehension of college preparations, applications to college, scholarship readiness, resume building, and interaction with admissions and financial aid representatives from local post-secondary institutions which offer academic programs in health careers.
  • Enhance scholars’ interest in pursuing a health career by offering in-person, in-depth conversations with local healthcare professionals to discuss the academic journey’s initial spark of their career interest; educational pathway; career description; balance with extracurricular life; and salaries.
  • Build scholars’ knowledge of Inter-professional Education by exposing them to different disciplines in the healthcare field and by providing them an opportunity to work together to balance individual approaches while meeting the needs of underserved populations.
We accomplish our goals by engaging students in productive and resourceful activities:
Pathway to College: 

This is a panel discussion in which high school scholars engage the panelists, who are professionals at different colleges/universities, and address the initial process of applying for college. The topics include financial aid, scholarships, and health career clubs.

 

Imagine Me as What I See: 

Speed-Learning Health Professional Round Table Session- With this program, scholars learn of careers within different disciplines, including (but not limited to) medicine, dentistry, nursing, public health, pharmacy, and chiropractic medicine. Scholars engage with three local healthcare professionals and learn of the beginning spark of their career interest, educational pathway, etc. Scholars enhance their personal motivation and self-awareness of the process on becoming premier healthcare professionals.

   

From Mock-tales to a Career:

The “mock” participants are actually health career admissions program representatives who are undercover and who engage in conversations with our undergraduate college students. The purpose is to evaluate the students’ preparedness for a real health career admissions program. Students received valuable feedback from the “mock” participants with whom they engaged in conversation.

Roadmap to Health Careers:  

Each high school scholar engages with a minimum of five healthcare professionals from different health career disciplines and ask pertinent questions during a panel style discussion. They are able to ask these healthcare professionals questions about the academic journeys, challenges, rewards, daily responsibilities, and salaries of their respective careers. The scholars also tour a local healthcare facility.

   

Health Career Professionals Mock Emergency Preparedness Activity:

Twenty-five scholars and Emory program staff learn of Inter-professional Education (IPE) via a mock emergency preparedness activity. This activity provides students with exposure to several different health career disciplines and shows the important role that IPE plays in the health careers. Scholars learn what it takes to balance the demands of these health careers and their individual approaches to meeting the needs of underserved populations in emergency situations.

     

Morehouse School of Medicine, Emory and HCOP Partner to Prepare Students

This year we are collaborating with Morehouse School of Medicine and Emory University School of Medicine’s Health Careers Opportunity Programs (HCOP) to provide college readiness programs and activities to expose students to various careers in the healthcare field, such as:

“Pathway to College” Program
A panel discussion with college representatives

On January 15, 2020, SPCC Atlanta AHEC partnered with Emory University School of Medicine to provide opportunities for high school juniors to participate in college readiness activities in our “Pathway to College” Program. Students obtained quality information on the steps to be successfully admitted into college. They asked college representatives questions about financial aid, scholarships, health career clubs, and other pertinent information.

“Roadmap to Health Careers”
A health professions panel discussion and healthcare facility tour

High school/college scholars engage with a minimum of five healthcare professionals from different health career disciplines and ask pertinent questions during a panel style discussion. They are able to ask these healthcare professionals questions about the academic journeys, challenges, rewards, daily responsibilities, and salaries of their respective careers. After the panel discussion, the scholars will tour Emory Decatur Hospital.

“From Mock-tales to Career”
Mock interviews with college admissions representatives

The “mock” participants are actually health career admissions program representatives who are undercover and who engage in conversations with our undergraduate college students. The purpose is to evaluate the students’ preparedness for a real health career admissions program. Students received valuable feedback from the “mock” participants with whom they engaged in conversation.

“Mock Emergency Preparedness”
An inter-professional activity highlighting roles that various health professionals play in an emergency or crisis event

Twenty-five Pre-Med scholars and Emory program staff learn of Inter-professional Education (IPE) via a mock emergency preparedness activity. This activity provides students with exposure to several different health career disciplines and shows the important role that IPE plays in the health careers. Scholars learn what it takes to balance the demands of these health careers and their individual approaches to meeting the needs of underserved populations in emergency situations.


