Three undergraduate students from the University of Washington spent their spring break shadowing medical professionals on Orcas Island in late March.

The students, who all plan careers in healthcare fields, were part of UW’s Healthcare Alternative Spring Break program.

This program is designed to expose the next generation of healthcare professionals to the specific healthcare needs of rural or underserved communities in Washington.

UW senior Sylvia Stellmacher and junior Casey Guilland divided their four days between Orcas Medical Center and Orcas Family Health Center. UW junior Jennifer Wong spent her time at Orcas Island Physical Therapy.

An Orcas Medical Foundation board member provided a home stay for the students. All three students said that they greatly enjoyed the experience and appreciated the welcome they received on Orcas Island.