Hi! My name is Maria Mathew.
I am a senior at South Forsyth High School. I plan on attending UGA in the fall, to pursue a career in the medical field.
This year, as a participant of the Honors Mentorship Program, I was able to shadow Dr. Koduru, a hospitalist, at Emory Hospital for one month, and have been shadowing Ms. Jennifer Hughes, a physical therapist, at Georgia Physical Therapy, for the rest of the school year. My first shadowing experience, although only a month long, opened my eyes to the fast paced, busy schedule of a health professional. I was able to walk alongside Dr. Koduru, as she diagnosed, met with and updated patients and their families.
For the rest of the school year, I have been shadowing Ms. Jennifer Hughes, at Georgia Physical Therapy. It has been an eye opening experience, as I had never before been exposed to a physical therapist career and workplace. As a mentee, I assist Ms. Jennifer as she works with patients, operate the pool, and prepare ice and heat packs. I have also been able to observe the administrative side of physical therapy while helping file papers and patient reports. Overall, it has been an extremely rewarding experience as I have experienced firsthand several aspects about the duties and lifestyle of a health career as a physical therapist.