Glenn Burnie, M.D. — Learning the ropes of the medical field: Four sets of twins are starting their medical careers at UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center, some while still in high school.
“It’s awesome,” Meerav Malik said. “It’s awesome to have a twin sister,” Alina Malik said. “I think by doing this together we get to see each other more, and when things aren’t going well we can check in on each other,” Meerav continued, completing each other’s sentences.
Meerub and Aleena Malik both aspire to become pediatric physicians, and for them, the UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center’s Innovative Workforce Development Program offers a glimpse into what a career in medicine might be like.
The program was created to alleviate an obstacle facing many businesses: labor shortages.
“So we went to local high schools and found vocational education institutions that were bringing in students for nursing, agricultural technology and other health-related careers and recruited them into entry-level positions,” said Grant DeHyde, UM BWMC volunteer services manager.
UM BWMC works closely with Anne Arundel County Public Schools to offer programs to high school juniors and seniors.
“You can do anything from patient transport to nutrition to environmental services, any entry-level job that doesn’t require a certification, and then once you finish school and get certified, you can move up to the next step,” Dorhide said.
The program has been recruiting students for a little over two years, but this time a unique trend has emerged: four sets of twins have joined the program and are on unique career paths.
“I think it’s important that everyone works together, regardless of what department they’re in. Nurses work together, we work together to help with whatever the patient’s needs are. I think collaboration is really important in the flow of patients,” Alina Malik said.
The young, bright faces seen throughout the hospital are the medical professionals of tomorrow – assembling sterile kits in the central processing area, removing discarded items from the hospital, and checking in and attending to patients as they arrive in the emergency room.
“Every day there’s something new to see. Every day is not the same. There are many different personalities, but you get to meet a lot of great people here,” Tiara Lemon said.
Tiara and Ciara Lemon are recent graduates of Glen Burnie High School who started the program a year ago, and now they are both attending Towson University to study nursing, a path that continues through their daily work at the hospital.
“We’re both ready to get into the more hands-on part of the hospital and can’t wait,” Tiara said. “We’re both excited to get in there and start treating people,” Ciara agreed.
More than 60 students have been hired as team members so far, and the medical center is seeking more.
