HAFSA SADIQ ’19, biology major with a concentration in biochemistry, neuroscience minor, premed
reflects on her shadow day with KATIE BENNING, D.O., ’90, family physician at South Shore Medical Center in Norwell, Massachusetts
H
oly Cross is an institution known for its academic excellence in fields ranging from philosophy to chemistry. As a student who did not have an idea of my future goals or career options when I started my first year, Holy Cross has certainly provided me a clear vision through field-based programs. Through my academic coursework, I was able to find my passion in the sciences and hoped to find a clearer
vision for a career. I learned about the Alumni Job Shadowing Program through the Career Development Center. This opportunity seemed to provide the means for me to seek more knowledge about various careers, such as health professions. I applied to the program to see if I could shadow alumni in the medical field. By having the experience to shadow health professionals, I hoped to have a better idea about my future aspirations in the health sciences.
information about the profession. When I met with Dr. Benning in her office at the start of our shadow day, we discussed the intricacies of a hospital and the requirements that she had to abide by in her work. She also had a series of appointments for the whole day that I could observe. Through these appointments, I observed various doctor-patient interactions and learned about a variety of medical procedures, such as physicals, through Dr. Benning’s explanations.
Dr. Katie Benning ’90 is a family physician, a specialty devoted to comprehensive health care for people of all ages, who works at the South Shore Medical Center in Norwell, Massachusetts. By observing her daily routine, I learned useful skills and
I admired her warm and cheerful greetings to each and every patient, as if they were her friends or family. In between the appointments, I asked her questions about various subjects, including her experience at Holy Cross and in medical school.
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