Normally when you ask a college student what he or she did over the summer, the story involves lazy days at the beach and tales of monotonous days spent working a summer job. However, for over 20 Franklin and Marshall undergraduates, the answer would be much different.

For these pre-healing arts students, the answer would be similar to Tim Patterson's: "I conducted a large scale research project involving acid-base balance in regards to coagulopathy and hyperchloremia." Tim Patterson `02, like many of his fellow students, took advantage of an exciting program sponsored by the Benjamin Rush Society, which matches F&M students with alumni in health professions.

"In addition, I shadowed Dr. Kaplan in the Intensive Care Unit, in surgery, and on rounds...The experience was incredible," said Tim Patterson who did research with Lewis Kaplan, M.D. `84 at the Medical College of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. The Benjamin Rush Summer Internship Program (BRSIP) generally takes one of two forms: research or shadowing. For research, F&M students like Tim perform intensive health science research projects that last most of the summer. Students participating in shadowing observe rounds and medical procedures within the health care setting.

Ali Harding `02 took advantage of such a shadowing opportunity with Dennis DiRenzo, M.D. `76. She gained practical knowledge such as how to diagnose strep throat and otitis media, but, similar to the other students in the program, she also took away something much more valuable from the experience.

As Ali summarized, "I absolutely loved the doctor-patient relationship...Dr. DiRenzo knew every patient by name, and was very gentle with both patients and parents...Most of all, I learned how much I love primary care pediatrics."

Rebecca Rogers `01 had a similar experience visiting Alan Nauss, M.D. `59 at the Lahey Clinic in Burlington, MA. She learned how to take blood pressure, fill in weight and height charts, and examine ears and mouth. Rebecca also observed routine physicals and the examination of x-rays.

"I also learned what an incredible role model a doctor can be and how important it is to be aware of your patients mentally and emotionally as well as physically," added Rogers, who encourages both students and alumni in health professions to take advantage of this internship program.

These internship opportunities not only give students a first-hand experience with careers in the health professions, but also provide them with information that can guide them in making future decisions. For example, Alison Welski `02, shadowed Alan Hecht, M.D. `88, a maxilofacial surgeon in Sommerville, New Jersey and had "a comprehensive discussion about pre-med studies, medical studies, and the current state of the medical profession." As Welski said, "He was also able to give me advice pertaining to my future plans, as only an expert in his field could."

Other students and alumni who participated in BRSIP include Clark McSparren, M.D. `55 and Michelle Finkle `03, Celeste Heckman, M.D. `92 and Sela Han `03; Scott Melanson, M.D. `83 and Matthew Hirsch `03; Mark Schiowitz, M.D. `74 and Tom Kozlek `02, Kevin Washicosky `03; Scott Sharetts, M.D. `72 and Julie LaBagnara `02; Lorin Hirsch, M.D. `82 and Elizabeth Miller `02; J. Calvin Wenger, D. C. `55 and Greg Plotner `03; M. Douglas Baker, Sr., M.D. `74 and Sarah Porter `03; Steven Goldstein, M.D. `68 and Susan Vella `02; Mark Sapienza, M.D. `92 and Bryanne Weightman `02; Richard Goldberg, M.D. `72 and Dana Codrington `02; Gary Fischer, M.D. `86 and Zacharia Facaros `03, Fredric Cohen, M.D. `86 and Jacqueline Julius `01; Anthony Wynshaw-Boris, Ph. D. `77 and Shari Krevitz `01, Adrian Morrison, V. D. M., Ph. D. `57 and David Paull `02; Peter Nissley, M.D. `59 and Keith Weisz `01; Harris Clearfield, M.D. `55 and Pamela Wolper `02.

Over the past several years, the Benjamin Rush Society has definitely grown into a dynamic part of students` pre-healing arts experience at Franklin and Marshall. According to David Verrier, the associate dean and pre-healing arts advisor, the Benjamin Rush Summer Internship Program has "opened up an array of resources to our students pursuing careers in the health sciences. The response from alumni has been enthusiastic," says Verrier, "I just wish we were able to match a student with every volunteer alumnus." In the years ahead, the society will continue to make links between students and alumni and to provide extraordinary summer opportunities.

Want to get involved?
If you would like to share your practice or research with an F&M student as part of the Benjamin Rush Summer Internship Program, contact Dr. Ken Hess.