Three students who are balancing clinicals with the didactics program on campus. ANGELA OLIVEIRA/ COURTESY
Flynn Myers, Staff Writer
It’s not unusual at Manhattan University to see students juggling their calendars, from academics to extracurriculars, and often jobs as well.
Such is the case for juniors Giannie Restivo and Sofia Roth, who this semester are balancing clinicals with the didactics program in MU’s radiological and health sciences curriculum.
Angela Oliveira ‘10, chair of radiological and health professions, noticed both students wearing green scrubs while studying on the quad one day, and was inspired to find a way to highlight their hard work.
“I was walking through the quad and happened to see them right before they were headed to class,” Oliveira said. “Our program wears Manhattan University’s green scrubs in the clinic so that we can represent our university not just on campus, but also in the clinical setting. The students know me for always snapping photos during fun, interactive lessons in the classroom, so this felt like the perfect opportunity to showcase how they juggle both sides of their education—rigorous academics and professional clinical practice.”
Oliveira reflected on her time working with this program at MU, and emphasized the difficulties of maintaining both the didactics program and clinicals. She also highlighted the importance of being able to balance both. Oliveira believes that the program will set these students, and others like them, up for success in their selected fields, using herself as an example.
“As an alumna of this program myself, I can say that this balance prepared me for the real world,” Oliveira said. “After graduation, I secured a full-time position while simultaneously pursuing my master’s in healthcare administration. I had already learned how to handle the dual demands of clinical rotations and coursework at Manhattan University, and I was fully prepared for that workload. For our current students, I believe this balance will not only strengthen their clinical and academic skills, but also give them confidence to pursue advanced degrees, leadership roles and professional opportunities without feeling overwhelmed.”
Restivo is currently studying radiation therapy technology, and is undergoing clinical rotations while balancing a full academic schedule. She reflected on how doing both has affected her so far, and how the experience has been beneficial.
ANGELA OLIVEIRA / COURTESY
“Doing clinical rotations and the program at the same time can really help having an understanding of what we are learning in class and then going to the clinic and seeing what was discussed in real-time treating patients,” Restivo said. “I have noticed in the clinic the materials learned in class, and it helps me become a better student both in the classroom and in the clinic.”
Restivo also discusses how each student in the program is placed at a different medical center, not only to gain new insight, but to be able to share their unique experiences with the rest of their class.
“Every student is at a different hospital, so seeing how each site is different can allow new ways of thinking and techniques when discussed in the classroom,” Restivo said.
Roth is also studying therapy technology, and discussed her rigorous fall schedule with The Quadrangle. Roth described her semester as both challenging and rewarding so far. She continued on to explain what her day-to-day responsibilities and schedule looks like.
“It has been very exciting to learn new things every day,” Roth said. “However, it has proven to be difficult when that learning comes from the suffering and hardships of my patients. Though the schedule can be rigorous between classes, lacrosse and clinicals, the opportunities that I have been a part of have proven the long days to be well worth-while. For example, I have a full schedule of classes along with two to eight-hour clinical days each week for the fall and spring semesters. Over the summer, I had 40-hour work weeks from May to August.”
Roth reflected on why she chose the major, and the positivity that it has brought into her life. She mentioned certain aspects of what she enjoys, and hopes to pursue in the future.
“I picked this program because of the incredible opportunities, especially being in New York City,” Roth said. “I love learning things in the classroom and then being able to put them to work in real life at the clinic. I think it helps me grasp the knowledge better as I’m able to practice what I’ve learned in a hands-on experience.”
Oliveira hopes to continue to see the growth and success of the program, while also seeing how far students can go in their careers.
“My hope is that our program continues to grow – by expanding partnerships with hospitals, embracing simulation and new technologies and preparing graduates who are both clinically skilled and compassionate caregivers,” Oliveira said. “We are also one of the very few four-year programs in the area, which really sets us apart, and allows us to give students a uniquely comprehensive educational experience. For future students, I want them to see this program as a place where they can challenge themselves, build lifelong professional skills and feel proud to represent Manhattan University in both the classroom and the clinic. Ultimately, I hope they leave here knowing they are well-prepared to make a meaningful impact in the fight against cancer.”