Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut, and Stamford Health have partnered to launch the Silver Scholars Program — an exciting new paid summer internship designed to give high-achieving undergraduate students from Quinnipiac a front-row seat to the world of medicine at Stamford Health.
The four-week observational shadowing program, which was recently launched, will immerse four Quinnipiac undergraduates in a variety of specialty care areas at Stamford Health, where they will gain valuable insights from physicians and physician assistants across clinical disciplines.
The program is made possible through the generous philanthropic support of Richard Silver, an attorney, Stamford resident and dedicated member of Quinnipiac University’s Board of Trustees and Stamford Hospital Foundation donor, whose vision and commitment to education and health care have helped bring this unique opportunity to life.
“The purpose of my funding this program is to engender extremely talented Quinnipiac undergraduate students to attend medical school and thereafter to remain in Connecticut where there is a dramatic need for physicians,” Silver said.
The Silver Scholars Program represents a collaborative commitment between Quinnipiac University and Stamford Health to inspire the next generation of health-care professionals. By bridging academic learning with real-world clinical experience, the program aims to cultivate well-rounded, compassionate physicians.
“This program is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and my experiences so far have been like no other,” said Quinnipiac student Sarah Fabricatore. “Seeing critical patients in the ICU and watching surgeries have completely changed my view on life itself. Shadowing these incredible professionals has helped me discover what I want to do for the rest of my life.”
Student Melissa Sheehan agreed, calling the program an incredible opportunity.
The program’s long-term goal is to educate and retain medical professionals who will continue to serve communities throughout Connecticut.
“Stamford Health provides many undergraduate and graduate medical education opportunities to individuals interested in pursuing a career in medicine,” said Dr. Ed Schuster, a cardiologist at Stamford Health who was instrumental in bringing the program to fruition.
Quinnipiac is a private, coeducational institution located 90 minutes north of New York City and two hours from Boston. The university enrolls 9,000 students through its various degree programs. It is recognized by “U.S. News & World Report” and Princeton Review’s “The Best 388 Colleges.” The university is in the midst of program expansion and renewal for both traditional and adult learners, attraction of diverse communities, development of innovative corporate partnerships and construction of an ambitious set of capital projects.
