New Visions students to learn about fertility field, careers at 12/13 Albany IVF observation:

Visit Part of Capital Region Career and Technical School Program Through Ellis Hospital that Offers School Credit, Exposure to Healthcare Employment Options

New Visions lab ALBANY (December 12, 2006) — For 11 million American women and their partners, the inability to conceive is a problem that causes heartbreak, strain and emotional turmoil.

Students from the New Visions: Health Careers program based at Ellis Hospital — a one–year Capital Region Career and Technical School program that turns area businesses into classrooms for highly motivated, college–bound high school seniors — will have a chance to learn about the latest fertility options when they visit Albany IVF Weds., Dec. 13 from 8:30–11 a.m.

"We’re delighted to welcome gifted students from Colonie Central, Duanesburg and Niskayuna," said Albany IVF Clinical Manager Gwen Testo, RN, whose practice will provide its young visitors with a better appreciation of the sub–specialty. "They’ll examine sperm slides and gain a greater understanding of infertility issues by playing ‘Reproductive Jeopardy,’ which we’ve modeled after the popular game show."

Staff at the practice, which is based on Northern Boulevard in Albany, has also set aside time during the visit to discuss careers in the nation’s $3 billion fertility industry. New Visions students will have a chance to hear from Albany IVF’s laboratory personnel, staff nurses and physician assistant about the important roles they play at the practice.

"All of our students want to go into the health profession," said New Visions teacher Chuck Paravella. "Some have already expressed an interest in biomedical engineering and pharmacy jobs. However, the great part about this program is that it gives them a chance to see what else is out there in terms of healthcare career choices. The more exposure they get, the better off they are.

"The Albany IVF site visit is especially exciting because it’s offering something these kids wouldn’t normally see during our traditional rotations through Ellis Hospital," he added.

Those enrolled in the New Visions program have already completed most of the credits needed to graduate from high school. Students, who earn honors and college credit, spend up to three and one–half hours each day learning about a profession through traditional methods (reading, writing and focused study) and group discussion. To add to the experience, guest speakers come to the classroom to discuss a variety of topics. Students are also encouraged to attend lectures given within the hospital.

At the heart of the New Visions experience are rotations, structured observations of professionals and procedures in a career field. Students spend from one to three days each year in more than 30 rotations in various clinical and administrative areas of the hospital and at local health care facilities. At the end of rotations, which include radiology, neurology, emergency room, pharmacy and administrative work, students write about their experiences and what they’ve learned in a clinical notebook.

"Some seniors at high school are happy to sit back and cruise through their last year. New Visions students are exceptional. They are motivated and willing to challenge themselves," said Paravella, noting the program is an asset to their transcripts and helps separate students in the college application process. "New Visions gives them a taste of medicine many others don’t receive until med school. And that’s a wonderful leg up going into their freshman year!"

Those interested in New Visions must have a strong academic record and commitment to the selected career area. They also must complete an application and interview process. Recent New Visions graduates are applying skills learned in the rigorous program to their studies at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, New York University, Dartmouth and the University of Rochester.

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