Charting Paths in Healthcare at Baldwin UFSD's 26th Annual Shadow Day with Hofstra

The Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant (PA) Studies welcomed over 20 juniors and seniors from Baldwin High School as part of the 26^th Baldwin Shadow Day. This unique partnership allows Baldwin High School students with specific post-secondary goals to visit the University and explore the academic programs within that area of interest.

“The Shadow Day program is so important because it allows our students to apply what they are learning in College Readiness in a real college setting,” said Gabriella Franza, assistant director of instructional programs, Baldwin Public Schools. “These students have an interest in the medical field but may not know specifically what they want to do or what the schooling will look like. Shadow Day provides them with the opportunity to learn more about these programs in-depth and what their future could look like,” Franza said.

Students are selected for Shadow Day based on required essays that detail how this specific trip would align with their postsecondary goals. After a brief presentation from Hofstra Admission representatives, the students chose to spend the morning exploring PA studies or nursing.

Students interested in nursing met with Dean Renee McLeod-Sordjan and Anthony Porcelli, senior assistant dean for operations and strategy, who gave an overview of the program, including courses, admission requirements, and career tracts.

“I was thrilled to welcome the next generation of healthcare leaders to our campus as part of Baldwin Shadow Day,” said Dean Renee McLeod-Sordjan. “It’s inspiring to see high school students so motivated and determined to explore the noble profession of nursing. We were excited to showcase our innovative nursing program and feed the passion of these young minds that will shape the future of healthcare.” 

Izabela Kubis, a second-year nursing student, spoke to the students about her experiences in the program. Both Porcelli and Kubis emphasized that science and math are core components of the program, a theme the students heard throughout the day.

“The University’s job is to prepare you to enter into your clinicals in your third year and really work with patients in a hospital setting,” Kubis said.

The Baldwin students were quick to ask questions of Kubis.

Shayna Alonzo, a senior at Baldwin High School, mentioned her interest in anesthesiology. Alonzo, along with many of her classmates, are inspired to work in the medical field to help others.

“I want to help alleviate a patient’s pain and take care of them,” Alonzo added.

Madison Bolds, a junior, expressed her interest in being a trauma nurse. In addition to wanting to help others, she explained that working in an environment that is constantly changing and not sitting at a desk is appealing to her.

After speaking with Kubis, students then took a tour of the Science & Innovation Center, home to the nursing program. The building, that opened in the Fall of 2024, includes a full medical/surgical simulation wing with a clinical skills lab, patient care lab, and two operating room lab spaces for cardiac profusion and anesthesia.

The labs are equipped with high-fidelity mannequins (patients) controlled by a sophisticated console behind a two-way mirror. The high school students were invited to sit behind the two-way mirror and watch as current Hofstra graduate nursing students participated in an immersive simulation.

“The students were caring for a patient who had some type of issue with their bowels, and it was interesting to hear the types of questions they had to ask the patient. Even though the issue was in their stomach, they must examine from head to toe,” said Ava McKenzie, a Baldwin High School junior.

To end the day, the high school students on the nursing track joined their peers who spent the morning learning about the PA Studies program.

Led by Carina Loscalzo, assistant professor of physician assistant studies, the students interested in PA studies had the opportunity to learn more about the profession, talk with current students, tour the facilities, and engage in hands-on skills. 

Students paired up and splinted one another with casting material and used the ultrasound machines to view one another’s blood flow.

“Having children close to the age of those who attended today’s event, I know how hard it is to have any idea what these young adults want to do with their lives. I am extremely impressed and give these student kudos for even thinking about a serious career such as physician assistant,” Loscalzo said.

“These students dressed professionally and came ready to learn. It shows that they are taking their future and Shadow Day seriously,” Loscalzo added. 

This article originally appeared on the Hofstra University news website. See source >>