Investing in the future of medicine
When Elleigh Fisher was in the 6th grade, she was hit by a car while crossing the street to school. “The driver didn’t see me–they ran over my foot,” said Fisher. At Great Plains Foot and Ankle Clinic, Dr. Josh Wray treated her. “I had to wear a boot for a few weeks,” explained Fisher, “but the injury caused plantar fasciitis. I had to have surgery later on.” Through her years of treatment, Wray noticed that Fisher was extremely interested in medicine. “I asked if there was a pre-med club she could join at school,” said Wray. When she said there was no such club, he suggested she start one. Fisher, a young woman with confidence and natural leadership ability, accepted the invitation, and in January 2020, the North Platte High School (NPHS) pre-med club had its first meeting. “Elleigh [Fisher] did all of the legwork,” Wray said. “It was important that the club was student led, with physicians available to help when needed. I gave her advice on how to set it up, and she did the rest.” “The club leadership plans activities for students,” explained Fisher. “For example, one week we did CPR certification. We were able to certify 25 people. We have also done casting, suturing, ultrasound, and saw bones. The purpose of the club is to give students hands-on experience, and I think so far we have been able to accomplish it.” Dr. JoshWray
Dr. Nathan Jacobson, orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist at Great Plains Health, has also volunteered his time and talents to the pre-med club. “We brought in a scope and let the kids try moving coins around just to give them a feel for what it is
Dr. Nathan Jacobson
like doing surgery,” said Jacobsen. “It’s very rewarding to help out. Investing into the next generation of healthcare providers is one of the best things we can do. The more exposure students have to medicine, the better,” said Jacobson. The club members’ favorite activity is what Fisher referred to as “speed dating.” “We brought in lots of different medical professionals,” said Fisher, “[and] not just doctors. We had a
Doctor’s Day 2021 2 ’ 2
Elleigh Fisher - NPHS Student
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