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A healthy program JSerra is contributing to the medical world. By Larry UrishPublished: May, 2010

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As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Maybe you thought of far-fetched options: a rock star, ballerina or fighter pilot, to name but a few.     However, some children keep their aspirations rooted in reality when visualizing their future. Many grow to become students who have not forgotten their dreams.     A new and unique pilot program at San Juan Capistrano-based JSerra Catholic High School was created for just these students: high achievers who, in this case, dream of a career in one of the medical professions. JSerra’s Pre-Med Professional Magnet Program (PMPMP) will blend a challenging four-year science-based curriculum and interaction with working health-care professionals at Mission Hospital, in Mission Viejo.     The PMPMP isn’t for every student. Only the best and the brightest will be considered. Prospective enrollees must have a grade point average of at least 3.7 and a 95 percent attendance record, among other requirements. In addition, entering ninth grade students must be accepted into honors biology and honors geometry, and returning and transfer students must successfully complete a number of prerequisite courses.     The PMPMP curriculum includes biology, geometry, chemistry, algebra, trigonometry, anatomy, physiology, physics, calculus and statistics, among other subjects. The vast majority of these courses are taken either at the “honors” or “AP” levels. They’ll be ready for any and all future scholastic challenges.     “When the students graduate,” says Frank Talarico, president and CEO of JSerra, “pre-med students will receive a special citation on their diplomas – and will be prepared to compete at the nation’s most prestigious universities.”     Outside the classroom, JSerra’s PMPMP students will spend time with a variety of Mission Hospital professionals, including orthopedists, neurologists and surgeons, among others. They’ll take part in summer clinical rotations, perform independent research and attend lectures conducted by Mission Hospital staff.     How did the JSerra-Mission Hospital collaboration come about?     “Peter Bastone, Mission Hospital’s CEO, is a JSerra parent and board member,” says Eric Stroupe, the high school’s vice principal for curriculum and instruction. “Last summer, he broached the idea with Frank Talarico. … Mr. Bastone has on several occasions discussed the shortage of health-care professionals that is anticipated in the future.”     Because of this shortfall, says Stroupe, Bastone pitched the idea of a program that would stimulate an interest in the medical professions among JSerra’s students. JSerra faculty and administrators liked the idea and created the program.     “[This program] illustrates our commitment to our students and their long-term needs,” says Talarico. “High school is not a terminal degree. We have an obligation to our students and their families to offer experiences that will serve them a lifetime.”     The program will begin this fall. Entering freshmen and their parents can attend a related meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 20, from 6 to 7 p.m. in the JSerra Center Room. For more information, contact Eric Stroupe at estroupe@jserra.org. JSerra: The best of the best Given JSerra Catholic High School’s stellar academic reputation, it’s no surprise that the seven-year-old school has developed a groundbreaking program such as the Pre-Medical Professional Magnet Program (see story, right). Few high schools have the high standards required to take on such a demanding effort. Then again, few – if any – can say that 99 percent of its graduates have gone on to college.     Located in San Juan Capistrano, JSerra is the only Catholic school in the region that has been named to the Catholic Honor Roll’s list of Top 50 Catholic High Schools in the U.S. for three years running. It has graduated far more than its share of National Merit Scholarship winners and Ivy League-bound students. Frank Talarico, JSerra’s president and CEO of JSerra, was recently named to OC METRO magazine’s 2010 profiles of 40 successful professionals under 40.  jserra.org

Readers Feedback:

what a fantastic idea

Comment at 6/19/2010

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