Developing Future Healthcare Professionals: MMH’s Medical Explorers Program
In a proactive move to inspire and cultivate the next generation of healthcare professionals, Midland Health has spent the last year developing a partnership with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) to charter a Medical Explorers program. This innovative collaboration aims to provide high school students (ages 14 to 18) with a unique and immersive experience within the healthcare industry, offering them insights into various medical and hospital careers, fostering a passion for the field.
The Medical Explorers Post 1950 (recognizing the year the hospital was opened), was born out of Midland Health’s commitment to community engagement and its recognition of the need to nurture the pipeline of future healthcare talent. Understanding the importance of early exposure to the medical field, the hospital leadership saw the Medical Explorers program as an ideal platform to connect with young, enthusiastic individuals eager to explore careers in healthcare. Wes Barnt, Vice President of Ancillary Services, leads the initiative for Midland Health. “With the Medical Explorers program, we are exposing high school students to several possible careers in healthcare. We are planting seeds today for what will hopefully result in the next generation of Nurses, Physicians, Respiratory Therapists, Radiologic Technologists, Pharmacists, Clinical Lab Scientists, and other healthcare careers at Midland Health.”
Midland Health worked closely with unit leadership through the facility to design a range of activities that would provide a comprehensive view of the healthcare landscape to ensure a tailored and impactful experience for the participants. These activities include shadowing healthcare professionals, participating in hands-on medical simulations, and engaging in informational sessions about different medical specialties.
As part of the partnership, Medical Explorers gain exclusive access to Midland Health’s state-of-the-art facilities. This includes tours of specialized departments such as the emergency room, operating rooms, and diagnostic imaging centers. The hands-on exposure to advanced medical technology, such as the daVinci Robot, provides students with a real-world understanding of the tools and equipment used in different medical specialties.
The Explorers Post sits at 26 members at the end of 2023. When asked about the program, Explorer Secretary, Chelsea Zubia said “The Medical Explorers program provides various opportunities to students to explore the medical field. The program has helped me learn, grow, and make connections with medical professionals. I am extremely grateful for my mentors Mr. Wes and Mr. Kit.”
Presley Forbes, President of Post 1950, says the Explorers program has had a meaning impact for her. “I joined the Medical Explorers because of my 9th grade health science teacher. She always pushed me to do whatever I dreamed of doing and had complete confidence in the plans I’ve created. The Medical Explorers leaders do a fantastic job at creating a fun environment for students to grow and create friendships while also taking the next step towards their dreams in the medical field.”
Medical Explorer Post meetings are held on Sunday afternoon’s starting a 2:00 pm in the Private Dining Room at the Main Campus. For more information about the Medical Explorers, visit our website at https://www.midlandhealth.org/main/medical-explorers