February 10, 2006

Me and my shadow

On Groundhog Day, a groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil provides the annual forecast of spring's arrival, determining when the season will arrive based on the appearance of his shadow. Like the groundhog, the MGH has its own shadowing tradition — Groundhog Job Shadow Day. On Feb. 2, more than 20 students from East Boston High School (EBHS), the MGH's high school education partner, visited the hospital and learned about health care careers by "shadowing" hospital staff.

Job shadow students spent the day with their shadow hosts observing, asking questions and assisting them when appropriate, all the while getting a first-hand look at the dynamic world of health care. Departments that took part included Accounts Payable, Bulfinch Medical Group, Cardiac Surgery, Health Information Services, Human Resources, Infectious Diseases, Materials Management, Neurology, Orthopaedics and Nutrition and Food Services.

For more information about the MGH/EBHS partnership, call (617) 724-8326.