Twelve students graduated from Montefiore Medical Center Summer Health Careers  Internship program earlier this month in a ceremony at the hospital’s Cherkasky Auditorium. The program, which is one of four like it in the country and began in 2002, links high school and college students with Montefiore staff mentors, many of whom share the same cultural and social backgrounds as the students.

Throughout the rigorous six-week program that met five days a week, students worked with their mentors and each other on a variety of projects.

"It was a very positive experience," said intern Tatjana Chung, who is a junior at St. John’s University, and is studying to become a physician’s assistant. "It gave me the opportunity to see what I would do after school."

Over the course of the program, the interns attended presentations and workshops on maternal and child health issues, and learned literature review skills, resume writing and interview skills. They also met health care professionals through field trips to the New York City Department of Health and Children’s Defense Fund, among other places.

The students wrapped up their experiences by presenting 10-page papers and slide shows to the other interns and mentors. Past topics include serious public health subjects such as "Obesity and Its Impact on the Minority Community" and "Teens, Sex and Statutory Rape."

Lt. Colonel Floyd J. Carter spoke at the graduation on dedication, perseverance and achievement.

Graduates are encouraged to keep in touch with each other and their mentors, and there is a reunion each winter where all program graduates and family members meet and share experiences.