Summit Medical Group Partners With BHEF to Launch Sports Medicine Course
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR INQUIRIES FROM MEMBERS OF THE PRESS, PLEASE CONTACT:
Maureen Bennett at 908-277-8834 or mbennett@smgnj.com
FOR ALL OTHER INQUIRIES, PLEASE CALL 908-273-4300.
Students at Governor Livingston High School get a jump on medical career
BERKELEY HEIGHTS -- A grant from the Berkeley Heights Education Foundation (BHEF), funded by its Partner in Education, Summit Medical Group (SMG) is enriching the new Sports Medicine Program at Governor Livingston High School. In 2008, SMG provided $5,000.00 to BHEF to launch the program for the 2008-2009 school year. The exploratory course offers insight into anatomy, physiology, nutrition, exercise science, physical therapy and strength and conditioning. Todd Hirsch, the instructor for the course who is also the Head Athletic Trainer at GL, submitted the grant request to the BHEF. According to Mr. Hirsch, "Most students who want to go into a health care related field never get the opportunity to learn about the human body in such detail until they are into their college courses. This course gives them a brief overview of a variety of different areas like human anatomy, physiology, nutrition, strength and conditioning, human performance and other related areas to truly see if they have an interest in pursuing one of these careers. This is a great jump start for those who might have an interest in Medicine, Nursing, Athletic Training, Physical Therapy, Strength and Condition or a number of related fields." The funds provided by SMG were used to purchase specialized materials and supplies, such as interactive anatomy software, a skeleton, joints, CPR training materials and a blood pressure unit, without which the course could not be run effectively.
The course is well received by students, with over 50 enrolled this year. Cassandra Niemala, a senior, provided these insights: "From an athlete's perspective, the Sports Medicine course allowed me to realize the importance of maintaining and strengthening the body for added stresses and the ideas behind certain injuries, their care, and prevention. Being a student, the course was tough, but all the effort put in was a rewarding learning experience. It also gives a nice array of various career insights for students possibly interested in any aspect of sports medicine."
"We’re pleased to be part of this program for the students of Governor Livingston High School and support their interest in pursuing a career in healthcare," says Eric C. Mirsky, MD, head of the Department of Orthopedics at Summit Medical Group. The Group is growing in this field of medicine, having recently opened a new Orthopedics and Sports Medicine office in Morristown, NJ.
The BHEF’s Partner in Education program offers customized opportunities for local businesses to support the schools by sponsoring a specific program, project or event. Participating businesses are given the opportunity to support educational excellence in Berkeley Heights; gain exposure to the parents, students and the greater Berkeley Heights community; and become part of the creation of long-term links with the community through media coverage and naming opportunities. For more information about this program and the BHEF, visit the website www.bhef.info.
