Homepage / Health

Real-Life Doogie Howser Changing Medicine

Content courtesy of Ivanhoe. For more information, click here.

He can't drive himself to work, but his latest research is changing the way doctors train. Some kids are making big marks on medicine.

Fourteen-year-old Tony Hansberry wants to practice medicine.

"I've always had a passion for medicine," Tony told Ivanhoe.

The high school freshman designed a study that’s now benefiting medical students twice his age.

"The project I did was, basically, the comparison of novel laparoscopic instruments in doing a hysterectomy repair," Tony explained.

He found a specialized sewing tool is quicker than a traditional needle for a particular kind of minimally invasive surgery.

Now, Brent E. Seibel, M.D., Assistant Professor at the University of Florida College of Medicine in Jacksonville, Fla., wants to make a change to his syllabus.

"I didn’t include that device as one of the stations or steps we use in the simulation center, but now I will," Dr. Seibel told Ivanhoe.

What's this whiz kid's secret to success? His parents say a rigorous study schedule with some fun mixed in.

"Being able to capture a child and understand what a child's interests might be is important," Tony's father told Ivanhoe.

Educators are using high school internships and other programs to boost the number of young people interested in medicine. It’s projected the doctor deficit could reach 200,000 by the year 2020.

Duke University student Josh Sommer isn’t yet out of college, but he’s also making a big mark on medicine.

"When you’re 18 years old, and you say, 'OK, I have a disease. The average survival is seven years,' you start thinking, what am I going to do in the next five years?" Josh told Ivanhoe.

While a rare bone cancer threatens his life, he works alongside scientists to find a cure. He also runs the Chordoma Foundation -- raising money for research and awareness.

Proof that age doesn't matter if you want to change the face of medicine.

Tony attends a special medical magnet school that allows him to take advanced classes in medicine. Experts advise kids as young as 10 who are interested in a profession to seek out internships and shadowing positions.

Links We Like

Sponsored Content
Are you often tired or rushed in the morning? Give your morning habits a makeover, and start the day feeling positive and energetic instead. More

You’ve heard of certain foods that can help you prevent cancer and even halt the spread of the disease. Find out if these anti-cancer foods really work. More

The first step in reducing debt is recognizing how much you have. Let us help you with the rest and get out from under your debt in 12 months. More

Before you go any further, stop and find out what you need to know before your tile is installed and find trusted professionals who can help. More

Sponsored Links

Get Healthy!

Many seemingly healthy foods are actually bad for your heart. Learn how to replace the imposters with nutritionally rich foods. More

Shop Your Insurance

SAVE up to 30% on Insurance
Paying too much for insurance? Get quotes from multiple companies and choose the best plan for you. Start saving now!

Insurance Type:


Zip Code:
E-Mail News Alerts
Get breaking news and daily headlines.
Browse all e-mail newsletters