Conemaugh Health System now accepting applications for the 2024 Mentoring in Medicine program
December 19, 2023
Conemaugh Health System’s Mentoring in Medicine program is now accepting applicants for the 2024 class. The program was started 21 years ago by Dr. Richard and Diana Schrader to help undergraduate students interested in pursuing their medical education.
Throughout the 10-week summer program, students shadow physicians across the Conemaugh Health System to gain exposure to a variety of specialties. In addition to providing unique clinical experiences, the program also prepares students for the process of applying to medical school.
“Our goal is to offer local students an opportunity to learn about careers in medicine while inspiring them to serve patients in our community,” said Alex Pozun, DO, an Emergency Medicine physician at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center and an alumnus of the program who now oversees with his wife Melissa Pozun, DPT.
Offering both academic and clinical exposure, the program equips students with the necessary tools and guidance to navigate the medical school application process, compose a personal statement, excel in interviews, and establish connections with physician mentors.
Since its inception, 196 students have participated in the program, which boasts an 80 percent acceptance rate into medical school. Today, 16 Mentoring in Medicine alumni serve within the Conemaugh Health System and surrounding communities.
The internship application is a demanding procedure, with an annual availability of ten positions for college and/or medical students. Eligible candidates must either be a rising junior or senior in college, majoring in pre-med, or a first-year medical student who has completed four out of the five mandatory courses (pre-med, calculus, biology, organic and/or inorganic chemistry, and physics). Applicants must reside in Cambria, Somerset, or Bedford counties. Conemaugh Health System underwrites the Mentoring in Medicine program, which provides an income to the participating students while they are in the program.
Interested students can apply or send questions to mentoringinmedicine@outlook.com. Applications are due by February 14, 2023.
Pictured is Alex Pozun, DO (back right) with Mentoring in Medicine class of 2021.