.png)
Nicole Hernandez, a biochemistry undergraduate student at UF, found that virtually shadowing health care professionals helped confirm her decision to pursue a career in medicine. She was impressed by how the teams worked together and the importance of communication skills in the field. Hernandez, who is set to graduate in May 2024 and plans to apply to medical school after taking a gap year, was involved in Medi-Gators, a shadowing program that provides mentorship to its members. Through her involvement in the events committee and as a student ambassador, Hernandez gained valuable exposure and experiences that helped her explore different career paths in health care.
Navigating the various career options available in health care can be overwhelming, but programs like Medi-Gators offer students like Hernandez the opportunity to gain insight and firsthand experience in the field. By participating in shadowing opportunities, students are able to see how different teams collaborate and communicate effectively in order to provide quality care to patients. These experiences can be crucial in helping students solidify their career goals and understand the skills needed to succeed in the medical field.
For Hernandez, the virtual shadowing experiences she had through Medi-Gators were not only eye-opening but also provided her with a better understanding of the various roles within health care. As she prepares to apply to medical school and pursue her dream of becoming a doctor, Hernandez credits the program with helping her develop the necessary communication skills and teamwork abilities that are essential in the field. With the support of mentors and exposure to different aspects of health care, Hernandez is confident in her decision to stay on the pre-med track and pursue a career in medicine.