UNC Pembroke senior Ethan Wilkins has been laser-focused on a healthcare career since high school. He wants to become a physician assistant or cardiovascular perfusionist.
Wilkins’ desire to pursue medicine was cemented following an intensive seven-week summer clinical experience. The Maxton, N.C., native shadowed medical professionals at Children’s Health in Pembroke and gained experience taking patients' vital signs, among other valuable experiential learning opportunities.
“The internship confirmed my decision to apply to PA (Physician Assistant) school,” Wilkins said. “I had the opportunity to see the healthcare setting from various perspectives while understanding how each role impacts the treatment of patients.”
The paid internship experience afforded him a chance to network with several local physician assistants, like UNCP alumnae Leanna Jacobs and Kayla Jacobs.
Wilkins was among 15 UNCP NC Health Careers and Access Program (HCAP) members who participated in the Clinical Health Summer Program (CHSP), which is designed to provide clinical experiences for underrepresented minority and disadvantaged students.
The internship is a salaried position that allows students to gain insight into the duties and responsibilities of health professionals and understand how the health care delivery system functions. The HCAP students had the opportunity to showcase their experiences and research on health-related topics during presentations this summer.
Through HCAP, students are supported across the graduate and professional school application process. HCAP students have a strong reputation for successfully entering and graduating from elite medical, dental, veterinary, physician's assistant, pharmacy and occupational therapy programs across the region and beyond.
Orenda Locklear, a sophomore biology major who plans to pursue a career in veterinary medicine, said she was grateful for the learning experience as an intern at Pembroke Veterinary Hospital.
“I’ve always wanted to be a veterinarian, and through this internship, I received the full experience,” Locklear said. “I am certain this is the career I want to pursue. CHSP is an excellent program that I would recommend to anyone wanting a career in the health field.”
Junior Holly Hansen, also studying biology, said the opportunities she gained through her placement at Collins and Sampson DDS solidified her desire to become a dentist.
“My preceptors were great role models, and the hands-on experience was invaluable,” Hansen said. “Through this program, I not only gained a better understanding of the dental field but forged long-lasting friendships with everyone I worked with.”
Following her internship with Scotland Memorial Hospital and Pembroke Family Practice and Urgent Care, Rosa Park has a newfound love for urgent care.
“Being involved in any aspect of the clinic has been rewarding as I got a realistic perspective on how each department collectively works together to provide patient care. I am more excited than ever to pursue a medical career,” said Parker, a senior biology student and aspiring physician assistant.
NC-HCAP has supported UNCP students interested in pursuing health professions for over four decades. The program provides specialized academic advising and assists students with various early assurance pathways and opportunities. The office maintains relationships with recruiters and healthcare practitioners across the state. It facilitates a Health Careers Club, which welcomes guests from the community, providing mentorship and networking opportunities for students in the program.
Other HCAP students who completed CHSP internships were:
• Jacob Oxendine, physical therapy, UNC Health Southeastern, Outpatient Rehabilitation,
• Anyla Hunt, physician assistant, Children’s Health in Lumberton,
• Manuel Perez, physician assistant, Outer Banks Hospital
• Tiana Lowry, veterinary medicine, Southeastern Veterinary Hospital
• Natalie Evington, physical therapy, UNC Health Southeastern Outpatient Rehabilitation in Pembroke
• Ubada Saada, undecided, Allen Orthopedics
• Mackenzie Locklear, veterinary medicine, Baird’s Animal Hospital
• Daniel Seethaler, veterinary medicine, Baird’s Animal Hospital
• Sarah Alhobishi, physician assistant, UNC Health Southeastern in the Maternal Child Health Department
• Hunter Powell, physical therapy, Advanced Physical Therapy Solutions
• Brianna Opoku, medicine intern, Pembroke Optometric Clinic
