Ilion High School - Class of 1966

Herkimer Evening Telegram - Feb 19, 1974

Student Learning At Hospital

Article 3

Student Learning At Hospital By Luci Squiers

ILION - A fourth year medical student from Upstate Medical Center, Syracuse and also a former Ilion resident, completing a period of study at the Mohawk Valley General Hospital, observing and studying under the directorship of Dr. Roger G. Weeden.

The student is James Patrei, 26, the son of Gil and Kay Patrei, Aston, Pa., and formerly of Ilion. Patrei has been working at the hospital since Feb 7 and will remain through March 13. He is staying with his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Campagna, 75 North Third Ave.

Patrei is working during one of seven required five week elective periods during his fourth year. This particular elective is of his own making, and needed only the approval of the center Dr. Weeden who received his request and MVGH physician.

Photo caption - MEDICAL STUDENT ARRIVES - James Patrei, a fourth year student at Upstate Medical Center is participating in a five-week study period at the Mohawk Valley General Hospital under the sponsorship of Dr Roger Weeden, shown with him. Patrei, himself a former Ilionite is the son of Gil and Kay Patrei, now of Aston, Pa. and the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Campagna, 75 North Third Avenue, with whom he is residing during his stay.

He has also spent a five week period at Bassett Hospital, Cooperstown: a five-week period at St. Joseph's Hospital, Syracuse. and five week periods in biostatistics, cardiology and emergency room work at the Upstate Medical Center . He will also be completing a five week period in pathology upon return at the center.

The Work Day

While working at MVGH, Patrei is observing and assisting in Dr. Weeden's work. A work day consists of visiting the hospital from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., daily while there. Patrei will be seeing patients along with Dr. Weeden. He will also be attending to a patient's welfare prior to an examination, conducting admission physicals and assisting during operations.

In addition he will be at the doctor's office, 284 West Main St., from 3 to 9 p.m.

Why did Patrei select MVGH as one of his electives of study? "I decided if I ever wanted to practice in my hometown, I would have some experience behind me of actual work in the area," Patrei said.

Future Not Decided

His plans are unsettled at this time. He explained that from July of this year until June of 1975 he wi11 be doing straight surgical interning. However, at this time the place is undecided. Once his internship is completed he will be deciding between two fields of study: family practice or otolaryngology (ear and throat). Then he will be applying to various areas where he will be completing three years of residency.

Patrei says his five-week period of study at MVGH represents a "new trend" in medical training, in which a senior medical student is not only able to select his electives but is also able to devise his own elective program with the center’s approval.

Commenting on the program, Dr Weeden said he believes it is the desire of medical schools to increase the medical student's responsibilities as he develops his skills.

FTwo More Students

Additionally, through cooperation with Dr Ernest H. Carhart, professor of Family Practice at the Upstate Medical Center and Howard Collins, MVGH administrator and physicians of the hospital, two more students will be working with the MVGH medical staff this summer.

The two students working for 10 weeks as part of their training in the Family Practice division of the Upstate Medical Center will be David Wellenstein, a resident of the Town of Columbia and Michael McKenna, Syracuse.

According to Collins, the arrangements for medical students from the Upstate Medical Center to be working with the medical staff at Mohawk Valley General Hospital will be continuing and on-going.