Grand Rapids siblings Paige and Adam Jacobson are discovering the world of rural medicine through Essentia Health’s Career Explorer Internship. This hands-on experience is helping them shape their future careers.
Since January, they have been shadowing healthcare providers in Deer River and Grand Rapids. They rotate between clinics and hospitals, learning about various specialties and what it takes to care for patients in rural areas. For them, this experience is not just educational; it’s a way to understand if this career path is right.
“I want to be a physician,” Adam, 18, shares. “This internship helps us see how a clinic operates and allows us to pursue our dreams.” Paige, 20, adds that meeting patients and observing teamwork among providers has been rewarding. The experience feels even more special since she’s sharing it with her brother.
Their interest in healthcare is influenced by their mother, Lana Jacobson, a nurse practitioner at Essentia Health-Grand Rapids Clinic. Growing up around her, they learned the importance of care and compassion. “Her passion for medicine inspires us to help people,” Paige says.
Both siblings feel a strong connection to their communities. Adam expresses his desire to return and serve in a smaller setting. “We want to contribute to our communities in meaningful ways,” he states.
The internship also emphasizes practical learning. The providers engage with Paige and Adam, encouraging them to link classroom knowledge with real-life situations. “That’s been a huge part of our experience,” Adam notes.
Rural healthcare faces challenges, particularly in recruiting and retaining providers. Essentia Health aims to inspire young people like the Jacobsons to explore careers in rural medicine. Mandy Reed, the Administrator at Essentia Health-Deer River, says, “This isn’t just about gaining experience; it’s about showcasing rural healthcare and investing in the next generation of providers.”
Essentia plans to continue this internship, expanding to other locations and schools. “Paige and Adam’s passion is inspiring,” Reed adds. “We hope this exposure leads to more young people entering healthcare.”
For the Jacobson siblings, this internship has solidified their commitment to rural healthcare, and they hope to return someday as providers. Their story highlights the importance of community and the power of hands-on learning in shaping future healthcare professionals.
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Essentia Health, Deer River, Grand Rapids
