Local school invests in future generations aspiring to enter medical field

St. Petersburg, FL – High school seniors will be learning about what it is really like to work in the medical field. Eighteen years ago a program was put together by Dr. Michael Riley, a graduate from St. Petersburg Catholic High School, as a way to thank his alumni for his foundation. Today, the science wing program at St. Pete Catholic High puts together 160 presentations from physicians out of a 180 day school year.

Science Department Chair, Mike Cerio, is eager to tell others about this program. “This is a wonderful program where we have about 75 physicians on-board who give lectures each year.” said Cerio. “These seniors learn valuable lessons and gain real-world experience. They all have aspirations of being physicians or in the medical field. With this program, their chances of doing so are more of a reality.”

“The Students are always inquisitive and a tribute to the value of the education provided at St. Petersburg Catholic,” said Neurosurgeon, Dr. David McKalip, who will be doing a talk on what it is like to be a brain and spine surgeon. “In addition to describing the profession of neurosurgery, we discussed the very important topic of avoiding behaviors that lead to head injuries and spinal injuries,” he said.

“Traumatic injury is the leading cause of death in the 15-24 age group and educating teenagers about drunk driving, abusive relationships, use of helmets and water safety is an important thing we can do as physicians to prevent injuries,” said Dr. McKalip.

For more information about this program contact St. Petersburg Catholic High School at (727) 344-4065 or visit them online at www.spchs.org.