Recruitment Helps NCCU Interns Explore Clinical Careers

Eight students from North Carolina Central University who have aspirations of medical careers after graduation completed a 7-week internship at Duke last week where they got a closer look at the health care profession.

Kyle Cavanugh, vice president for administration, spoke to the group at the end of their session and encouraged them to take advantage of their experience at Duke.

"You've had a wonderful opportunity to work in one of the best medical centers in the country," he said. "I hope it has been a valuable opportunity for you and one that will serve you well as you consider your career options down the road."

The group is the latest cohort from a Clinical Health Summer Program that began in 1988 and now includes 193 participants. The program developed through a partnership between Duke's Recruitment Office and Lula Thorpe, director for the NCCU Health Careers Department. 

Interns in the program have worked across a broad clinical spectrum including Pediatrics, Cardiology, Orthopaedics, Pharmacy, Pathology, Neurology and Nursing.

Marcia Robinson, a Duke recruiter, has served as the coordinator for the program since 1993.

"At least 90 percent of the interns have gone on to medical or professional school, and we even have one who is now a physician here at Duke," she said. "We're glad to be able to work with these students and help them explore health care careers and gain some valuable experience in the process."