Empowering Tomorrow’s Healthcare Leaders: Clinical Opportunities at Washington Adventist University

TAKOMA PARK – The biology department at Washington Adventist University (WAU) is riding the wave of opportunities that the university is increasingly offering this year. WAU’s biology department is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals, and the recent developments in clinical experiences are exciting. 

One such opportunity that has garnered attention is the Stepping Stones Program. This initiative, which takes place every summer, is designed to give students a chance to engage in clinical experiences, including six-week full-time shadowing rotations. Under the Stepping Stones Program, students are immersed in clinical settings, such as hospitals and physician offices, where they get to observe and actively participate in healthcare procedures.

This program has gained significant recognition, thanks to the biology department’s recent collaboration with the Adventist Health Network of hospitals in the local area. The success of the program’s inaugural workshop at the Student Activity Center has paved the way for a remarkable partnership. The Adventist Health Network has shown keen interest in further collaboration, opening doors to incredible opportunities for our students. As of now, the application for this year’s program is open, and sophomores and juniors are actively applying to take part.

Moving forward, another significant achievement is the new partnership established with the local health office of Dr. Marcellus Cephas, a board-certified psychiatrist. 

The requirements to engage in this opportunity are a bilingual background, given the region’s Spanish-speaking population, and a strong commitment from young passionate future employees. The success of this initiative was immediate as 4 of our students have already applied for these positions,for which Dr. Cephas’ Office is willing to accommodate based on the students schedules.   

“Those two internships place WAU’s Biology and Chemistry Department in an amazing competitive position when attracting students committed to becoming future Health Professionals”, commented Dr. Samuel Perez, chair of the Biology and Chemistry Department at Washington Adventist University, “as a program that fulfills the education of future professionals in the health industry, from medicine to biotechnology”.

Eventually, these meaningful partnerships with healthcare are instances of how students have access to a plethora of hands-on opportunities that truly set them apart. These collaborations not only provide incredible learning experiences but also pave the way for a bright future in the healthcare industry.