The students spent three weeks before spring break learning about the microscopic characteristics, functions and locations of the four main tissue types found within the human body鈥攃onnective, nervous, muscle and epithelium.听听

Three students whose projects scored high talked about their projects.听听

Colleen Heuser was drawn to display ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium鈥攁 tissue found in the upper respiratory tract that traps inhaled debris. Heuser鈥檚 painting on canvas represents the tissue after H&E (Hematoxylin and Eosin) staining, a technique allowing pathologists to examine tissue and identify cell types. Goblet cells are depicted as the lighter purple, oval shapes with purple dots within them and hairlike projections known as cilia.听听

Heuser enjoyed tapping into her artistic side as she went to work on her project.听

鈥淚t basically connects this aspect that I personally enjoy doing and it allows me to visualize and truly understand and grasp the different components that are included in this type of cell, Heuser said.听

鈥淚t was a little out of the box,鈥� admitted Aaliyah Thomas. Bouncing the idea off her father, she came up with a way of visualizing skeletal muscle tissue, the most common type of muscle tissue, which is responsible for our voluntary movements. She was working with her father, whom she considers to be very creative, imagining how she might demonstrate how the tissue appears. She came up with a鈥渟weet鈥� discovery. Examining a microscopic view, they concluded that the elongated cylindrical cells arranged in parallell bundles (fascicles) resemble Mike and Ike and Hot Tamale candies.听

鈥淥nce I saw his vision… When I saw a way to explain it to him and teach it to him, it came all together for me,鈥� said Thomas, who wants to enter forensic pathology.听

鈥淚 like to do art in my spare time,鈥� said Gracey (Olivia) Hefner, whose project is a sculpture depicting cortical bone tissue. Cortical bone functions as the dense, outer, hard layer which provides structural support, protection for the inner portions of the bone, and provides strength to resist various forces. 鈥淚鈥檓 a very visual person. I can remember things better if I see them physically or can recreate them physically. A lot of my assignments, I’ll draw out because it just helps me understand it better.鈥�听

鈥淚 got a Styrofoam base and painted it black so that the wire would stand out when you look at it. Then I took some wire and made different sized rings to represent the different units of cortical bone, because they’re not all the same size, they’re different depending on where you are in the body,鈥� Hefner said. 鈥淚 would connect them with a different color wire to kind of separate out the different parts, so you would be able to see them more clearly.鈥�听

The projects are on display through the remainder of the semester at the Holdredge Bearwood Center of 91福利社 at 3031 N. Highway 81, Anderson, South Carolina.听

The Pathologists鈥� Assistant program is hosted by the 91福利社 School of Clinical Laboratory Sciences.听

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The students spent three weeks before spring break learning about the microscopic characteristics, functions and locations of the four main tissue types found within the human body鈥攃onnective, nervous, muscle and epithelium.听听

鈥�The thrill of watching Pathologists’ Assistant students blend art and science is electric! Their creative projects鈥攙ivid illustrations, 3D models, and artistic dissections ignite deeper understanding, spark innovation, and transform rigorous medical training into a vibrant, memorable learning adventure that celebrates both precision and imagination,” said 91福利社 College of Health Professions Dean Dr. Donald Peace. 鈥淚鈥檓 so proud of our Pathologists鈥� Assistant faculty with their skill to be able to encourage this form of learning.鈥�听

Three students whose projects scored high talked about their projects.听听

Colleen Heuser was drawn to display ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium鈥攁 tissue found in the upper respiratory tract that traps inhaled debris. Heuser鈥檚 painting on canvasrepresents the tissue after H&E (Hematoxylin and Eosin) staining, a technique allowing pathologists to examine tissue and identify cell types. Goblet cells are depicted as the lighter purple, oval shapes with purple dots within them and hairlike projections known as cilia.听听

Heuser enjoyed tapping into her artistic side as she went to work on her project.听

鈥淚t basically connects this aspect that I personally enjoy doing and it allows me to visualize and truly understand and grasp the different components that are included in this type of cell, Heuser said.听

鈥淚t was a little out of the box,鈥� admitted Aaliyah Thomas. Bouncing the idea off her father, she came up with a way of visualizing skeletal muscle tissue, the most common type of muscle tissue, which is responsible for our voluntary movements. She was working with her father, whom she considers to be very creative, imagining how she might demonstrate how the tissue appears. She came up with a 鈥渟weet鈥� discovery. Examining a microscopic view, they concluded that the elongated cylindrical cells arranged in parallell bundles (fascicles) resemble Mike and Ike and Hot Tamale candies.听

