Ulster BOCES Pre-University/New Visions Health students participated in the New York State Department of Health's 2018 Celebration of National Public Health Week on April 3 at Ellenville Regional Hospital. The event's theme was "Changing Our Future Together."

The event, termed a Medical Grand Rounds session, was hosted by New York State Commissioner of Health Dr. Howard Zucker. Five Ulster BOCES students who also attend the Ellenville Central School District were invited to participate. During the event, they heard from a panel of medical professionals including Steven Kelley, President and CEO of Ellenville Regional Hospital; Dr. Neil Calman, President and CEO of Institute for Family Health; Michaela Frazier, Vice President Social Support Services at the Institute for Family Health; and Sirene Garcia, Director of Special Programs at Finger Lakes Community Health. Topics discussed were collaborations between community health centers and hospitals, integrating social diagnosis into the patient encounter, and the emerging role of telehealth in primary care.

The Commissioner's Medical Grand Rounds allows for healthcare professionals to hear from subject matter experts (from both inside and outside the NYS Department of Health) about issues relevant to the health of all New Yorkers. Its goal is that all New York State providers have access to timely and evidence-based information that can improve patient care, regardless of their practice setting.

Participation in the event, and the opportunity to meet the Zucker, is one of many experiences provided to High School students through the New Visions Health Education course.

The Ulster BOCES Pre-University/New Visions Health program introduces students to healthcare careers through intensive academics and teaches English, social studies, and healthcare through an interdisciplinary curriculum. The students in this program have the opportunity to earn nine college credits.

The students spend three mornings a week at Ellenville Regional Hospital, where they shadow mentors in various departments including the emergency room, operating room, physical therapy, billing, and the medical surgical unit.

Ulster BOCES Health instructor Linda Seekamp says, "The entire staff [at Ellenville Regional Hospital] has been so gracious and eager to help these students in any way they can."