Newsroom

The world of medicine came to life for Hendrick Hudson High School students last week when they toured departments at NewYork-Presbyterian/Hudson Valley Hospital as part of an advanced science program offered by the district.

Three groups, totaling about 70 students, from the "Project Lead the Way" program visited various hospital departments on April 22, 23 and 24 to learn about healthcare career opportunities as well as medical science as part of a college-level science elective offered to students in grades 9-12.

Laboratory Director Sue Hyatt explained to students the different types of analysis conducted at the lab and showed them the latest equipment used to analyze blood and tissue during the tour.

Physical Therapist Kyle Mack demonstrated a "jump test" he uses to analyze the angle of the leg and hip joints as part of a Sportsmetrics ACL injury prevention program offered at the hospital. Students learned about the anatomy of the knee joint and why ACL injuries happen – landing improperly as well as stopping short in a slide – and how proper footwear plays a role in preventing injury.

Cardio Pulmonary Manager Deborah Weeks-Petranchik talked to students about the heart and lungs, as well as, common diseases related to both. She also discussed the importance of healthy lifestyle choices such as exercise and not smoking.

Anne Campbell-Maxwell, Director of Oncology at the Hospital’s Cheryl R. Lindenbaum Cancer Center, spoke about the history of cancer and treatments, as well as the importance of comprehensive care that includes physicians, nurses, therapists and family all working as a team. The students also heard from Director of Radiation Oncology Dr. Chika Madu, who described the process of treating and targeting tumors with radiation.

Students also learned about volunteer opportunities and heard from hospital employees about how these sometimes led to careers at the hospital.

The tour is part of a partnership between the school and NewYork-Presbyterian/Hudson Valley Hospital in which students can get a first-hand look into the workings of the medical field.

Beth Gruber, Resource Development Liaison for Hendrick Hudson School District, said this year’s program was expanded to include other departments at the Hospital to illustrate other units learned in the program.

Gruber said the program provided "an incredible opportunity for students", and that the district looked forward to working with the Hospital to "provide our students with similar enriching opportunities in the years ahead."

NewYork-Presbyterian/Hudson Valley Hospital is dedicated to serving the health care needs of the community and to providing quality, comprehensive medical care in a compassionate, professional, respectful manner, without regard to race, religion, national origin or disease category. Offering state-of-the-art diagnostic treatment, education and preventive services, the Hospital is committed to improving the quality of life in the community. In fulfilling this mission, the Hospital will strive to continuously improve the care provided and develop and offer programs, facilities, systems and alliances that most effectively respond to community health care needs. NewYork-Presbyterian/Hudson Valley Hospital is located on Route 202 (1980 Crompond Road) in Cortlandt Manor, New York. For physician directory assistance please call 800-482-HVHC or visit hvhc.npgdev.com.