鈥淥nce I saw his vision… When I saw a way to explain it to him and teach it to him, it came all together for me,鈥� said Thomas, who wants to enter forensic pathology.听

鈥淚 like to do art in my spare time,鈥� said Gracey (Olivia) Hefner, whose project is a sculpture depicting cortical bone tissue. Cortical bone functions as the dense, outer, hard layer which provides structural support, protection for the inner portions of the bone, and provides strength to resist various forces. 鈥淚鈥檓 a very visual person. I can remember things better if I see them physically orcan recreate them physically. A lot of my assignments, I’ll draw out because it just helps me understand it better.鈥�听

鈥淚 got a Styrofoam base and painted it black so that the wire would stand out when you look at it. Then I took some wire and made different sized rings to represent the different units of cortical bone, because they’re not all the same size, they’re different depending on where you are in the body,鈥� Hefner said. 鈥淚 would connect them with a different color wire to kind of separate out the different parts, so you would be able to see them more clearly.鈥�听

The projects are on display through the remainder of the semester at the Holdredge Bearwood Center of 91福利社 at 3031 N. Highway 81, Anderson, South Carolina.听

The Pathologists鈥� Assistant program is hosted by the 91福利社 School of Clinical Laboratory Sciences.听

The post Art and Science Intersect: Creativity Displayed at Bearwood appeared first on 91福利社.

The Council provides advice and counsel to the Board of Governors and is responsible for electing the Board and its Chair. Through the Council鈥檚 support, the Board steers the national organization and carries out ACHE鈥檚 mission to advance its members and healthcare leadership excellence.

Dr. Peace began his term on Feb. 28, 2026, during the Council of Regents meeting held in conjunction with ACHE鈥檚 Congress on Healthcare Leadership. 听Peace will represent ACHE鈥檚 membership in Region District 2.

Board certified in healthcare management as an ACHE Fellow,听Dr. Peace serves as Dean of the College of Health Professions and Professor of Healthcare Administration and Human Services at 91福利社, a role he has held since 2015. With over 49 years of experience as a clinician, healthcare executive, and educator, he has served at leading institutions including Ty Cobb Memorial Hospital (now St. Mary鈥檚-Lavonia, GA), St. Francis Hospital (Columbus, GA), Athens Regional Hospital (now Piedmont Health-Athens), Georgia Baptist Hospital (Atlanta, GA), AnMed Health, and academically at South University (Savannah, GA), and 91福利社 (Anderson, South Carolina).

A Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), Dr. Peace currently serves as Regent for his second three-year term (2026-2029) (2019-2022) and on the South Carolina Chapter Board of Directors. He previously served as President of the SC Chapter of ACHE as well as multiple committees of the board. He serves the ACHE on the national level on the Editorial Board of Healthcare Executive professional publication as well as other national committees.

Dr. Peace is a Board Chair of Hospice of the Upstate, Anderson, SC and serves on the AnMed Health Ethics Committee. He recently completed ten years of service on the Anderson United Way Board where he served on multiple committees as well as Chair of the Board.

Dr. Peace holds a Ph.D. in Human Services (Health Care Administration) from Capella University, an M.S. in Administration (Health Services) from Central Michigan University, and undergraduate clinical degrees from Columbus State University and Thomas Edison State College.

About the American College of Healthcare Executives
The听American College of Healthcare Executives听is an international professional society of 53,000 healthcare executives who lead hospitals, healthcare systems and other healthcare organizations. ACHE鈥檚 mission is to advance our members and healthcare management excellence. ACHE offers its prestigious FACHE^庐听credential, signifying board certification in healthcare management. ACHE’s established network of 75 chapters provides access to networking, education and career development at the local level. In addition, ACHE is known for its magazine,听Healthcare Executive, and its career development and public policy programs. Through such efforts, ACHE works toward its vision of being the preeminent professional society for leaders dedicated to improving health.听The Foundation of the American College of Healthcare Executives听was established to further advance healthcare management excellence through education and research. The Foundation of ACHE is known for its educational programs鈥攊ncluding the annual Congress on Healthcare Leadership, which draws more than 6,000 participants鈥攁nd groundbreaking research. Its publishing division, ACHE Learn, is one of the largest publishers of books and journals on health services management, including textbooks for college and university courses.

