What Students say about their experience at FPA Summer
By Megan Vu, Trinity Preparatory School, FL: (accepted to Brown PLME, 2023)
“FPA gave me several opportunities to challenge myself intellectually and academically. Not only was I able to improve my knowledge for my medical pursuits, but I also could push myself to actively reach new limits. Whether it’s practicing Basic Life Support or interpreting electrocardiograms, I felt like I always had the space to grow and connect with others. Thanks to FPA’s amazing and supportive faculty, I ultimately got accepted to my dream school and its program (Brown PLME). Thank you so so much, a thousand times over!”
By Ryan Liu, Cedar Park High School, TX: (accepted to Brown PLME, 2023)
“I was recommended to the FPA Summer Academy by a past attendee, and participating in the camp was one of the most enriching experiences I’ve had. The FPA team guided me through medical lectures and certification training sessions that focused my purpose as a future medical student. Although the content was challenging, the instructors were extremely driven to ensure that everyone understood the topics presented. The FPA team made it feel like you were the only student in the room and led you through every step of the journey, whether it be attaining medical certifications or writing case reports. I’m so happy to have gotten into my dream program, Brown’s PLME, and I highly recommend this camp for every aspiring health professional.”
Aditi Iyer, The Village School, TX (current high school senior)
“FPA was one of the most rewarding experiences ever. I always knew I wanted to be a physician and FPA only envigorated my dream through its unique exposure to clinical skills and medical writing. At the end of the program, I had a number of clinical certifications and published case reports. But aside from the one-of-a-kind learning opportunities, the camp also had a positive and collaborative atmosphere. I've attended a number of medical camps before, but the reason why FPA was special because it felt like the mentors cared deeply about me and about helping me put out my best work. I could not be more profoundly grateful for my experience.”
Shreya Kolluri, Central Magnet School, TN (current high school senior)
“FPA gave me the opportunity to learn so much about medicine, research, and the hands-on application of theory that I learned at school. It was an incredibly strong program and exposed me to medicine's academic and compassionate sides through content that increased my intellectual curiosity. I particularly enjoyed learning all the material and applying it to manikins and simulations during the medical certifications, such as BLS, ACLS, and PALS. I was also thrilled to publish 2 papers, including a case report and my research project. The FPA team was always willing to answer questions, share their experiences, and guide us throughout the process and was a steadfast source of encouragement and support. The experience cemented my desire and passion for medicine as a career. I got interviews at several BSMD programs, and await final decisions. My highest thanks to the FPA team for going above and beyond in preparing me for applying to direct medical programs. I recommend this program in a heartbeat, especially to high school students interested in becoming a physician.”
Madeleine Kim, The Baylor School, Chattanooga, TN: (Currently enrolled in Boston University 7-year BS-MD program)
“My time at Future Physicians America’s Summer Academy has been absolutely unforgettable. I participated in all three programs of the Academy, which consisted of the clinical skills program, the advanced certification program, and the medical research writing/publishing program.
One of the most invaluable features of FPA’s Summer Academy is the unparalleled wealth of knowledge that the instructors bring to the program. In one week, I learned how to use an ultrasound machine to visualize and identify organs, how to intubate a patient, how to suture using various methods, how to create a splint, and more. In only a couple of days, my peers and I were able to identify heart rhythms by reading ECGs and locate areas of concern while interpreting head CTs and chest X-rays. In addition, all of this learning was done in a hands-on manner, allowing us to practice, apply, and hone our skills throughout the week.
During the second week, I was able to become certified in NIHSS, ACLS, BLS, PALS, and Stop the Bleed. Looking back, it is extraordinary the amount of information that the instructors were able to teach in such a meaningful and memorable way. In just five days, we were able to run through mega-code simulations, assessing emergency situations, performing life-saving procedures, identifying causes of illness, and administering proper dosages of medications in order to treat the patient. Truly, the breadth and quality of instruction at FPA make the program and its instructors absolutely nonpareil. If someone had told me prior to attending this program that in just a week’s time, I would be able to differentiate atrial fibrillation from supraventricular tachycardia from a junctional rhythm with only a couple of seconds to look at the ECG, the thought would have been unfathomable. Beyond just identifying abnormal heart rhythms, I also learned the correct medications and dosages for each different type. Looking back at all I have learned during my time at FPA, I can confidently say that the outstanding growth I have experienced at camp speaks to the expertise, skill, and passion of the FPA instructors.
The final program of the Summer Academy was medical writing and publishing. Through this program, I was able to publish my own case report, experiencing as a high school student the ins and outs of paper-writing. Though learning the specific procedures and practices that go into researching, writing, and submitting a medical paper may seem daunting, the instructors lent their expertise and instruction to us, providing invaluable assistance and clarity during the research and writing process. In addition to writing papers of our own, we were also taught how to read and analyze other publications via statistical analysis, cultivating crucial skills that we will be able to apply for years to come.
