Alcona Student Gains Hands-On Experience at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena
Ryan Windsor, a sophomore at Alcona High School, recently took a major step toward his dream of becoming an anesthesiologist by completing a job shadowing experience at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena. Demonstrating his dedication to the medical field, Ryan applied for the opportunity and spent part of his spring break gaining firsthand exposure to hospital care.
Over the course of two days, Ryan observed and learned in both the Progressive Care Unit (PCU) and the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The PCU provides an intermediate level of care, offering increased monitoring and support for patients who require more attention than a standard medical-surgical unit but do not need intensive care. The ICU, on the other hand, is a highly specialized unit where critically ill patients receive continuous monitoring and advanced treatment.
Ryan shared that his favorite part of the experience was simply being in the hospital setting and having the opportunity to learn. Taking his passion for medicine a step further, he has also applied to the Alcona Community Schools Early College Program, which will allow him to earn college credits while still in high school and help him work toward his career goal.
Dr. Mary Morris, Alcona Middle/High School Principal, praised Ryan’s initiative and dedication. “Ryan is a great example of what happens when students take advantage of the opportunities available to them. His ambition and drive to pursue a career in medicine at such a young age is truly commendable. We are proud of him and excited to see what his future holds,” she said.
Early College Coordinator, Ms. Helen-Ann Cordes, who helped guide Ryan through this process, emphasized how unique his experience was. “We have never had a student take advantage of this type of job shadowing opportunity before, and Ryan truly paved the way. His motivation to seek out experiences that align with his future career goals is inspiring. I have no doubt he will accomplish great things.”
Alcona Community Schools extends its gratitude to MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena for making this valuable learning experience possible. We look forward to seeing where Ryan’s journey in the medical field takes him next!