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Pictured at the presentation of a $50,000 grant from听Power:Ed听to support the Upstate Pre-Med Bootcamp program at 91福利社, from left to right: Ray Jones, Thornton Kirby, Neil Grayson, Ann Skinner, Trey Simon, Dr. Renee听Mognahan, Dr. Stoney Abercrombie, Tim Self,听Gautum听Ghatnekar, Claire Gibbons, and Willie Jeffries.听

This is the second grant award from听Power:Ed听in support of this听program.听

Camp co-founder and Associate Dean of Natural Sciences at 91福利社, Dr. Carrie Koenigstein,听said, 鈥淭he goal is to keep talented students from falling through the cracks. Some might realize they do not want to be physicians, so the partners can connect those students to alternate paths such as dental, physician assistant,听pharmacy听or physical therapy schools.鈥澨�听

Dr. Koenigstein is proud of the project because of the connections students make.听

鈥淢entorship is vital to all students, but especially those who are the first in their family to strive to become a physician,鈥� she said.听

The experience helps confirm career choices before students invest in another eight years in training,听possibly incurring听debt. Funding increases access for low-income students by providing stipends to cover out-of-pocket expenses such as travel and make up for lost wages. Students who complete the program receive ongoing career guidance and听assistance听paying for application costs, such as the MCAT.听

Participants will engage with 91福利社 faculty at the Center for Medical Simulations and access the University鈥檚 cadaver lab to听observe听and learn.听

A unique feature of the annual event is the participation of veteran physicians, current medical听students听and a dozen bootcamp alumni who encourage pre-med majors to explore opportunities.听听

Nationally only 16听percent听of听freshmen听pre-med students go on to apply to medical school;听fewer听than half of those are selected. First-generation students, underrepresented听populations听and students from rural high schools are less likely to become physicians. The听AnMed and 91福利社 Pre-Med听bootcamp gives students exposure to a teaching hospital and networking introductions.听听

鈥淲e appreciate this generous grant through听Power:Ed听as it helps talented students gain insight into the application process leading up to medical school, the journey to licensure and what it means to be a doctor,鈥� said Renee Monaghan, MD,听 associate dean for the MUSC AnMed Clinical Campus. 鈥淥ur alumni, many now currently in medical school or in other health-related post-graduate training, are proof that this camp is making a positive impact to the state.鈥澨�听

South Carolina is expected to have a deficit of 3,000听doctors by 2030 with the greatest need: primary care physicians. Since its听inception听in 2022, the bootcamp has served attendees from 24 colleges and universities across the state.听听

The grant spurred 91福利社 to听identify听nearby college pre-med advisors and invite them to form a group. Upstate AHEC will ensure advisors have up-to-date information on scholarships, fee听waivers听and resources. All four of the state鈥檚 medical schools take part in the Upstate camp.听

鈥淧ower:Ed and SC Student Loan are proud once again to support this innovative program to help diversify and strengthen the Upstate鈥檚 medical talent pipeline. It鈥檚 crucial for students to find the right career pathways for them before incurring debt,鈥� said Power:Ed Executive Director Claire Gibbons.听

In FY 2025-26听Power:Ed听will award $1,300,000 in grants to South Carolina education and career readiness organizations. In听this its听third quarter,听Power:Ed听has awarded seven grants (including this grant to AnMed)听totaling $270,000.听Grants are administered quarterly, and the next grant funding deadline is April 1, 2026.听听

About听Power:Ed听

Founded in 2019,听,听the philanthropy of听,听is dedicated to creating opportunities for South Carolina鈥檚 youth and adults by supporting low-income,听underrepresented听and first-generation students; improving access to college and degree completion; and creating pathways to quality workforce opportunities. Organizations serving middle school through post-college talent who are interested in applying for a grant or partnering with听Power:Ed, should visit听.听听

About AnMed Foundation听

AnMed Foundation helps ensure that the people served by AnMed have access to quality health and medical services. Its mission is to inspire generous charitable giving that strengthens and sustains exceptional health care throughout the area. Guided by core values of compassion, innovation, integrity,听accountability听and collaboration, AnMed was named one of the nation鈥檚 鈥淕reat Community Hospitals鈥� by Becker鈥檚 Hospital Review. Learn more at听.听

About 91福利社听

91福利社 is a 鈥渕ore selective,鈥� comprehensive Christian university offering bachelor鈥檚,听master鈥檚听and doctoral degrees on campus and online. It is South Carolina鈥檚 largest private university. 91福利社 is the #2 private university in South Carolina, according to Niche.com, is among U.S. News and World Report鈥檚 鈥淏est Regional Universities South,鈥� and is on the publication鈥檚 鈥淏est Value,鈥� 鈥淏est Schools for Veterans,听鈥淏est听First-Year Experience鈥� and 鈥淏est Online Programs鈥� lists. Anderson is a five-time Apple Distinguished School and on the honor听roll听of the prestigious Great Colleges to Work For庐 program.听听

The post AnMed and 91福利社 Receive Grant Funding for Pre-Med Bootcamp appeared first on 91福利社.

