Local Students Gain Hands-On Experience Thanks to MidMichigan Health

Kara Montini and Eric Kreckman

Local students in the Physician Assistant Program at Central Michigan University have been gaining valuable on-the-job experience with physicians and staff at MidMichigan Medical Center–Clare. Students in the program must complete clinical rotations in family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry and a final rotation of the student’s choosing. Each five-week-long rotation is capped off by testing and a presentation by the student.

Kara Montini recently completed her surgical rotation with General Surgeon Robert Nunoo, M.D. “Dr. Nunoo was awesome; I could tell he enjoys teaching,” she said. “He taught me how important it is to stay motivated to learn new things throughout my career because that is what will help patients. He is still learning new things all the time.”

Kara, a 2007 graduate of Clare High School, said she has always wanted to work in the medical field. “I can think of no career more rewarding than one where you get to help people every day,” she said. “Right now, I’m leaning toward specializing in Family Medicine because I want to help all kinds of people with all kinds of issues.”

After graduation, Kara would like to stay and practice in the area. She sees it as an opportunity to give back to others. “I’m really excited to start working and doing my part to make the community better,” she said. “I wouldn’t be where I am today if it had not been for what others have done for me.”

Eric Kreckman recently completed his surgical rotation with General Surgeon John Q. Nguyen, D.O. His education with Dr. Nguyen went far beyond learning technical skills. “Dr. Nguyen is all about the patient,” he said. “I learned to treat a patient, not an illness. He tells patients, ‘I work for you!’ He is an incredibly nice man with a wonderful sense of humor.”

Even though Eric has several rotations to complete, he said his experience at MidMichigan Medical Center–Clare helped him decide to specialize in surgery. Originally from Gladwin, Eric would also like to practice in the area after graduation. “Clare would be my first choice but I’ll work wherever I’m needed,” he said.

“It’s wonderful that the hospital participates in the program,” Eric said. “Taking on students like me costs the doctors time and money yet they do it anyway. I am very grateful for the experience and feel blessed to have had the opportunity.”