August 12, 2026

For more information, contact:
Laura Brelsford | hcnews@hawks.huntingdon.edu | (334) 833-4563

Connections Across Huntingdon: Externships

Montgomery, AL – A year ago, Campbell Irmscher ’28, a biochemistry-pre health major from Huntsville, Alabama, had the opportunity to meet Huntingdon alumnus and Trustee, Dr. Jason Banks ’94, at the annual Presidential Convocation Luncheon. The connection made by President Leigh between a future physician and a board-certified neurosurgeon, was the catalyst for an externship experience that took a pre-professional education into the operating rooms and physician offices. After their initial connection last August, Campbell and Dr. Banks coordinated a shadowing opportunity this past summer at Huntsville Hospital’s Spine and Neuro Center.

“This experience, observing spine and brain surgeries, was unlike anything I’ve ever done.” Campbell shared. “Dr. Banks is a fantastic teacher and was able to explain what he was doing and why as the surgery went on. Three-hour surgeries felt like 20 minutes. In between surgeries we would round on patients including -Op and Post-Op patients. This was one of my favorite opportunities as I was able to see Dr. Banks’ bedside manner and truly watch him interact with his patients. I could see why he is so highly regarded in his field, he is knowledgeable and very honest with patients, which is extremely important in neurosurgery. When we weren’t rounding on patients or in surgery, he shared his path to becoming a doctor and answered my questions. Our longest discussions, however, were about Huntingdon, and how even 30 years later the community and family atmosphere hasn’t changed.”

On the other days of her shadowing experience, Campbell was able to walk alongside Dr. Banks at his clinic. “Here I was able to see what a normal day would look like for him in the office. He spends his early morning rounding on patients from the previous surgery day. Then at the clinic, I was able to spend some time with his PA who does the initial assessment with the patients. It was very interesting to see how his team operates. Dr. Banks shared with me how important his team is to the process, about leadership, and treating those around you with respect, which is a key to a hard-working team.”

“As a pre-med at Huntingdon, getting the opportunity to meet and shadow an alumnus, of not only Huntingdon but my high school as well, was so refreshing to be shown someone who walked the same path I want to take and made it possible, so I know it is possible for me. The Huntingdon connection is alive in Huntsville!”

Alumni and all members of the Huntingdon family can share their paths and career experiences with current students across all majors.  If you are interested in volunteering to meet and assist Hawks in your field, please contact the Director of the Center for Career and Vocation, Sherry Leigh Farquhar, at ccv@hawks.huntingdon.edu.

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