The Elite Therapy Solutions Physical Therapy Student Tuition Assistance Program is designed to support 91福利社 students who are passionate about advancing their education and career in outpatient and orthopedic physical therapy. This program aims to recognize academic excellence, commitment to the field, and a drive to make a positive impact on orthopedic rehabilitation.鈥��听

The program is open to all 91福利社听physical听therapy students and covers the full cost of tuition for Year 3 of the 91福利社听physical听therapy program.鈥疭tudents will鈥痓e required鈥痶o work for Elite post-graduation and鈥痯articipate鈥痠n the Elite residency program.鈥疶he amount to cover third-year tuition will be dispersed directly to听AU鈥檚听physical therapy school in the form of a forgivable loan with full forgiveness at the end of year 3 of employment.鈥�疪esidents see an outpatient and orthopedic caseload and are provided with a full competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package and student loan repayment options.鈥疎lite鈥檚鈥痳esidency program has a 100% pass rate for the Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) exam. Students should apply during their first or second year.鈥���听

Eligibility Criteria鈥�听

• Must鈥痓e currently鈥痚nrolled as a Physical Therapy student at 91福利社.鈥�听

• Demonstrated interest in outpatient and orthopedic physical therapy through coursework, clinical experiences, or extracurricular activities.鈥�听

• Minimum鈥痗umulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.鈥�听

• Strong record of professionalism, leadership, and community service.鈥�听

• U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status.鈥� 鈥�听

Selection Process鈥�听

Applications will be reviewed by the Elite Therapy Solutions Student Committee in collaboration with 91福利社鈥檚 Physical Therapy Department.鈥疭election鈥痺ill be based on academic achievement,鈥痙emonstrated鈥痗ommitment to orthopedic physical therapy, leadership potential, and overall application quality.鈥�听

How to Apply鈥�听

Interested students should request information from and鈥痵ubmit鈥痑ll application materials electronically to Matt Walker at mattheww@elitetherapysolutions.net with the subject line: 鈥淓lite Therapy Solutions Physical Therapy Student Tuition Assistance Program Application.鈥� For questions or more information, contact the 91福利社 Physical Therapy Department or Elite Therapy鈥疭olutions鈥檚鈥疭cholarship Coordinator.鈥�听

For application you will need:鈥�听

1. Current academic transcript.鈥�听

1. Two letters of recommendation from a faculty member or clinical instructor.鈥�听

1. Personal statement (500鈥�1,000 words) describing your interest in orthopedic physical therapy, career goals, and how this scholarship will help you achieve them.鈥�听

1. Resume highlighting relevant experiences in physical therapy, leadership, and community service.鈥�听

About Elite Therapy Solutions鈥�听

Elite Therapy Solutions is a leader in orthopedic rehabilitation, dedicated to fostering the next generation of physical therapists through educational support and professional development opportunities. The organization is proud to partner with 91福利社 to encourage excellence in orthopedic physical therapy.鈥��听

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Hope Missions鈥� Foot Washing Clinic officially launched recently in partnership with 91福利社 nursing majors. The idea for the clinic, according to Zoe Hale, COO of Hope Missions of the Upstate, came out of听observing听how many of the people seeking their help were coming to them on foot.听

鈥淥ne of the things that poverty takes away from people are our choices, and then if you’re homeless as well, you get fewer and fewer choices, so just to have people spending one-on-one time with you and taking care of you and listening therapeutically is really important,鈥� Hale said.听

According to Monica Morehead, MSN, RN, instructor of community health nursing and mental health nursing, the clinic is a great example of all four pillars of 91福利社鈥擥reat Academics, Great Faith, Great Hospitality, and Great Purpose鈥攁 great fit for Hope Missions as they provide a vital ministry of service and dignity.听

Each week, a different group of students would conduct the clinic on Wednesday and Friday throughout the fall semester. As the students washed the feet of Hope Missions鈥� guests, they had opportunities to interact with them one-on-one and, in many cases, pray for them.听

