Florida Tech Panther Scholar-Athlete Spotlight Recognizes Lacrosse Player Sophia Scichilone

is currently interning at a dermatology office for the summer

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – In this Scholar-Athlete Spotlight, we spotlight Sophia Scichilone of the Florida Tech women’s lacrosse team.

This summer, the Lake Worth, Florida, resident is gaining meaningful experience through an internship in her desired field. We spoke to Scichilone to find out more about the incredible opportunity.

At which company are you interning this summer? What is your title and role within the company?

This summer I am interning as a medical assistant at Palm Beach Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine. My role involves performing administrative and clinical tasks such as scheduling appointments and taking patients’ vital signs, as well as assisting the doctor with whatever they need.

What drew you to this internship? What steps did you have to take to earn your position within the company?

After my internship at a dermatology office last summer, I sought to broaden my experiences and involve myself in an environment where I could learn different aspects of the field.

The intimate atmosphere of the small office further appealed to me. Last summer’s internship gave me a lot of hands-on experience working with patients and that opportunity allowed me to qualify for this great internship.

This summer I had the invaluable opportunity to work closely with Dr. Banionis, where I learned directly from his expertise. My initial attraction to this internship stems from its esteemed reputation in the Palm Beach area.

He is known for his exceptional patient care and transformative impact in areas as diverse as pain management, aesthetics, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and peptide therapy, and is highly regarded.

What are some exciting tasks or projects you have been a part of?

I have had the privilege of participating in and learning from some exciting new tasks and projects, most notably Dr.’s Peptide Therapy. Banionis and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.

These advanced treatments are not widely used by doctors. Peptide therapy uses specific peptides to initiate physiological processes that support healing, cell repair, and overall well-being. It addresses a variety of health conditions, including hormonal imbalances and weight management issues, by mimicking natural biological molecules that regulate bodily functions.

Additionally, Dr. Banionis’ Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy is making a significant impact nationwide. This therapy uses hormones that are molecularly identical to those naturally produced by the human body to address imbalances or deficiencies.

It effectively relieves symptoms associated with menopause, andropause, thyroid disorders and other hormonal imbalances. These treatments have the potential to benefit countless individuals, and I am incredibly grateful and excited to be involved and learn from them.

What is your major at Florida Tech? Why did you choose this direction for your education, and is this something you always wanted to pursue?

My field of study at Florida Tech is Biomedical Sciences. I chose this path because I was attracted to the healthcare sector from an early age.

Through extensive research and internships at various healthcare institutions, I discovered my passion for the role of physician assistant. Following the path of a PA is a clear choice for me, as it fits perfectly with my career ambitions.

How has being a student athlete prepared you for the work you are currently doing in your internship? What skills did you take away from your time as a student athlete that will help you in your internship?

As a student-athlete, being organized and communicating skills have been extremely important in my role as a medical assistant intern. My skilled communication skills have enabled me to interact confidently and empathetically with both patients and healthcare professionals.

What skills did you acquire during your internship that will help you on the field at Florida Tech?

Teamwork and leadership are essential qualities that will greatly enhance my performance on the field at Florida Tech. My internship experience allowed me to work closely with a team to address shared goals and overcome office challenges, reflecting the collaborative spirit of athletic teamwork.

Furthermore, effective leadership in sports involves more than just leading by example through dedication; it also involves motivating and inspiring teammates to excel. My internship provided valuable lessons about taking on leadership roles in a small office environment, where initiative and teamwork are essential components for success.

How does your internship prepare you for the career you want to pursue after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to enroll in PA school. Through this internship, I accumulate the necessary hours required for PA program applications, as well as the practical experience.

What advice would you give to another scholar-athlete/future scholar-athlete who wants to follow a similar path?
For another scholar-athlete who wants to follow a similar path, my advice would be to start early. Start shadowing and gaining experience as a medical assistant as soon as possible.

It’s never too late to start, and the more experience and connections you gain before applying to PA programs, the stronger your application will be.

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