Medi-Gators: A Shadowing Program that Prepares Students for Health Care Careers

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. Through her involvement in Medi-Gators, a shadowing program that provides mentorship to its members, Hernandez gained valuable exposure and experiences that helped her explore different career paths in health care. By participating in shadowing opportunities, she was able to see how different teams collaborate and communicate effectively in order to provide quality care to patients. These experiences were crucial for Hernandez in solidifying her career goals and understanding the skills needed to succeed in the medical field.

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. 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.