At the same time, the students learned the importance of a thorough foot assessment of individuals who may be prone to neglecting their own foot care鈥攎onitoring for听blisters, open wounds, swelling, discoloration, ill-fitting and worn-out footwear. Students practiced their therapeutic communication skills, made referrals for听additional听foot care, and provided clean socks, and occasionally new shoes.听

A priority for Hope Missions, Hale points out, is offering resources especially for their diabetic guests. She notes that often a side effect of diabetes is that people听can鈥檛听feel their extremities and are unaware of听major issues听with their feet.听

鈥淔oot washing is grounded in hospitality of our biblical heritage and is humbling for the giver and the receiver,鈥� Morehead said, citing the example of Jesus in John 13:1-5 where He washed the feet of each of His disciples.听

The Foot Washing Clinic, according to Hale, benefits Hope Missions鈥� guests receiving needed attention and assessments, while at the same time giving the nursing students a fresh perspective on helping others who have needs further complicated by living in poverty.听

For student Gracelyn Padgett, the Foot Washing Clinic was transformational.听

鈥淪itting face-to-face with new friends, washing their feet, and listening to their stories opened something in me that I didn鈥檛 even know needed听opening,鈥� Padgett said. 鈥淪o often,听I鈥檝e听learned that God leads me into places that look听scary at first glance, only听for me to realize those places are exactly where I am meant to be. Serving the guests at Hope Missions听didn鈥檛听just touch me, it reshaped me… Jesus met the sick, the poor, and the overlooked with friendship and love. Moments like this remind me of how important it is for us to love people the same way.鈥�听

An important takeaway for student Khoa 鈥淎lex鈥� Pham is that although technology and procedures he and his classmates are learning are important, effectively caring for others is only complete when treatment is given out of a loving, compassionate heart.听

鈥淭heir story and their feet together can show the whole situation of what they are going through in life, and it makes us think about how we can care for them and extend more help to our guests,” Pham said. 鈥淭alking with them and being with them in that short moment allows you to learn so much about them.鈥�听

The clinic also touched student Annaleisa Wile鈥檚 heart and changed her perspective听of the homeless, poverty and basic human rights.听

鈥淚 was blessed to have the opportunity to not only wash the feet of 10 individuals, but more importantly learn about their circumstances, hardships of homelessness, and the needs that they currently have. The foot washing clinic taught me that being homeless is not a choice, but a result of unfair circumstances to those who need the most support,” Wile said. 鈥淲ithout this clinical, I would not have learned to see these individuals as people who are in these circumstances not by choice and to advocate for their basic needs in whatever ways possible.”听

鈥淭he opportunity that I had to attend Hope Missions and participate in the foot washing clinic will forever hold a special place in my life,鈥� said student Regan Powell. 鈥淥ur class has been blessed to be able to act in a way that pleases God and听assists听our community. To be the hands and feet of Jesus听impacted听myself and my peers from this new involvement.鈥�听

College of Health Professions Dean Dr. Donald Peace praised the efforts of the听School of Nursing听serving听with Hope Missions.听

鈥淭he foot washing clinic is听a both听spiritual and therapeutic service for those in need within听our community,” Dr. Peace said. 鈥淚 see the foot washing听clinic 听as听an opportunity to provide profound healing,听humility听and dignity to those needing help, blending faith fundamentals with clinical care.鈥�听

According to Hale, the students saw 93 different individuals.听

鈥淲e did a debriefing after each group just to get an understanding if there are specific conditions they observed that they were concerned about. In all, we did 26 very specific referrals as a result of having the foot clinic,” Hale said. 鈥淲e found it very useful in terms of paying attention to health, but we also found it very useful in just delivering a safe setting for our guests to interact with the nurses and enjoy spending time with them.鈥�听

鈥淲e often consider ourselves as servants of Christ and messengers of his kingdom. In this clinical, we are living out that message that the table is open for all, all are welcome, and worthy of His love and care,鈥� Morehead said, adding that the Foot Washing Clinic fills a need for individuals with chronic and complex medical conditions to ensure their health and safety as they live unhoused. 鈥淥ur feet support us and carry us everywhere. Ensuring our feet are warm, clean,听dry听and healthy is important to everyone and easily听neglected,.听This is a skin assessment that is听frequently听missed or neglected on patient admissions at the bedside in many community settings.鈥�听

