A lot of what the public sees about the medical profession comes from a plethora of television dramas having to do with medical emergencies as actors portray doctors in the role of hero. For many, the first impression of a doctor is formed as a result of a television show. However an aspiring doctor cannot fully understand what it takes nor what it means to be a physician from a TV show.

At Franklin Hospital Medical Center, a Summer Scientific Work Program for those attending college gives students a glimpse of what life in the medical profession is all about. The program is invaluable to students who are considering medicine as a profession since the experience the students gain sometimes either confirms the decision to go into medical school or shows students the career may not be what they thought.

The experience the students gain from the hospital also can help students narrow down a specialty in medicine. For example, a student who witnesses the wonder of birth may wish to pursue a career as an obstetrician.

The program has been a tradition at Franklin for the past 36 years and affords students a variety of pre-med experiences. One of the students who took advantage of the program is Clair Cascella of Elmont.