CAREER SPOTLIGHTS

 

Spotlight On:
PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS

Interprofesional Education

Physicians often work closely with other healthcare staff including physician assistants, registered nurses, and medical records and health information technicians. Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses. Physicians examine patients; take medical histories; prescribe medications; and order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests. They often counsel patients on diet, hygiene, and preventive healthcare. Surgeons operate on patients to treat injuries, such as broken bones; diseases, such as cancerous tumors; and deformities, such as cleft palates.

The information on this page comes from: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Physicians and Surgeons,
on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physicians-and-surgeons.htm

Types of Physicians

There are two types of physicians, with similar degrees: M.D. (Medical Doctor) and D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine). Both use the same methods of treatment, including drugs and surgery, but D.O.s place additional emphasis on the body’s musculoskeletal system, preventive medicine, and holistic (whole-person) patient care. D.O.s are most likely to be primary care physicians, although they can be found in all specialties.

Duties of Physicians

Physicians and surgeons typically do the following:

  • Take a patient’s medical history
  • Update charts and patient information to show current findings and treatments
  • Order tests for nurses or other healthcare staff to perform
  • Review test results to identify any abnormal findings
  • Recommend and design a plan of treatment
  • Address concerns or answer questions that patients have about their health and well-being
  • Help patients take care of their health by discussing topics such as proper nutrition and hygiene
Specialties of Physicians and Surgeons

The following are examples of types of physicians and surgeons:

Anesthesiologists focus on the care of surgical patients and pain relief. They administer drugs (anesthetics) that reduce or eliminate the sensation of pain during an operation or another medical procedure. During surgery, they are responsible for adjusting the amount of anesthetic as needed, and monitoring the patient’s heart rate, body temperature, blood pressure, and breathing. They also work outside of the operating room, providing pain relief for patients in the intensive care unit, for women in labor and delivery of babies, and for patients who suffer from chronic pain. Anesthesiologists work with other physicians and surgeons to decide on treatments and procedures before, during, and after surgery.

Family and general physicians assess and treat a range of conditions that occur in everyday life. These conditions include sinus and respiratory infections to broken bones. Family and general physicians typically have regular, long-term patients.

General internists diagnose and provide nonsurgical treatment for a range of problems that affect internal organ systems such as the stomach, kidneys, liver, and digestive tract. Internists use a variety of diagnostic techniques to treat patients through medication or hospitalization. They work mostly with adult patients.

General pediatricians provide care for infants, children, teenagers, and young adults. They specialize in diagnosing and treating problems specific to younger people. Most pediatricians treat common illnesses, minor injuries, and infectious diseases, and administer vaccinations. Some pediatricians specialize in pediatric surgery or serious medical conditions that commonly affect younger patients, such as autoimmune disorders or chronic ailments.

Obstetricians and gynecologists (OB/GYNs) provide care related to pregnancy, childbirth, and the female reproductive system. They treat and counsel women throughout their pregnancy and deliver babies. They also diagnose and treat health issues specific to women, such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, hormonal disorders, and symptoms related to menopause.

Psychiatrists are primary mental health physicians. They diagnose and treat mental illnesses through a combination of personal counseling (psychotherapy), psychoanalysis, hospitalization, and medication. Psychotherapy involves regular discussions with patients about their problems. The psychiatrist helps them find solutions through changes in their behavioral patterns, explorations of their past experiences, or group and family therapy sessions. Psychoanalysis involves long-term psychotherapy and counseling for patients. Psychiatrists may prescribe medications to correct chemical imbalances that cause some mental illnesses.

Surgeons treat injuries, diseases, and deformities through operations. Using a variety of instruments, a surgeon corrects physical deformities, repairs bone and tissue after injuries, or performs preventive or elective surgeries on patients. Although a large number perform general surgery, many surgeons choose to specialize in a specific area. Specialties include orthopedic surgery (the treatment of the musculoskeletal system), neurological surgery (treatment of the brain and nervous system), cardiovascular surgery, and plastic or reconstructive surgery. Like other physicians, surgeons examine patients, perform and interpret diagnostic tests, and counsel patients on preventive healthcare. Some specialist physicians also perform surgery.

