New Vision Students Kick Off New School Year

SARANAC LAKE - A fresh group of students eager to learn about the potential for a career in health care have entered the New Vision program at Adirondack Medical Center.

First and foremost, the program is a chance to gain a unique perspective into the diverse opportunities a health care career can offer.  This year is no exception.  One of the first speakers to address the class was Alexandra Vinograd, a 1999 graduate of Saranac Lake High School, who went on to earn a Medical Degree.  She later completed residencies in internal medicine and pediatrics in Boston, Mass., and presently works for Partners in Health in Rwanda.  The group is a global organization committed to providing health care to the poor and underserved. 

"We are so fortunate to have someone who is from this area who has not only chosen a career in health care, but has chosen to apply those skills on such a global level," said New Vision Instructor Alison Riley-Clark.  "I think someone like Alexandra is a great example of the potential and opportunity that exists within the health care field."

This educational program, now in its eighth year of existence at AMC, offers high school seniors the opportunity to gain on-site hospital experience and learn about health care careers. The students meet in the New Vision classroom in the LaTour Building adjacent to AMC, and interact with staff and hospital personnel who take time to explain and teach the students about health care careers and assist them as they consider their college pursuits.

The students rotate throughout different areas of the hospital including the emergency department, cancer center, intensive care unit, medical imaging, rehabilitation services, administration, laboratory, surgical, and nursing services.

The requirements to attend the class are quite demanding: Students must demonstrate above average written and verbal skills, they must have completed three years of science and three years of math, they must be recommended by their high school guidance counselor and principal, and they must meet health standards for working in hospital settings.

Upon completion of the program, participating students will have secured 13 credit hours from North Country Community College, which are transferable. Instructor Riley-Clark noted that a majority of the students from the New Vision Program have gone on to four-year college programs with the intent of pursuing a health care career.

New Vision is a division of the Adirondack Educational Center and the Board of Cooperative Educational Services Sole Supervisory District of Franklin, Essex and Hamilton Counties (BOCES). For more information, contact Riley-Clark at 897-2207.

CAPTION: This year's New Vision Class includes (back row, left to right) Chris Cerminara, Sam Durfey, Alex Covert, Peter Snyder,
Nick Magro, Samantha Williams, Nicole Whitelaw and Alison Riley-Clark, R.N. (Instructor); (Front row, left to right) Alexandra Vinograd, MD (Guest Speaker),
Amber Oakes, Andrea Nye, Emily Kingsley, Jackie Cummings, Kendra Leonidas and Gaby Feliu.

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