Utica, NY (WIBX) - Students from Hamilton College got a closer look at the medical field, as they shadowed resident physicians at Saint Elizabeth's Medical Center.

The program is called, "A Week in the Life of a Family Medicine Resident" and is in its eighth consecutive year.

Prity Rawal is a first-year resident doctor working with the students. She says the program offers a chance to work on case studies and scout out a possible career.

"It seems like after just only a week, it seems like the students have been just very eager to learn and to know more about the program," Rawar said. "I wish I had that when I was growing up, but I'm glad they have it now."

Akritee Shrestha is one of the students participating in this year's residency. The  senior math and chemistry major says she's learned a lot, even though her residency was only a week long.

"It's such a new thing for us," "I'm don't know how the residents feel about it because it's something they've been doing for years, but for us it's something new and exciting and we've never been able to watch a surgery or do things like this. So, for us, I think it's been quite okay."

The participating students worked in several departments, including Family Medicine, Surgery and Internal Medicine. They were also able to participate in morning meetings, learn about medical condition and look at case studies.

Professional medical residencies are usually between three and seven years, depending on the doctor's chosen specialty.

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