Beyond the incredible educational experience that FPA offers its participants, I can also testify to the wonderful learning environment that the instructors work so diligently to create. Even now, I cannot bring to mind a single moment in which I did not genuinely enjoy my time in the program with my peers and our instructors. Each day was not only packed with information, but it was truly so fun to experience. It is difficult to believe the breadth of medical knowledge and skills I have learned through the FPA Summer Academy. Learning various clinical skills, becoming certified in multiple different trainings and courses, and publishing my own paper has allowed me to familiarize myself with the medical field in a personal, hands-on way. I cannot express strongly enough the excellence of the FPA program. If you or someone you know has a passion for medicine, or simply wants to explore a new field of interest, then I cannot recommend a better summer experience than the one FPA has provided for me and for my peers.”
By Nofel Iftikhar, Trinity Preparatory School, Winter Park, FL: (Currently enrolled at Cornell University)
“Future Physicians of America is hands down the best summer program I have ever attended. During my time in the Medical Certification course, I was blown away by the depth of material covered. Moreover, the instructors do a phenomenal job teaching the material and then reinforcing it with real-world examples, practical demonstrations, and hands-on practice. The overall atmosphere of the camp is upbeat and supportive, as everyone is genuinely enthusiastic about the topics discussed, which only serves to stimulate an inclusive and highly academic environment. If you have any interest in medicine or want to be a part of a genuinely interesting summer program, I cannot recommend this course enough!”
By Neha Potla, Unionville High School, Kennett Square, PA: (Currently enrolled in In the Virginia Commonwealth University GAP BS-MD program)
“I thought the camp was extremely productive and useful for me to acquire newfound skills in research. I have been involved in research in the past but never quite had the proper foundation to truly feel comfortable in that environment. I met a small group of people that also shared the same passion to understand the medical world. This camp was suggested to me by my mentor and as an outsider from the state of Pennsylvania, the trip out here was definitely worth it. The instructors are incredibly patient, understanding, and fun to work with.”
By Lilly Nguyen, Trinity Preparatory School, Winter Park, FL: (Currently enrolled in Brown PLME)
“Coming into FPA Summer Academy, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career as a physician, but wasn't quite sure what I could be dealing with. The lectures, hands-on clinical skills, and guidance that I received during Summer Academy helped me cement my decision. I've attended a number of medical camps at various institutions the past few summers, but at FPA I received an individualized experience like no other camp. The instructors truly care about your journey and are there to guide you every step of the way. Thanks to FPA, I will be confidently moving forward in my academic career with a much more defined goal.”
By Zachary Cohen-Neamie, Trinity Preparatory School, Winter Park, FL: (Currently still in high school)
“I attended all three parts of the camp, and it was really intense. Lectures were very information-dense, and from the three sections I was part of, I learned more than I probably would have learned in a year. However, it was still really fun. There were so many interesting things I learned about. In the first week, I gained a good amount of foundational knowledge to the point that I was confident when I went to get a check-up I would have some idea of what was going on. In the second week, which I would consider being when you learn the most information, I became certified in 5 different certifications, with the most prominent one being ACLS. That took up a large part of the week, and although I'm not sure how long the original course was supposed to take, I assume it would be very long considering just how much knowledge was crammed in a few days time. The last part of the camp consisted of a week in person, and two weeks of more independent work. I wrote a case report on a relatively rare case of intracerebral hemorrhage. It was fun learning about something normally not seen. There definitely was a lot of note-taking during the camp, and some studying afterward too, but the process of learning so many new things definitely made it worth it. All in all, I thought it was a great camp where I was able to learn a lot more about medicine. I am definitely happy that I chose to attend.”
By Arjun Nanduri, Lake Nona High School, Orlando, FL: (Currently still in high school)
“As an attendee of FPA's Medical Skills camp, I can truly express what a great experience it has been. Medical practice has always been a domain of interest for me, and in searching for possible career options, the learning opportunities presented to me in the duration of the class have had a lasting impact on me. From learning practical skills such as suturing methods on a skin pad, CPR practice, ultrasound imaging, and intubation to high-quality lectures on medical knowledge and terminology, such as reading ECGs, treating various heart rhythms, and solving case presentations, the medical skills camp has got it covered. The curriculum of the course is very interactive, unlike a one-sided lecture, with the instructors actively engaging the participants to learn freely in a great environment. By attending this course, I have become NIHSS, BLS, ACLS, and PALS certified and will be able to publish a medical paper under guidance. I highly recommend this course for any aspiring high-schooler who wishes to get ahead and grasp their own future. "
By Aashna Shah, Ponte Vedra High School, Ponte Vedra, FL (Currently still in high school)
“I couldn’t have had a better experience at Future Physicians America Summer Academy! I could only do the cardiology program, but I wish I could have done all of them! In one week I gained 5 official course certifications and did medical simulations. In my time at the summer academy, I was able to learn in a college lecture-style atmosphere with some of the best teachers. Although we were learning complex topics the instructors were able to break it down and really make sure we understood the concepts. The medical simulations were an awesome way to have a hands-on experience to demonstrate medical procedures and decision-making. My time at the FPA summer academy was so special and it will always hold a place in my heart, I feel so prepared and I want to learn more about the medical field!”