Montefiore in the News

Graduates Made Presentations and Received Certificates from the U.S. Department of Labor During Celebration Ceremony

Steven M. Safyer, MD, President & CEO, Montefiore Medical Center congratulates 10 local students who participated in The White House Summer Jobs Program at Montefiore

New York City, NY (August 21, 2012) – Ten local junior and senior high school students graduated last week from a six week internship at Montefiore Medical Center as part of The White House Summer Jobs Program.

Montefiore collaborated with The White House to introduce youths to the various job opportunities and required skill sets within the healthcare industry through this program. Six girls and four boys were matched with mentors who interacted daily, providing one-to-one coaching and valuable guidance and instruction on how to conduct themselves in the professional environment, as well as advice on interpersonal and life skills.

“This initiative, in collaboration with The White House, is part of our long-standing commitment to providing leadership development and nurturing tomorrow’s healthcare professionals,” said Steven M. Safyer, MD, President and CEO, Montefiore Medical Center. “We were thrilled to have such a talented group of students participate in a program that not only educated and inspired them but also put their talents to great use. We look forward to continuing to work with The White House as we invest in our community and support the next generation of health care leaders.”

The selected participants were chosen from over 50 applicants and underwent a vigorous application process that included the submission of an essay describing how participation in this program would help them achieve their short and long term personal and professional goals. Applicants also were interviewed and required to submit school report cards and reference information. The participants were selected as a result of their enthusiasm for the program and eagerness to embark in a career in healthcare.

The internship was highly structured and designed to encourage students to reach their full potential. In addition to work experience in various departments including orthopedics, homecare, engineering and community relations, there was an educational component that included professional development workshops. The workshops featured speakers in leadership roles at Montefiore who advised on the importance of teamwork, communication, time management and accountability skills. Counsel was also given on goal setting, personal finance and health and wellness. Interns also were encouraged to develop their practical healthcare skills and received CPR training.

Aisha Caraballo, a 16 year old student at Bronx Collegiate Academy said she found the internship to be a very enriching experience. “I really enjoyed working in Home Care, going out into the field and learning all about it.  My mentor, Janice Korenblatt, was great.  She was very kind and taught me leadership and team building skills, and about healthcare and hospitals.  This internship piqued my interest in the medical field, and as my first job, it’s definitely something I’ll value and remember. I’m truly grateful to be part of this program.”

Sadeek Walker, who studies at Bronx High School for Law and Community Service, worked in the engineering department at Montefiore and said he hopes next year’s program will be bigger so more students can benefit.

Montefiore has long recognized the importance of summer employment to the success of young people and as pathways to careers, as well as the benefits that such programs can have on business, the community and country.

During last week’s graduation ceremony, each participant presented a project that they were tasked with developing over the six week period and received graduation certificates sent from the U.S. Department of Labor at a celebratory luncheon.