Doctor makes donation to the Gaston Early College of Medical Sciences

Dr. Sravan Panuganti of Carolina Urology Partners in Gastonia has contributed $1,500 to support the new Gaston Early College of Medical Sciences.

During a recent visit to the school, Panuganti presented a personal check to principal Beverley Bowman and spent time talking with students about the medical field.  The students were able to ask questions and engage in a meaningful conversation.  Panuganti’s perspective gave the students insight into what it takes to be successful in the healthcare profession.

“Our students loved meeting Dr. Panuganti and learning more about his medical career and the education and training needed to specialize in urology,” said Bowman. “We are so grateful for his monetary donation to our school and his desire to help our students as they pursue future careers in healthcare.”

Knowing that students have faced various challenges because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Panuganti said he and his wife, who also is a doctor, wanted to focus their philanthropic efforts on supporting a local school.

“I learned about the Gaston Early College of Medical Sciences, and given both our backgrounds as physicians, a donation to the school aligned with our beliefs for a strong foundation for medical and science education at an early age,” said Panuganti. “We hope to someday call these students our colleagues and hope supporting them in a small way will help them reach their fullest potential and future goals.”

The Gaston Early College of Medical Sciences opened in August 2021 on the Gaston College campus in Dallas.  It is an innovative, healthcare-focused high school that is designed especially for students interested in the medical field.  The school is a collaborative effort for Gaston County Schools, Gaston College, Belmont Abbey College, and CaroMont Health.

“The Gaston Early College of Medical Sciences provides students with a pathway to obtain the education, knowledge, experience, and connections necessary for a successful career in healthcare in Gaston County and beyond,” explained Bowman, adding that students are able to earn a high school diploma and an associate degree from Gaston College. 

With an academic focus on biotechnology, health information technology, human services technology, and nursing, students complete high school and college-level coursework.  They also have opportunities to participate in job shadowing experiences and gain hands-on learning in real-world settings through CaroMont Health, conduct undergraduate research, and prepare themselves for post-secondary education and/or going directly into the workforce.

Additionally, students can take advantage of many resources at Gaston College that enhance their academic experience and engage them in the college campus setting.  Students may decide to transfer to Belmont Abbey College where they can obtain a bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, psychology, social work, or a related area.

The Gaston Early College of Medical Sciences is the second Early College program for Gaston County Schools and Gaston College.  It is housed in the Comer Engineering Technologies Building and operates separately from the Gaston Early College High School, which opened in 2012 and is located in the Lena Sue Beam Building.

Click here to visit the Gaston Early College of Medical Sciences website.