This four-week observational shadowing program began last week and will immerse four Quinnipiac undergraduates in a variety of specialty care areas at Stamford Health, where they will gain valuable insights from physicians and physician assistants across clinical disciplines.

The program is made possible through the generous philanthropic support of Attorney Richard Silver, a Stamford resident, dedicated member of Quinnipiac University’s Board of Trustees and Stamford Hospital Foundation donor, whose vision and commitment to education and healthcare have helped bring this unique opportunity to life.

“The purpose of my funding this program is to engender extremely talented Quinnipiac undergraduate students to attend medical school and thereafter to remain in Connecticut, where there is a dramatic need for physicians,” Silver said.

The Silver Scholars Program represents a collaborative commitment between Quinnipiac and Stamford Health to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals. By bridging academic learning with real-world clinical experience, the program aims to cultivate well-rounded, compassionate physicians.

"This program is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and my experiences so far have been like no other,” said Quinnipiac student Sarah Fabricatore. "Seeing critical patients in the ICU and watching surgeries have completely changed my view on life itself. Shadowing these incredible professionals has helped me discover what I want to do for the rest of my life.”

Student Melissa Sheehan agreed, calling the program an incredible opportunity.

“It is inspiring to learn from healthcare professionals who are not only dedicated to patient care but also passionate about educating the next generation of healthcare workers,” Sheehan added. “Through this experience, I have gained valuable insight into the daily lives and personalities of physicians, which is helping me better understand the kind of career I want to pursue.”

The program’s long-term goal is to educate and retain medical professionals who will continue to serve communities throughout Connecticut.

“Stamford Health provides many undergraduate and graduate medical education opportunities to individuals interested in pursuing a career in medicine,” said Dr. Ed Schuster, a cardiologist at Stamford Health who was instrumental in bringing the program to fruition. “This partnership with Quinnipiac, funded by the generous philanthropy of Rick Silver, is unique and important because it offers local college students real-life health care experience in their own community.”