{"id":155715,"date":"2026-01-30T00:28:09","date_gmt":"2026-01-30T00:28:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/155715\/"},"modified":"2026-01-30T00:28:09","modified_gmt":"2026-01-30T00:28:09","slug":"opening-doors-to-the-future-of-medicine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/155715\/","title":{"rendered":"Opening Doors to the Future of Medicine"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sutter\u2019s Alta Bates Summit Medical Center leaders with U.C. Berkeley student athletes. L to R are John Leatherman, senior administrator, Heart and Vascular Service Line; Dr. Ursula Boynton, chief medical executive; student Julia Bonaguidi; Starla Dianda, senior administrator, Orthopedic\/Neuroscience Service Line; student Michela Miracco and student Parker Terrill.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

The\u00a0hum of hospital life greeted a group of U.C. Berkeley student-athletes as they stepped through the doors of\u00a0Sutter\u2019s\u00a0Alta Bates Summit Medical Center\u00a0in Oakland on January 12. For many, this was their first glimpse into\u00a0a\u00a0world\u00a0they had only imagined\u2014a place where science meets compassion, and where every decision can change a life.\u00a0<\/p>\n

This wasn\u2019t just a tour. It was a day of discovery, made possible through Sutter Health\u2019s partnership with Cal Athletics<\/a> and the Cameron Institute for Student-Athlete Development. Together, these organizations are committed to helping student-athletes thrive academically, athletically, and professionally.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor Sutter, this is more than mentorship\u2014it\u2019s a strategy to grow the healthcare workforce of tomorrow and uphold our promise to be the best place to work and practice,\u201d said Starla Dianda, senior administrator for Alta Bates Summit\u2019s Orthopedic\/Neuroscience Service Line. \u201cPrograms like this are about more than observation\u2014they\u2019re about connection. When students see the collaboration and compassion that drive patient care, they begin to imagine themselves as part of that story. That\u2019s how we build the future of healthcare.\u201d<\/p>\n

From the Sidelines to the Surgical Suite<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Cal student athletes with Dr. Basil Alwattar, orthopedic surgeon.<\/p>\n

The students traded their jerseys for scrubs and entered a world of precision and purpose. They observed a knee procedure, guided by Dr. Basil Alwattar, an orthopedic surgeon with Sutter East Bay Medical Group who welcomed their curiosity.<\/p>\n

\u201cOpening the OR to students gives them a real look at the discipline, teamwork and compassion that define orthopedic care,\u201d said Dr. Alwattar. \u201cTheir questions reminded us why we do this work in the first place.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sutter Health\u2019s orthopedic programs are nationally recognized for excellence,<\/a> earning honors such as The Joint Commission\u2019s Gold Seal for hip and knee replacement and inclusion in Becker\u2019s Hospital Review\u2019s 2025 list of \u2018100 Hospitals and Health Systems with Great Orthopedic Programs.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u201cObserving cardiovascular and orthopedic procedures and hearing from the doctors and nurses was incredibly eye-opening,\u201d said Michela Miracco, a U.C. Berkeley freshman and cross-country runner. \u201cIt\u2019s helped me think more intentionally about my future in healthcare.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Cal student athletes with Dr. Rajan Shah, cardiologist.<\/p>\n

In the Catheterization Lab, the students also met Dr. Rajan Shah, a cardiologist with Sutter East Bay Medical Group and watched him implant an ICD\u00a0(implantable cardioverter defibrillator) device that monitors the heart\u2019s rhythm and can deliver treatment if a dangerous rhythm is detected.<\/p>\n

\u201cSharing this experience with the students was truly rewarding,\u201d says Dr. Shah. \u201cWatching their curiosity as we implanted an ICD reminded me why we do what we do\u2014every procedure is a chance to save a life. I hope this moment sparks a passion in them to pursue medicine and make a difference in the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

Why It Matters<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are committed to creating opportunities for the next generation, and we\u2019re proud to partner with U.C. Berkeley\u2014our hometown university\u2014to help spark curiosity and open doors into healthcare,\u201d says Dr. Ursula Boynton, chief medical executive, Alta Bates Summit. \u201cThis collaboration with Cal Athletics takes thoughtful planning from our administrative teams and meaningful time from our physicians, who are already balancing incredibly full days. Their dedication reflects who we are at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center.\u201d<\/p>\n

Healthcare faces a nationwide shortage of clinicians. By investing in programs like this, Sutter\u00a0is helping fill the pipeline with talented, passionate individuals who want to make a difference. These experiences show students that a career in healthcare is not only attainable\u00a0\u2014\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0rewarding and impactful.<\/p>\n

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Student athletes learn about what it\u2019s like to work in a hospital.<\/p>\n

\u201cToday was really inspirational. Hearing from everyone who was so willing to answer our questions showed the great teamwork at Sutter Health,\u201d said Julia Bonaguidi, a junior majoring in integrative biology and women\u2019s water polo player. \u201cIt was amazing to see what their everyday looks like.\u201d<\/p>\n

As a\u00a0best\u00a0place to\u00a0work and\u00a0practice, Sutter\u00a0is committed to creating pathways for learning and growth. Partnerships like the one with Cal Athletics\u2014recently extended through 2031\u2014reflect\u00a0the organization\u2019s\u00a0dedication to building strong communities and inspiring future healthcare leaders.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis experience taught me that medicine doesn\u2019t have one step,\u201d said Parker Terrill, a senior majoring in molecular and cell biology and track and field athlete. \u201cThere\u2019s no single path to becoming a physician or healthcare professional. We\u2019re so lucky to have this opportunity.\u201d<\/p>\n

Commitment to Opportunity<\/p>\n

By opening\u00a0its\u00a0doors,\u00a0Sutter\u00a0is\u00a0helping\u00a0build\u00a0the next generation of healthcare leaders.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

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