Biochemistry and molecular biology major explores medical profession in APEX fellowship

Nicholas Bostic ’26, a biochemistry and molecular biology major and religious studies minor on the pre-health track at The College of Wooster, got hands-on experience in the medical field through an APEX Fellowship with Wooster Community Hospital. In this position, Bostic, who also plays on the Fighting Scots football team, assisted travelling nurses in their visits with patients, taking vitals, checking for acute issues, and coaching patients on how to live a healthier lifestyle. During his time as a health coach, Bostic improved not only his clinical skills and bedside manner but also his independence and leadership. For Bostic, this experience cemented that he loves working with patients and wants to go to medical school to become an orthopedic surgeon.  

“This internship not only taught me clinical skills, but it also taught me the values of life. It taught me what it means to be in healthcare, not for money or pride. It taught me to do something because you love it and enjoy every second of it.”

—Nicholas Bostic ’26

Q: How did you learn about the internship opportunity for your APEX Fellowship? Why was the position a good fit for you? 

Bostic: I learned about the program through some other students. I was previously a part of the health coach program and was able to continue my work for the whole summer. This internship not only taught me clinical skills, but it also taught me the values of life. It taught me what it means to be in healthcare, not for money or pride. It taught me to do something because you love it and enjoy every second of it. 

Q: What were some of the things you did each day? 

Bostic: I was able to improve my bedside manner, my independence, and leadership. I took the vitals of each patient while checking for acute issues, coached them on living a healthier lifestyle, and charted each of my visits for the hospital. What interested me every day was learning from my patients. Many of them have had full lives and so many stories to tell. 

Q: Who was your fellowship mentor and how did they help you to succeed in this position? 

Bostic: My mentor was Grit Herzmann, associate professor of psychology and chair of neuroscience. She was so positive every week we met. She helped me build confidence and reflect on what I did every week. Each week she would ask challenging questions to help us think deeply on what we are doing.  

Q: What are some skills you’ve learned that you see yourself carrying forward in your career? 

Bostic: I learned skills like taking vital signs, looking for acute issues, problem solving, taking clinical notes, and many others. The biggest skill I learned was bedside manner. It matters so much to people who go into the hospital and expect you to help them.  

Q: How has the internship helped you to see what’s next for you? 

Bostic: This internship has cemented that I want to become an orthopedic surgeon. I loved going in to see these people and see how they have been improving. I loved to work directly with patients and make an impact on their lives. 

Posted in Experiential Learning, News, Showcase Stories 2024 on August 10, 2024.