Thanks to an innovative mentoring commitment by the Office of Health Policy and Clinical Outcomes of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and Jefferson Medical College (JMC), 15-year-old April Taylor is getting a head start on her goal to become a pediatrician.

Ms. Taylor is one of 30 Philadelphia high school students selected for the special Health Professions program sponsored by Philadelphia Futures’ Sponsor-a-Scholar (SAS) program. A sophomore at William Penn High School, Ms. Taylor will be gaining a rare inside view of the health profession through her weekly involvement in and observations of the Health Policy Office until her graduation in 2001.

Susan L. Howell, MSS, April Taylor, David B. Nash, MD, MBA

“The end goal of this program is to help guide a bright student of academic promise from the Philadelphia schools into the college of his or her choice and to provide examples of the professional world the student aspires to enter,” explains David B. Nash, MD, MBA, Director of Health Policy and Clinical Outcomes for the Hospital and JMC.

“In April’s case, since she wants to become a doctor, our job in the context of the University and the Jefferson Health System is to provide her as many insights as possible toward her career interest. Already, she now realizes there are many more career paths in health care than she ever imagined,” Dr. Nash adds.

Ms. Taylor began coming to Jefferson weekly last February and has just completed an extended summer stay.

Her time and activities at Jefferson are directed and coordinated by Susan L. Howell, MSS, Communications Manager, Office of Health Policy and Clinical Outcomes.

“Ms. Howell’s previous social work and advocacy experience coupled with her people skills make a natural fit for this key mentoring role,” explains Dr. Nash.

“April is very self-directed, works independently and wants to learn as much as she can,” says Ms. Howell. “It’s a pleasure having her with us. All our staff members have given generously of their time because they believe in the purpose and importance of this program.”

Philadelphia Futures seeks other health professionals to sponsor and/or mentor students in this program. Please call Joyce Mantell at Philadelphia Futures for more information, 215-790-1666, extension 13.

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