Physicians and surgeons may work in a number of other medical and surgical specialties and subspecialties. The following specialists are some of the most common examples:

  • Allergists (specialists in diagnosing and treating hay fever or other allergies)
  • Cardiologists (heart specialists)
  • Dermatologists (skin specialists)
  • Gastroenterologists (digestive system specialists)
  • Ophthalmologists (eye specialists)
  • Pathologists (specialists who study body tissue to see if it is normal or abnormal)
  • Radiologists (specialists who review and interpret x rays and other images and deliver radiation treatments for cancer and other illnesses)

Physicians in healthcare establishments work daily with other healthcare staff, such as registered nurses, other physicians, medical assistants, and medical records and health information technicians.

Some physicians may choose to work in fields that do not involve patient care, such as medical research or public policy.

How to Become a Physician or Surgeon

Physicians and surgeons may work in a medical specialty, such as cardiology, dermatology, pathology, or radiology. Physicians and surgeons have demanding education and training requirements. Physicians typically need a bachelor’s degree, a degree from a medical school, which takes 4 years to complete, and, depending on their specialty, 3 to 7 years in internship and residency programs.

Get more information on how to become a Physician or Surgeon: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physicians-and-surgeons.htm#tab-2

Job Outlook

Overall employment of physicians and surgeons is projected to grow 7 percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations.

The growing and aging population is expected to drive overall growth in the demand for physician services. As the older population grows and rates of chronic illnesses increase, consumers will seek high levels of care that use the latest technologies, diagnostic tests, and therapies.

Demand for physicians and surgeons is expected to increase despite factors that can temper growth. New technologies, such as improved information technologies or remote monitoring, are expected to allow physicians to treat more patients in the same amount of time. If adopted, new technologies can reduce the number of physicians who would be needed to complete the same tasks. In addition, physician assistants and nurse practitioners can do many of the routine duties of physicians and may be used to reduce costs at hospitals and doctor’s offices.

Demand for physicians’ services is sensitive to changes in healthcare reimbursement policies. Consumers may seek fewer physician services if changes to health coverage result in higher out-of-pocket costs for them.

Get more job outlook information: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physicians-and-surgeons.htm#tab-6

Further information and resources

In addition to visiting our resources page, you may also find information by contacting the following universities:

Augusta University-Medical College of GA

Emory University School of Medicine

MCG-UGA

Mercer School of Medicine

Morehouse School of Medicine

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM)

Spotlight On:
AN OBGYN

An OB/GYN (a combination of obstetrician and gynecologist) is a physician who specializes in health issues that are specific to women, such as reproductive and hormonal disorders, pregnancy and fertility, birth control, and menopause. An OB/GYN sometimes acts as a woman’s primary physician and provides general care throughout the patient’s life, and may also deliver new lives into the world.

The information on this page comes from: © copyright 2003-2020 Study.com. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners on Study.com.

OB/GYN Job Description and Duties: Where Do OB/GYNs work?

Most OB/GYNs work in private practice, but many work in hospitals or health clinics. The job might require some commuting, as an OB/GYN may have to travel from the office to a hospital to care for a patient.

While at work, an OB/GYN’s job duties are varied, but can include:

  • Taking the patient’s medical history and updating information
  • Addressing patient concerns and questions, and discussing health issues
  • Screening for certain health issues, like reproductive or hormonal disorders, or sexually transmitted diseases
  • Ordering tests and reviewing test results
  • Designing and recommending treatment plans
  • Discussing family planning/birth control options
  • Providing pre- and postnatal care
  • Performing surgery or labor/delivery procedures
  • Assisting women who have been abused or sexually assaulted

Some OB/GYNs may specialize in a specific area of women’s health as well, such as endocrinology, oncology, or maternal-fetal medicine.

