College of Medicine

The Lincoln Park Academy High School, located in Fort Pierce, was the host of the first symposium called Pathways to Becoming a Physician or Scientist on Thursday, October 26, 2023.  The event was hosted by the Career and Technical Education program of the St. Lucie County Public Schools. The idea came after Dr. Juliette Lomax-Homier asked school board members how the Fort Pierce Regional Campus of the Florida State University College of Medicine could assist area high school students in learning about the prerequisite courses required  to attend college and prepare for a career as a medical provider.  Discussions were held with Program Specialists, Dr. LeiNitia Robinson and Beth Bonvie, and others of the St. Lucie County School district, and a program was born!

The symposium hosted scientists from the Florida International University’s Center for Translational Science in Port St. Lucie and the HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Emergency Medicine Residency Program. Physicians, nurse practitioners and residents from the residency program were panelists.  The Fort Pierce Regional Campus of the Florida State University College of Medicine was represented by fourth year medical student Angelika Toquica, a Martin County high school graduate, Dr. Lomax-Homier, Regional Campus Dean, and Holly Garza-Shaw, PA-C, an alumnus of both Lincoln Park Academy and the Fort Pierce Regional Campus of the FSU College of Medicine School of Physician Assistant Practice.

Each group presented the admission requirements of their institution as well as the work that can be done post-graduation.  The event, held live in the Lincoln Park Academy auditorium to a group of International Baccalaureate Students, was simultaneously live streamed to every high school in St. Lucie County. It was also recorded for future presentation.  Students were polled for questions prior to the presentation as well as from the area live streamed schools.   Each group of panelists were then allowed to answer questions from their perspective. 

The highlight of the morning was the ability to answer questions from the students and to mingle with the audience on an individual basis after the formal presentation. These students were enthusiastic and asked well thought out questions and plans for their future.  It was a pleasure to meet such a group of bright young future leaders.