St. Anthony’s Medical Center in Morrilton recently hosted eight students from Conway County and surrounding counties to participate in the Medical Applications of Science for Health Program (MASH). The two-week program –  hosted by St. Anthony’s, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Farm Bureau – allowed high school sophomores and juniors the opportunity to explore health-related careers.

St. Anthony’s Medical Center in Morrilton recently hosted eight students from Conway County and surrounding counties to participate in the Medical Applications of Science for Health Program (MASH). The two-week program –  hosted by St. Anthony’s, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Farm Bureau – allowed high school sophomores and juniors the opportunity to explore health-related careers.

Students learned basic first aid and life support techniques, including achievement of CPR certification. The program also provided hands-on experiences, such as dissection, casting and suturing, as well as a complete overview of health-related careers and job shadowing with area medical professionals.

During their two weeks at St. Anthony’s, students were exposed to nursing care, general practice physician care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, surgery, radiology and other medical occupations. 

Students had the opportunity to travel off campus to shadow veterinarians Angel Jordan and Cy Shurleff of Morrilton Veterinary Clinic, and Dr. Mike Fleeman of Family Dental Center. Students were also visited by the local Air Evac team and Keith Madison from Arkansas Regional Organ Recovery Agency.

“This is the third year for St. Anthony’s Medical Center to host the MASH program,” said Leslie McNeal, MASH director. “Each student is exposed to an overview of healthcare to determine if a career in medicine is a field they would like to pursue. We want to thank Farm Bureau for its financial support that assisted in making this program a success.

“We would like to especially thank Dr. James Ellis (St. Anthony’s Emergency Department); Gina Usery (RN) of St. Anthony’s; Lauren Nolen (second year medical student from UAMS) and Ashley Snellenberger (MASH Assistant) who assisted with the coordination and activities throughout the program.”

A graduation ceremony was held to recognize the student’s work throughout the program. Graduates included:
Morrilton High School – Stephanie Aydelotte, Jessy Courtney, Lisa Lent and Patricia Rhoades.
Bigelow High School – Ryan Russenberger.
Rural Special High School – Bear Henley.
Nemo Vista High School – Leslie Lambert and Kaitlyn Rappold.

Also in attendance at the graduation ceremony were special guest Angela Austin from Farm Bureau and Christy Hockaday, CEO/administrator of St. Anthony’s.

For more information about the 2009 MASH program, please contact Leslie McNeal at 501.977.2394 or email [email protected].