MONROE, CT — From an early age, Michelle Mordukhaev, a senior at Masuk High School, had been drawn to the field of healthcare, particularly on the connections formed between medical professionals and patients and their profound impact on each other’s lives.
This interest shaped Mordukhaev’s educational goals and aspirations, leading her to an opportunity and experience of a lifetime. She worked as an apprentice for Dr. Carl Nissen, a surgeon in orthopedic sports medicine.
Every year, the senior class at Masuk High School is expected to achieve 20 hours of fieldwork and deliver a presentation about a profession they aspire to pursue following graduation and into college.
Also known as the Capstone project, this graduation requirement is an opportunity for Monroe’s young adults to build a bridge between skills in the classroom and the real world. It guides students to achieve Monroe Public Schools’ Vision of the Graduate: “the mission to create a student-centered environment where all learners maximize their intellectual, creative, social, emotional and physical potential,” according to the student handbook.
The element of choice is what lends meaning to this project. Mordukhaev said she had no trouble deciding what to choose, having committed to the medical field with the goal of pursuing a degree in Health Science from an early age.
“As a child, I was diagnosed with Miserable Malalignment Syndrome, a condition that significantly impacted my ability to walk, run and engage in physical activities due to an abnormal inward rotation of my legs,” Mordukhaev said. “My experience with this disorder required multiple surgeries and months of physical therapy.”
“During this time, I found myself connecting with the medical professionals who helped me through recovery,” she said. “Their compassionate approach, expertise, and close relationships they formed with me left a lasting impression on me.”
From then on, Mordukhaev was certain that she wanted to be part of a profession where she could make an impact on the lives of others.
“Becoming a physician assistant is my ultimate career goal,” she said. “As a PA, I will be able to provide comprehensive medical care, working alongside physicians and other healthcare professionals to diagnose, treat, and manage patient care. The ability to build lasting relationships with patients, educate them about their health, and guide them through treatment plans is something I look forward to with great enthusiasm.”
It took a span of three-to-four weeks to complete her 25 hours of field experience, during which she observed 10 live surgeries, including a menisectomy, analyzed x-rays with her mentor Dr. Nissen, and performed stitch removal on a patient on her own.
“After I mentioned to Dr. Nissen about some of my independent research and videos that I’ve watched, including stitch removal, he allowed me to remove stitches from one of his patients’ with his supervision,” Mordukhaev explained. “The patient that I removed stitches from was also a patient that I observed in the operating room.”
“In addition to removing her stitches, I asked her some questions about her progression and recovery,” she said. “I’m beyond grateful for the hands-on learning opportunity I got, as well as the trust that he had in me!”
Following her experience, Mordukhaev bonded with her mentor and his team, learning many diagnoses, tools, treatment plans and surgical protocols.
“I realized the importance and significance of teamwork and problem solving, while observing in the OR and clinic,” she said. “This career is heavily dependent on those skills, especially when working with a large group of people, diagnosing and treating.”
Choosing her mentor
Mordukhaev said she struggled finding a mentor who would suit her expectations for this project to acquire a meaningful experience in something she’s always wanted to experience. After searching, she reached out to Dr. Nissen, the surgeon who operated on her cousin, a competitive gymnast.
“Shadowing Dr. Nissen was an incredibly valuable experience,” Mordukhaev said. “Dr. Nissen not only offered me hands-on opportunities under his supervision, but also took the time to explain complex concepts, such as diagnosing and analyzing X-rays. His mentorship was very supportive and educational.”
Dr. Nissen expressed his gratitude and enjoyment of working with Mordukhaev, who he said he’s certain will attain a position in the medical field.
“She was always punctual and appropriate during her time with me,” Dr. Nissen said. “She was both intrigued and interested in the treatment of patients and the thought process behind different algorithms. Her enthusiasm was even more noticeable during the few surgical procedures which she observed. Her interest in the medical field was obvious and I am sure should she continue with this interest she will be an outstanding medical provider.”
This experience, having further proven her adoration for this field, has now equipped Mordukhaev with the invaluable skills and a clearer vision for her future in health science and becoming a physician assistant.
“My Capstone project was such a surreal experience, and something I never thought I would be able to get the chance to do as a senior in highschool,” she said. “I will never take the opportunity I got for granted. This project is something that helped me decide if this career path is really for me. This project made my desire for the medical field tremendously grow, especially for orthopedics and sport medicine. The Capstone project was one of the biggest highlights of my high school career. I will certainly be applying everything I have learned from my experience to my future schooling and career.”
The healthcare industry is a demanding one with difficult studies and new, rigorous and sometimes uncomfortable expectations and experiences. However, Mordukhaev strives to compel those interested in joining this field, as well as create a welcoming environment and positive, lasting relationships with partners and patients.
“To anyone interested in the medical field, start exploring early and be open to learning in every way possible,” she said. “Make connections early on, as it will greatly help you in your future. If you’re willing to put in the work, stay curious and stay compassionate — you can make a real difference in your future.”
Mordukhaev will be attending Quinnipiac University this fall, majoring in health science on the PA prep track. In college, she will focus on gaining a solid foundation in human anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry.
She plans to participate in internships, volunteer work and shadowing opportunities in the healthcare setting to gain a full hands-on experience. She strives to become an orthopedic physician assistant in the near future.
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