Alexandria Senior High School sophomore Paravi Hirachan spent three weeks of her summer in the Central Louisiana Area Health Education Center (CLAHEC) program called "A-HEC of a Summer." The three-week program gives students hands-on experience in various medical professions at local hospitals.

Paravi wrote a about her experience in an article she shared with The Town Talk because she wants other students to know about the program and how it can help students learn about various healthcare careers while shadowing medical professionals and getting hands on experience.

My 3 week experience with AHEC (Area Health Education Center) of a Summer was truly unforgettable, from the shadowing experience to the friendships made, every part of it made a lasting impression upon me.

This program began as an exciting opportunity to explore different medical professions but this quickly became an experience that strengthened my desire to pursue a career in healthcare. We shadowed departments from the lab to dialysis to the pharmacy.

One experience that stood out to me was shadowing rehabilitation, where we saw the role of a physical therapist and got the opportunity to interact with patients experiencing various conditions. Another department that made an impression on me was the cardiac cath (catheterization) lab. The precision required during procedures gave me a greater appreciation for healthcare professionals' collaboration to provide the best care for their patients. Observing each member of the team showed me the importance of preparation, communication, and attentiveness to detail in a hospital setting.

Before sharing more about my experience, AHEC of a Summer is a program crafted for rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors with an interest in pursuing a healthcare career. This program gives students an opportunity to explore different career options in medicine by shadowing practicing healthcare professionals. Students are able to obtain knowledge about health issues and patient care, gain CPR certification,and earn ½ unit of high school elective credit when successfully completing the program.

One of the most fulfilling parts of this program was meeting students from different schools who all shared a passion for healthcare. Over the course of the program, we conversed with one another about our experiences in each department and also discussed our day to day lives and aspirations to take part in the medical field. We started as a group of strangers, and now have left like a family.

AHEC of a Summer taught me the importance of curiosity, asking questions , and having the ability to have an open mind. Each healthcare professional took their time to explain their role in the hospital setting and even shared their experiences, showing me that there are many different paths to making a difference in medicine.

I am incredibly grateful for the friendships made, the AHEC staff, healthcare professionals, and anyone who dedicated their time to mentoring us. These past three weeks have been an unforgettable experience and motivated my interest to pursue a career in healthcare.

For more information about AHEC of a Summer program and how to apply, visit clahec.org

This article originally appeared on Alexandria Town Talk: Alexandria student finds calling through medical summer program