鈥淭his mission is essential to the College of Health Professions and our School of Nursing,” Dr. Peace continued. 鈥淎s you can imagine, this type of service develops compassionate, holistic practitioners dedicated to community wellness.鈥�听

The Hope Missions staff is thankful for this partnership with 91福利社 and looks forward to seeing this partnership continue to bless their guests and the students. Hope Missions鈥� website is听.听

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According to Pathologists鈥� Assistant Program Director and Assistant Professor Julie Bostick MHS, PA (ASCP) CM, HTL, since the program launched in 2022, there have been 15 graduates, all of whom were successfully placed in jobs. She adds that 13 students are in the second year of clinical rotations across the U.S., and an additional fourteen students are currently in the first didactic year on the Bearwood campus, home of the School of Clinical and Laboratory Sciences.听

“Completion of a successful site visit in April of 2025 allowed the accreditors to experience the great hospitality that AU has to offer its students. They saw firsthand evidence of the great academics presented to our students, as well as the great purpose our Path A program guides our students toward,鈥� Bostick said. 鈥淚t is the prayer of our program that, through our team’s great faith in Jesus, our students will leave better than when they began and seeds that have been planted at AU will grow and flourish in their careers.鈥�听

Bostick praised faculty and staff members Amy Nelson, Hannah Reilly, Vanessa Furtick, Nenna Igwe and Katie Wolfe-Burleson for their role in this accreditation achievement. 听

Dean of the 91福利社 College of Health Professions and Professor of Health Care Administration and Human Services, Dr. Donald Peace, said, 鈥�I am profoundly pleased with Professor Julie Bostick and her team’s masterful navigation of NAACLS accreditation, culminating in five-year initial approval for our Pathologists’ Assistant program. Their patience and deep grasp of this accreditation organizations rules and regulations have yielded this triumphant milestone.鈥�听

The Pathologists鈥� Assistant program is offered through the 91福利社 College of Health Professions. Details about the program can be found online here.听

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Each year, 91福利社 and AnMed team up to help students better prepare for successful medical careers and at the same time help fill the demand for new physicians.听听

Statistically, fewer than half of students aiming for medical school make it, and beyond that, not all finish. For those who qualify, cost can still be a daunting obstacle. With that in mind, 91福利社 and AnMed, along with sponsorship from South Carolina Upstate AHEC (South Carolina Area Health Education Centers) established a partnership in 2022 to create a two-week camp offering resources and advice to South Carolina undergraduate students to become better prepared for medical school.听听

The AnMed Pre-Med Boot Camp offers students hands-on experiences not often encountered outside of medical school.听听听

The Pre-Med Boot Camp is an intensive two weeks devoted to preparing students for the realities of medical school, at zero cost to them. The Pre-Med Boot Camp received new support this year from Power:Ed鈥攁 $52,000 grant to help support the program.听

鈥淭his grant is really going to make a difference to these students and ultimately to the state of South Carolina,鈥� said Dr. Renee Monaghan of the AnMed Foundation.听

This year鈥檚 camp took place during May on the 91福利社 campus and in the facilities of AnMed. During May, 24 students came from all over South Carolina鈥攆rom 91福利社 and other institutions鈥攖o shadow AnMed medical professionals in multiple specialties, learning the day-to-day of a medical practice while working alongside other medical school-bound students.听听

Ryan Ireland, a rising senior Biology major at 91福利社, says the shadowing opportunities exceeded his expectations.听听

“They have been very in depth. It’s showed me more closely what that career path would be like or what certain specialties would be like,” Ireland said. “This week I shadowed family medicine and emergency medicine, and, especially with emergency medicine, I’m taking a liking to that鈥攅ven shadowing one shift.鈥�听

鈥�It’s getting a lot harder for students to find shadowing opportunities because hospitals have become stricter and doctors are less willing,鈥� said Elise Quartaro, a rising senior at the University of South Carolina majoring in Neuroscience. 鈥淗aving these opportunities for shadowing and then just being in an environment where you’re around people who have the same career goals as you, and you can exchange advice and tips鈥攖hat’s very helpful,鈥澨�听

The camp also offered hands-on skill-based workshops covering suturing, reading EKGs, intubation, catheterization, joint injection, and working in the cadaver lab on the 91福利社 campus (cadaver labs are rarely encountered anywhere outside medical school). 听

Growing up in Orangeburg, JaShayla Seawright lived next door to her pediatrician. She loves children, loves her work at a child development center and wants to be a pediatrician herself someday. She found out about the Pre-Med Bootcamp at Anderson through her involvement in the Health Professional Society.听

