Columbia Neurosurgery WAHI BRAIN SMART Initiative
Our Cerebrovascular Team Is Partnering with Washington Heights High School Students
Columbia Neurosurgery is committed to fostering a bidirectional relationship with our local communities. In that spirit, we've created the WAHI BRAIN SMART program as an opportunity for high school juniors to come and shadow our cerebrovascular team and get a first hand look at the practice of medicine.
The goals of this program include teaching age-appropriate education on risks factors and lifestyle modifications to support brain health. Each student's final project will be to create flyer or poster of student’s choosing on cerebrovascular public health topic to present at a final Columbia Neurosurgery Event in May.
This program is directed by Our Cerebrovascular Division's Lead NP: Dr. Gaby Tosto-D’Antonio, DNP
Our Mission
- To promote brain health and awareness in Washington Heights and Inwood through strategic educational programming, nonprofit organization collaboration, and community engagement.
- To develop partnerships within Columbia University as well as external stakeholders to create culturally sensitive education that promotes brain health.
- To empower our youth with the appropriate tools and resources needed to advocate for their health.
Program Details: January-May 2024
- 2 days after school with one overlapping day to discuss public health project
- 1 day shadowing cerebrovascular clinic
- Spring break or holidays: students may attend a full day session pending approval of cerebrovascular team
- Ideal Candidate: A student who is interested in STEM, including public health or social work.
- Dress Code: Business casual
Timeline for 2024 Application and Selection Process
- Deadline for final applications: Thursday, November 30th
- Shortlisted candidates to be contacts and interviewed via Zoom
- Offers Announced: Friday, December 8th