An obstetrics and gynecology career can be very physically demanding, with unpredictable/overnight hours and a heavy workload. To succeed, you will need to be:

  • Compassionate and patient
  • An excellent and sensitive communicator, especially when asking and responding to difficult questions
  • A good problem-solver, even during a stressful or time-sensitive situation
  • A strong team worker, with the ability to adapt to different environments and situations
  • Well-organized and a stickler to details
OB/GYN Job Outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that demand for the OB/GYN profession is expected to rise 16% from 2016 to 2026, an increase of about 3400 new jobs. This is faster than the national average, and slightly faster than for most other physicians and surgeons. The BLS indicated that prospects might be better in lower income or rural areas, as doctors have tended to gravitate toward other areas of the country, such as the suburbs.

How to Become an OBGYN: 

Becoming an OBGYN requires a significant amount of formal education. Learn about the education and licensing requirements by reading the information shown below and by clicking here.

Educational and Licensing Requirements for the OB/GYN Profession

The road to an OB/GYN career begins with earning an accredited undergraduate degree, which is usually a requirement for entrance to medical school and subsequent OB/GYN training programs. The candidate must also pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) before being admitted to a medical school.

During their time at medical school, students will complete academic and practical coursework, and work with patients (under supervision) before entering a residency program, during which the medical student works at a hospital and masters the essential procedures of their chosen practice. An OB/GYN residency program will usually last about four years and cover a range of areas related to women’s health and obstetrics.

During the residency and afterwards, the medical student must sit for a series of board examinations to become a licensed physician (M.D. or D.O.). A prospective OB/GYN may also earn specialty certification, such as from the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology (ABOG). Additional requirements may vary by state.

Further information and resources

In addition to visiting our resources page, you may also find information by contacting the following universities:

Augusta University-Medical College of GA

Emory University School of Medicine

MCG-UGA

Mercer School of Medicine

Morehouse School of Medicine

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM)

Spotlight On:
PHARMACISTS

A pharmacist is a health professional who, in addition to dispensing prescription medication to patients, also provides information about the drugs their doctors have ordered for them. He or she explains physicians’ instructions to patients so these individuals can use their medications safely and effectively.

A Day in the Life of a Pharmacist

Typical job duties of a Pharmacist*

  • “Dispenses or supervises the dispensing of medications and related supplies according to prescriptions written by physicians”
  • “Reviews prescriptions for accuracy and checks for drug interactions”
  • “Compounds medications and prepares special solutions and medications as required”
  • “Counsels patients regarding appropriate use of medications”
  • “Oversees daily ordering”
  • “Collaborates with other healthcare professionals to plan, monitor, review and evaluate patient effectiveness”
  • “Makes recommendations for drug therapy changes as appropriate”
  • “Ensures that the pharmacy is in compliance with all local, state, and federal rules and regulations regarding the practice of pharmacy”
  • “Participates in the education of patients and staff on drug therapy”

*information taken from online ads for pharmacist jobs that we found on Indeed.com

What it Takes

Pharmacy programs range from four to six years long and must be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). Students coming out of high school can choose to apply for admission to a 0-6 or an early assurance program. Both include two years of undergraduate coursework in addition to four years of professional education.

If you have already completed two years of college, you can apply to a four-year pharmacy program. Most schools require applicants to take the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT). Doctor of Pharmacy programs include coursework in pharmaceutics and pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacology (effects of drugs on the body), toxicology, and pharmacy administration.

How to Become a Pharmacist

Every state in the U.S. licenses pharmacists. While each state has its own requirements, all applicants must pass the North American Pharmacist Exam, which the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) administers. Most states also require graduates to pass the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE), a test of pharmacy law that is also under the purvue of the NABP. Some states give an additional exam that tests knowledge of pharmacy law.

Several states also require other state-specific exams. To learn more about the requirements in the state in which you want to work, you should check with that state’s Board of Pharmacy. The NABP maintains a list of Boards of Pharmacy that includes, in addition to U.S. boards, those in Canada, New Zealand, and Australia.

For more information