Future in Medicine Awaits Wildwood Senior

WILDWOOD — Christian Amado, a senior at Wildwood High School, is Washington, D.C. bound. The 18-year-old will be visiting our nation’s capitol Feb. 14–16 as part of an elite program for students selected from throughout the United States who show great interest and great promise in the field of medicine.
Over 3,000 students will converge during the Congress of Future Medical Leaders to learn about careers in medicine as well as speak to practitioners. For Amado, learning about medicine is his life’s dream which took its genesis from his grandmother’s diagnosis of diabetes.
“I want to help her and I want to help people,” said Amado, who hopes to become a physician’s assistant.
“I want to learn how to do surgery when I’m down there,” he said. “They’re going to show live surgery from another state and we’re going to watch and ask questions.”
“He’s a very special student,” said Michelle Shaw, Amado’s guidance counselor. “It has been an honor to watch him mature into the great young man that he is.”
According to Amado, his parents, along with his two brothers, are excited about his trip to Washington. Both his brothers are juniors at Wildwood High School. The science gene runs deep in the Amado family. Brother Rick hopes to become a scientist, said Amado.
Inclusion into the Congress of Future Medical Leaders is by nomination. Amado received his nomination from one of his teachers. The cost of his attendance in the program is being paid for by his family. Amado will make the trek from Wildwood to Washington alone.
With graduation looming, the bilingual Amado has already started in on his future plans. He’s applied for admission to Rowan University, Rutgers University, Seton Hall University and DeSales University. In order to become a physician’s assistant, an additional two to three years of schooling awaits Amado once he has completed his four-year degree. He will be the first person in his family to attend college.
“His parents have taught Christian about hard work,” said Shaw noting the positive effect Amado’s family has had on nurturing their talented son. “It’s obvious they’ve taught him manners and respect.”
In addition to the rigors of his academic schedule, Amado participates in the school’s choir as a baritone and is captain of the tech crew. He also participates in the school’s renaissance program. Away from school he is a volunteer at his church.
“Christian has taken the time from other pursuits to focus on academics,” said Wildwood High School Principal Christopher Armstrong. “His future is bright. He’s focused; he knows what he wants to do – go to college for science and medicine.”
“This young man exemplifies what is good about our community’s children and our school,” said Wildwood Mayor Ernie Troiano. “We, as a community, are very proud of his accomplishments, not only now but in the future.”
For someone of such tender years, Amado has sage advice for those students considering what to do in the future. “Have good attendance,” he said. “Be patient, do your work. The rest will come.”