Temple University Athletics
Photo by: Robin Hsiao
Field Hockey’s Addison Bielski on her Ambitions in the Medical Field
11.30.23 | Field Hockey
Temple Field Hockey forward Addison "Addy" Bielski has bright ambitions for her future. The junior Health Professions major is on the pre-med track and is already working on obtaining experience to prepare for entering medical school.
During the summer of last year, Bielski shadowed a pediatrician at Wyoming Valley Pediatrics. She observed and learned more about pediatric healthcare, including how to test for strep throat. Working with children opened up a new perspective for Bielski that she hadn't considered before. She also shadowed a hospice RN (registered nurse), which she said dealt with a completely different range of health issues. In that role, Bielski traveled to the homes of the patients.
In May 2023, Bielski began a position as a medical assistant at Commonwealth Health in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, closeby to her hometown of Plains. In this position, she tackled various aspects of healthcare, including bringing patients to their room, checking patients' vitals, shadowing doctors, stocking storage rooms, and scheduling medicare wellness visits. Her work concluded in August upon the start of the semester, though she plans to return.
"I've always been extremely interested in the medical field," Bielski said, reflecting on her excitement of going to the doctor's office as a child. "I love helping people and working with a team. It's something different everyday, you could save a person's life."
After her graduation in 2025, Bielski plans to take a gap year before pursuing medical school. She is considering a career as an anesthesiologist, plastics surgeon, or reconstructive surgeon.
"It's a lot of work right now, but the reward is huge," she remarked.
Her work for her Health Professions major and preparation for medical school also have to be balanced with the demands of being a Division I athlete.
"I'm always doing something, I do a little bit whenever I have the time and try to not wait until the last minute. That makes it more enjoyable," she said.
Bielski's experience in field hockey has given her skills applicable to her future in the medical field. "As a student-athlete, you're faced with different challenges every single day," she stated. "You need to hold your own and be responsible for your job, but also rely on your team." Bielski views that combination of resiliency, responsibility and trust as key preparation for her future.
Bielski also views overcoming such challenges as part of being a woman working in the STEM field. "Women are faced with so many challenges individually but they are powerful, independent and hardworking," she stated. "That's what it means to be a woman in STEM."
During the summer of last year, Bielski shadowed a pediatrician at Wyoming Valley Pediatrics. She observed and learned more about pediatric healthcare, including how to test for strep throat. Working with children opened up a new perspective for Bielski that she hadn't considered before. She also shadowed a hospice RN (registered nurse), which she said dealt with a completely different range of health issues. In that role, Bielski traveled to the homes of the patients.
In May 2023, Bielski began a position as a medical assistant at Commonwealth Health in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, closeby to her hometown of Plains. In this position, she tackled various aspects of healthcare, including bringing patients to their room, checking patients' vitals, shadowing doctors, stocking storage rooms, and scheduling medicare wellness visits. Her work concluded in August upon the start of the semester, though she plans to return.
"I've always been extremely interested in the medical field," Bielski said, reflecting on her excitement of going to the doctor's office as a child. "I love helping people and working with a team. It's something different everyday, you could save a person's life."
After her graduation in 2025, Bielski plans to take a gap year before pursuing medical school. She is considering a career as an anesthesiologist, plastics surgeon, or reconstructive surgeon.
"It's a lot of work right now, but the reward is huge," she remarked.
Her work for her Health Professions major and preparation for medical school also have to be balanced with the demands of being a Division I athlete.
"I'm always doing something, I do a little bit whenever I have the time and try to not wait until the last minute. That makes it more enjoyable," she said.
Bielski's experience in field hockey has given her skills applicable to her future in the medical field. "As a student-athlete, you're faced with different challenges every single day," she stated. "You need to hold your own and be responsible for your job, but also rely on your team." Bielski views that combination of resiliency, responsibility and trust as key preparation for her future.
Bielski also views overcoming such challenges as part of being a woman working in the STEM field. "Women are faced with so many challenges individually but they are powerful, independent and hardworking," she stated. "That's what it means to be a woman in STEM."
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