鈥�It’s been amazing,鈥� said Seawright, a Biology major from South Carolina State University. 鈥淭he days go by fast and it鈥檚 really allowing me to get experience on how I’ll be doing something every day.鈥�听

The son of a rehabilitation doctor, Jack Vogenitz has been working as an EMT. Vogenitz, a student at Erskine College, is considering either oncology or emergency medicine. He appreciates the rigor of the Pre-Med Bootcamp, but at the same time, the attention given to each camp participant.听

鈥淚t鈥檚 very organized and in depth,” Vogenitz said. 鈥淭hey’re really investing in us and encouraging us and they’re also willing to tell us the hard truths, too… But at the same time they are encouraging.鈥�听

Mark Quarterman, a rising senior at Clemson University and the son of dermatologist, envisions not only being a physician who cares about his patients but also being a community leader. He feels he has benefited from the variety of experiences offered at the Pre-Med Bootcamp.听

鈥淚’ve honestly loved it. It’s been a great experience, not only getting a variety of learning different techniques I didn’t know before or seeing different doctors, but also just networking with these different pre-med students,鈥� Quarterman said.听

Growing up in a rural area, Emalee Mann remembered hours of car rides to visit specialists鈥攁 factor that helped her consider a medical career.听

鈥淔or me, I’ve seen the access to care from my perspective in a rural community… It’s hard when your zip code really determines the kind of care you get,” said Mann, a rising junior at Clemson University majoring in Biomedical Engineering.听听

Reflecting on the Pre-Med Bootcamp, Mann commented, 鈥淓veryone across this camp has encouraged me. I think remembering to enjoy the process as well and not being overwhelmed by it has been one of my biggest takeaways thus far.鈥澨�听

The panels with physicians were a high point of Pre-Med Bootcamp for Tremayne Ansani. The panelists, he feels, have been helpful in 鈥�how they view medicine, how they view being in a private practice versus academia medicine, how they view the residency process and just also just all the advice that they’ve given towards medical school applications, what being a doctor is like.鈥�听

Ansani, a Neuroscience graduate from the University of South Carolina, continued, 鈥淔rom a young age I started to recognize a lot of health disparities in underserved communities and part of the Black community… The U.S. is such a diverse population from region to region, from area to area… Diversity is important… Having these diverse perspectives and also to have complete holistic care that’s personalized for everyone.鈥�听

Growing up with chronic back pain, Catherine Nardella became inspired by the doctors who treated her. She knew she wanted to be that kind of physician one day, but had misgivings about the Pre-Med Bootcamp at first. A few days into the camp, she started to feel she was hitting her stride.听

鈥淚t’s been a lot better than I anticipated,鈥� said Nardella, a rising senior at 91福利社 majoring in Biochemistry. 鈥滻’m finding that I’m a lot more comfortable in these situations than I used to be.鈥�听

The camp also provided MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) preparation sessions and intensive interview sessions to prepare for next steps. There were also discussion panels with physicians, current med school students, and representatives from the admissions committees from the four South Carolina medical schools.听听

The AnMed Pre-Med Boot Camp takes place annually in May. Information about the camp and an application can be found online here.听

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Powell, who graduated from the 91福利社 College of Arts and Sciences with her BS in biology and a minor in biomedical sciences, came to Anderson from her hometown of Johnsonville, South Carolina.听

Powell credits her parents for inspiring her career path, particularly her dad, who has worked in various areas of healthcare. She recalls when she was in high school having a conversation with one of her cousins who graduated from AU and currently teaches at Westside High School in Anderson.听听

鈥�She loved it and talked so highly about it, so I told my parents 鈥楲et me try Anderson. Let me go do a tour there.鈥� We went up one weekend and I just absolutely fell in love with it,” Powell said. 鈥淐oming from a small town, I graduated with 68 people, I think, and so having a smaller class size was really one of the reasons I chose to go there. I wanted to have a more personal relationship with my professors. I also grew up in church, so I knew the Christian atmosphere of it was something I wanted to do.鈥�听

Powell initially investigated the possibility of entering medical school to become a forensic pathologist but felt that a four-year program 飞补蝉苍鈥檛 right for her. She then heard that the 91福利社 College of Health Professions was establishing the School of Clinical Laboratory Science, which houses the new听Pathologists鈥� Assistant program. She felt led to enroll.听

