Tina Chu ’17 and Maya Ramy ’17 wanted to know what a career in neurology might look like for them. Thanks to Rice parent Hazem Machkhas, they were able to experience a day in the life of a successful neurologist at an outpatient clinic in Sugar Land, Texas.
Through the Owl Edge Externship program, a joint-effort between Development and Alumni Relations and the Center for Career Development, several Rice parents, alumni and friends hosted undergraduates for one-to-five-day-long externships (job-shadowing experiences) over spring break and spring recess in March and April. The externships offered students from all majors at Rice the opportunity to gain valuable insights and tangible experiences to make informed decisions about their future education and professional goals.
Dr. Machkhas, whose son will start his junior year at Rice in August, welcomed Chu and Ramy to his multi-specialty clinic in Sugar Land to observe the day-to-day operations of a successful neurologist. Chu and Ramy had each been contemplating medical school, but, says Ramy, this experience solidified that idea.
“Before this externship, I was pretty positive that I wanted to be a neurologist, but seeing Dr. Machkhas interact with patients firsthand and personally being allowed to interact with the patients confirmed my dreams,” Ramy says. Chu echoes the sentiment, noting that Dr. Machkhas provided opinions and feedback she hadn’t heard before from other doctors she has shadowed.
Both students came away from the externship with a greater understanding about potential careers in medicine. Dr. Machkhas, for his part, was more than happy to share his knowledge and time with future doctors from Rice. As the parent of a Rice student, he understood the importance of presenting undergrads with new opportunities to learn and explore career options.
If you would be interested in hosting a Rice student for "A Day in the Life" for your profession, please visit our volunteer opportunity page.