“A Transformative Experience in My Journey Toward a Career in Medicine”
This summer, I participated in a four-week clinical observership program made possible by Dr. Lance Bruck ’89 P’21.By: Gabriel Seinfeld ’27 Thursday, October 17, 2024 10:53 AM
Gabriel Seinfeld ’27 and Dr. Lance Bruck ’89 P’21This summer, Gabriel Seinfeld ’27, a premedical neuroscience and finance double major, completed a four-week observership program at Jersey City Medical Center - RWJBarnabas Health made possible by the Chair of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health Dr. Lance Bruck ’89 P’21, who’s also chair of Muhlenberg’s Board of Trustees. To make this happen, Muhlenberg signed a two-year affiliation agreement with Jersey City Medical Center, and now that is in place, other students will be able to take advantage of shadowing opportunities there as well.
“Muhlenberg alumni have so much to offer current students by volunteering to be a mentor,” Bruck says. “There is no better way to support the legacy of Muhlenberg than by engaging directly with current students and providing opportunities for students to learn by experience and gain knowledge and wisdom from alumni.”
Here, Seinfeld reflects on his observership.
This past summer, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in a four-week clinical observership program at Jersey City Medical Center, a major urban hospital. Over the spring 2024 semester, I contacted Dr. Lance Bruck ’89 P’21. After meeting with Dr. Bruck on campus, he brought to my attention a possible opportunity at Jersey City Medical Center where I could participate in a four-week undergraduate program. My time there allowed me to gain firsthand exposure to inpatient and outpatient environments and proved to be a transformative experience in my journey toward a career in medicine.
“My time there allowed me to gain firsthand exposure to inpatient and outpatient environments and proved to be a transformative experience in my journey toward a career in medicine.”
During my rotation, I was fortunate to spend time in the Obstetrics High-Risk Clinic, where I gained invaluable insights into the complexities of managing pregnancies with complications. In addition, I observed a wide range of surgeries, including laparotomies for cases such as hysterectomies and cutting-edge robotic procedures. I also had the opportunity to observe surgery from different OB-GYN physicians in different subspecialties, such as gynecologic oncology. There were also many times when physicians from various specialties were in the operating rooms working with surgeons from the OB-GYN department, including urology, gastroenterology and plastic surgery. Outside of the surgical floor, I spent time on the labor and delivery floor, where I had the opportunity to observe cesarean section surgery and interact with patients in OB triage.
Jersey City Medical Center’s status as a teaching hospital created a dynamic learning environment where I learned from various professionals, including attending physicians, residents and medical students from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. I also had the privilege of connecting with fellow undergraduate premed students from the Stevens Institute of Technology. The collaborative nature of the team provided me with a holistic view of patient care and the intricacies of health care from the view of the provider.
“This experience was not just about observing procedures or different forms of intervention; it was about understanding the profound human impact of medicine.”
This experience was not just about observing procedures or different forms of intervention; it was about understanding the profound human impact of medicine. Whether connecting with patients and their families or observing moments of joy in the delivery room, I witnessed firsthand the power of empathy and precision in health care. This program specifically deepened my commitment to pursuing a surgical specialty, a goal I now hold with greater conviction than ever before. Being in the operating room at 19 years old and observing 20+ cases was truly amazing.
I am deeply grateful to Dr. Bruck for his unwavering support and mentorship, as well as to Cheryl Zuk, the administrative assistant for the Department of Women’s Health, and the entire team at Jersey City Medical Center for facilitating this extraordinary experience. I would also like to thank Muhlenberg College for making this opportunity possible.
“This experience will remain a cornerstone of my medical journey, reminding me of the transformative power of hands-on learning and the profound impact of patient care.”
As I continue my studies and prepare for medical school, I carry the lessons learned while at Jersey City Medical Center. I hope to one day pay it forward by helping future students, just as so many have helped me along this path. This experience will remain a cornerstone of my medical journey, reminding me of the transformative power of hands-on learning and the profound impact of patient care.
