Dr. Todd Krell and Westfield Orthopedic Group have been named the 2022 Business Partner of the Year by Union County Vocational-Technical Schools (UCVTS).
Beginning nearly eight years ago, the relationship between UCVTS and Westfield Orthopedic Group has evolved substantially. From agreeing to host one intern to now being a sought-after placement for UCVTS Allied Health Academy students, Westfield Orthopedic Group has demonstrated a clear commitment to inspiring and educating the next generation of orthopedists.
“Dr. Krell and his staff have created a seamless process for introducing the student to the practice, creating a schedule of in-office experiences and following through with monthly evaluations,” said Superintendent of Schools Gwendolyn Ryan. “They ‘know the drill’ and share our combined outcome hopes.”
One UCVTS student per year secures an internship with Dr. Krell, which has created eight unique learning experiences for students over the last several years. Interns observe real-life medical situations, learn physiology, discuss possible solutions and treatments, and observe actual procedures and the follow-up rehabilitation to those procedures. As part of teaching about the orthopedic treatments, Dr. Krell gives students investigative work related to the injuries and invites them to follow-up appointments to observe the outcomes. Patient involvement is a major part of the internship experience, allowing students to have actual patient contact when applicable.
Students shadow Dr. Krell and are sometimes exposed to uncommon surgeries. The experience allows them to evaluate this medical specialty as a career choice.
“Industry partnerships create invaluable opportunities for our students to experience the careers they wish to pursue, while in high school,” said Anne Marie McNamara, supervisor of CTE. “We are incredibly grateful to honor Dr. Todd Krell as the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools 2022 Business Partner of the Year. His many years of work and mentorship of our students exemplify the opportunities that result from partnership between education and industry.”
