Discover Your Passion: How Summit Students Are Shaping Their Futures with Vail Health’s Exciting New Partnership

Vail Health Explorers: A Hands-On Experience for Future Medical Professionals

The Vail Health Explorers program is opening doors for students interested in healthcare careers. Launched in the 2024-25 school year, this initiative allows high school students to explore different medical fields through hands-on experiences.

Chris John, a member of the Rotary Club of Summit County, teamed up with Dr. Kendrick Adnan, an urgent care specialist, to create this unique program. They wanted to give local students a chance to see what working in healthcare is really like.

Dr. Adnan discovered the Exploring program through Scouting America, which helps young people connect with various professions. He was excited about sharing his passion for healthcare with students. This year, around 25-30 students joined after an introduction at a career fair.

The program offers introductory sessions on specialties like urgent care, physical therapy, orthopedics, and anesthesia. Students can then shadow professionals within the Vail Health system, giving them a closer look at day-to-day healthcare roles.

For instance, during a session on urgent care, students learned valuable skills like how to apply pressure during emergencies in a "Stop the Bleed" class. This hands-on training not only taught them practical skills but also sparked their interest in pursuing healthcare careers.

Kate Williams, a junior at Summit High, said she found the real-world insight fascinating, especially seeing doctors in action. “It was amazing to learn how technology, like the Martti translation service, helps break down language barriers,” she shared, highlighting how such innovations improve patient care.

Senior Tenley Vinas, who plans to pursue a pre-med track at the University of Alabama, found the orthopedic session particularly engaging. She had the chance to participate in simulated surgeries using tools like plates and screws. “It was helpful to understand what a real surgery feels like,” she noted.

These sessions are not just fun; they provide crucial insights into various medical pathways. According to Dr. Maria Smith, a career counselor with over fifteen years of experience, programs like Vail Health Explorers are vital for students. “They bolster confidence and give students first-hand knowledge of what each profession entails,” she explained.

Students often return from the program filled with enthusiasm and stories. Kristin Natale, a medical terminology teacher at Summit High, remarked that her students shared incredible experiences, enhancing their classroom discussions.

Vinas emphasized how accessible the program is, especially for those who might not be able to travel far or pay for similar experiences elsewhere. “This program really benefits us in Summit County. It allows for exploration without the financial strain,” she explained.

The Stop the Bleed class particularly resonated with participants. “It’s practical knowledge that’s relevant today,” Vinas said, recognizing the program’s real-world impacts.

The excitement doesn’t stop here. Next year, the program plans to introduce new specialties while also revisiting previous favorites. “I’m eager to dive deeper into more medical fields,” said Williams, who is eager to keep learning.

If you’re a student curious about a career in medicine, programs like Vail Health Explorers offer invaluable experiences. Engage, learn, and explore the world of healthcare with opportunity right at your doorstep.

For further information or to join, students can visit upcoming career fairs or reach out directly to Vail Health professionals. The hands-on learning opportunities could spark a lifelong passion in healthcare!

For those interested in the importance of such programs, the National Health Career Association reports that experiential learning can significantly boost students’ motivation and confidence in pursuing careers in health sciences.

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