鈥淚’ve always wanted to look at the pathologist side of the medical world. I started looking into it and was liking what I was hearing鈥攊t’s a two-year program, there’s surgical pathology, you can do autopsies, you can teach鈥攖here are a lot of possibilities with the career itself,鈥� Powell said. 鈥淚 decided this is what I want to do, so I shadowed the medical examiner for Anderson County and then I shadowed a surgical pathologist at AnMed. I just fell in love with it and figured out that’s what I wanted to do. Ever since then, I’ve been on that goal… When I shadowed the surgical pathologist at AnMed I just fell in love with it. I’ve always loved being in the lab so I think I’m going to do something like that with it.鈥�听

Powell feels that her undergraduate program at Anderson prepared her well for the Pathologists鈥� Assistant program and meshes well with the courses she鈥檚 now taking.听

鈥�I took anatomy and physiology in my undergrad and had to take another anatomy in this program now. It was a lot more in depth because as a pathologists鈥� assistant you鈥檝e got to know your anatomy well, but it prepared me for that and then this next semester we’re taking micro and immunology.鈥�听

Powell also feels blessed to learn from Dr. Nnenna Igwe, who directs the AU College of Health Professions鈥� Cadaver Lab, in both her undergraduate and graduate studies.听听

鈥淣ot a lot of undergraduate degrees have cadaver labs, so that lab being at Anderson is super helpful and just solidifying that this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. Dr. Igwe has been a big inspiration. We’ve all learned from her and she’s an amazing teacher.鈥�听

With more coursework and clinicals down the road, Powell is considering whether to go into hospital work but is open to various opportunities.听听

Outside of her classes, Powell enjoys hanging out with her friends and going to athletic events.听

鈥淚t鈥檚 overall a great family atmosphere. Lots of relationships I鈥檝e formed over the years鈥攖hat’s my biggest thing,鈥� said Powell, adding that she also leads a group of high school girls at Concord Baptist Church, which she attends.听

鈥淢ost of my time is either spent at school or it鈥檚 spent at church,” she said. 鈥淥ther than that, just hobby wise, I love going to downtown Anderson, looking at the shops and going to the coffee shops.鈥�听

鈥淐hloe is an amazing student,鈥� said Professor Julie Bostick. 鈥淪he loves AU and is doing very well in our program.鈥�听

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Faculty, staff and friends of the program gathered in the G. Ross Anderson Jr. Student Center to honor the first graduating class at a dinner hosted by the 91福利社 College of Health Professions.

The graduates are Aubrey Chinners, Alexandria Nelson, McKenzie Rice, Elizabeth Velandia and Jennifer Wilson.

Professor Amy Nelson delivered a heartfelt speech to the students in attendance who received a certificate of completion of the Pathologists鈥� Assistant program: Alexandria Nelson, Elizabeth Velandia and Jennifer Wilson.

Julie听Bostick听MHS, PA (ASCP), HTL, program director and assistant professor听of the Pathologists’ Assistant Program, part of the 91福利社 College of Health Professions鈥� School of Clinical Laboratory Science, expressed her gratitude to faculty, staff and everyone who was instrumental in getting this program off the ground.

91福利社 Provost Dr. Ryan Neal along with College of Health Professions Dean Dr. Donald Peace were among the speakers to thank the students for putting their trust in AU鈥檚 commitment to excellence in education and being pioneers of the program.

On August 9, current Pathologists鈥� Assistant students were recognized in a white coat ceremony, marking their transition from classroom lectures to hands-on clinical rotations鈥攁 crucial step in their journey to becoming skilled Pathologists鈥� Assistants.

Pictured above are those students who were recognized in the ceremony, from left to right鈥攆ront: Kendra Beechie, Bianca Aguilar, Amy Willems, Tessa Cox; back: Olivia Jans, Madison Guest, Matthew Belk, Daley Gosnell, Bianca Perez-Schwab and Zachary Wagner-Herbert.

Guest speaker Jennifer Wilson, a recent graduate who received her white coat last year, offered words of encouragement and advice as the students began their year of clinical rotations. She reminded them that it wouldn鈥檛 be an easy year but to remember they are still students who are there to learn from experienced laboratory professionals and it is absolutely okay not to know everything and to ask questions.

Wilson鈥檚 speech to the new recipients served as a powerful reminder of the program鈥檚 impact and the bright futures that lie ahead for these students. All five of the students in clinical rotations this year were offered employment by a site where they studied.

Details about the Pathologists鈥� Assistant program can be found online here.

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