March 8, 2005 — Twenty Charlotte Amalie High School students received their medical white coats Monday at the Roy L. Schneider Hospital. For the next 11 weeks, the students will be working in the hospital laboratory, offices, operating room and emergency room. It's all part of the second annual Medical Explorers Program.
Monday's event honored the students who will be exposed to different opportunities in the healthcare profession. The Medical Explorers Program was established in 2004 by Rodney E. Miller, RLS chief executive officer, to give high school students a chance to explore new ideas and gain exposure to services offered at the hospital. The students will gain valuable experiences, including learning to make effective and ethical decisions, while being guided through the program by 15 mentors at the hospital.
"This program also provides a venue for the students to network and develop professional relationships with others that may broaden their future employment opportunities," Miller said.
Parents were invited to attend Monday's white coat presentation, and to hear the remarks made by Miller, June Adams, chairperson of the hospital Board of Trustees, Dr. Thelma Watson, medical director, Jeanette Smith, principal of Charlotte Amalie High School and Charley Tinsley, Scout Executive of the Virgin Islands Council Boy Scouts of America.
The white coat presentation was followed by dinner for all who attended. The program is sponsored by the Roy L. Schneider Hospital in conjunction with the Boy Scouts of America and Charlotte Amalie High School.