With a steady, practiced hand, senior Manushri Singh takes the blood pressure of her patient and checks their vitals. Dressed in scrubs, Singh confidently applies the skills that are necessary for a career in the medical field.
As a part of the Medical Assisting academy course at Falls Church High School, Singh practices the hands-on skills that are used in clinics and hospitals.
“I joined [the program] because I wanted real experience in healthcare before college,” Singh said. “I didn’t just want to read about medicine, I wanted to practice it.”
The Medical Assisting program is a two year class that simulates working in a medical setting, allowing students to explore their interests in medical careers. In the first year, students learn valuable information including medical terminology and human anatomy. In the second year of the class, students begin practicing more clinical work, such as conducting lab tests and learning to manage patient records.
“We try to have fun while learning real life skills, all the while knowing the importance of accuracy in caring for patients in a holistic way,” practical nursing teacher Jaqueline Portnoy said. “Students like Manushri are the glue that make Medical Assisting such an engaging class.”
For Singh, the Medical Assisting program has been an invaluable experience that has allowed her to learn about medicine and develop skills that will be necessary for a future in healthcare.
“I have learned so much more than just medical knowledge,” Singh said. “We’ve learned real skills. I know how to take vital signs, chart patient information and maintain sterile technique. I’ve also learned about professionalism, teamwork and what it’s actually like to interact with patients. It has helped me understand how every part of healthcare connects.”
Singh’s interest in medicine developed as a result of her desire to help others and give back to her community.
“I’ve always been drawn to helping people, especially in moments when they really need care,” Singh said. “There’s something incredible about being able to directly help someone heal.”
Singh knew she wanted to pursue her passion for healthcare after discussing elderly care in her Medical Assisting class.
“When we talked for the first time about hospice and elderly care, I remember vividly coming to the realization that healthcare is about so much more than just saving people; it’s about community and taking care of others in every capacity,” Singh said. “It’s about giving comfort and safety at all times. It was the beginning of my journey in learning how to truly help people.”
Outside of the classroom, Singh continues to pursue her passion for medicine in other ways. Over the summer, Singh participated in a six-week volunteering program with the Red Cross through the U.S. Armed Forces, spending much of her time working on a military base.
“I spent my time going between the cardiology clinic and the pediatrics clinic, which helped me learn about different specialties and the pathways to get there,” Singh said. “The program taught me a lot about how healthcare impacts military personnel and families, which helped me understand the differences in healthcare across specialties.”
Singh’s peers notice her strength of character and believe it will allow her to accomplish her goals in healthcare.
“Manushri is really interested in being a physician and she has the empathy and what it takes to be [successful],” senior Roshika Chhetri said.
Both teachers and students recognize her dependable personality.
“I love her passion, but mostly her compassion for others,” Portnoy said. “During class or lab, if a classmate is struggling, Manushri is the first to step in to help.”
Singh believes the Medical Assisting Program has prepared her to follow her passion for medicine after graduation and looks forward to applying these skills to help others.
“This class has been one of the best parts of my high school experience,” Singh said. “It’s given me a real sense of what the medical world is like and made me more confident about my future in healthcare.”
