Welcome HIP class of 2021!

We're excited to introduce our class of 2021, who recently began our summer Healthcare Immersion Program (HIP). This unique program provides college students with a unique, clinical immersion experience in healthcare as they shadow real healthcare providers (preceptors). As in 2020, we've modified the program a bit to accommodate COVID-19 health and safety protocols.  As always, our students will only be observers in low-risk outpatient, orthopedic, elective care. and classroom settings.

This year's students are: Nicole Marquez, Sarah Ortiz, Cameron Thollaug, and Caymus Smith-Pierce. Our new program coordinator is 2020 HIP alum Mahnoor Yousuf.

Meet this year's students

​Nicole Marquez: “I am a recent graduate from Chico State where I majored in Exercise Physiology and minored in Sport Performance. I was captain of the school’s soccer team which allowed me to express my passion for teamwork and collaboration. I believe in taking a holistic approach to medicine, and after having a meniscus injury myself, I understood the importance of physical therapy and how helpful it can be in trying to improve patients’ lives. I aspire to become a Physical Therapist and work toward helping patients in a collaborative work environment.”

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Sarah Ortiz: “I am currently working at Bay Area Foot Care, where I am a receptionist. I originally majored in Art at the Academy of Art University, San Francisco, however, I found myself wanting to go into the healthcare field as I found that there are many overlaps between art and medicine. I believe that the skills that I have gathered from my current job and art experience will allow me to empathize and best serve patients as a Physician Assistant. I enjoy working in a clinical setting and serving others as I find it fulfilling helping others in their time of need.”

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Cameron Thollaug: “I am currently attending Merritt College where I am majoring in Pre-nursing. I have always been fascinated with life, and this was further fostered by my grandfather, who was a veterinarian. Working in a veterinary hospital and then later on in the restaurant industry has broadened my perspective on the importance of disparities in medicine and what it means to work in a diverse environment. I am a life-long learner and find meaning and importance in all experiences. I hope to transition my skillset to the healthcare field as an ER or ICU nurse.” 

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Caymus Smith-Pierce: “I am an upcoming sophomore at Grinnell College double majoring in Biology and English. I am very interested in anatomy and medicine and after shadowing a nurse in high school I was very impressed by the variety of procedures performed. My curiosity and ability to work in a group environment has grown since attending Grinnell, where I am able to engage in a collaborative and respectful environment with my peers, much like the healthcare setting. Working in a Mental Health Clinic has given me a glimpse into the importance that mental health has on patients. I hope to one day become a Physician and change patients’ lives for the better.”

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Check out our new HIP video

To learn more about how our Healthcare Immersion Program helps students develop their career interests, check out our new video featuring interviews and insights from past program participants:

Learn more about HIP

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