When it comes to careers in the medical profession, most people automatically think of doctors and nurses.
But there are many team players who support medical care behind the scenes and that’s the information Healthcare Horizons delivered to 177 secondary school students in last week’s pilot project.
A collaborative effort between the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, St. Clair College, Chatham-Kent EMS and local school boards, Healthcare Horizons was founded by Brandon Boundy.
The long-time CKHA nurse said he wanted to showcase the wide range of jobs available to young people in health care.
“Most people think of hospitals as physicians and nurses, but we can’t operate unless we’re a full team,” Boundy said in an interview with The Voice. “We hope this will spark interest in other health-care careers and educational opportunities and pathways that may not get the exposure they deserve.”
Aimed at students in the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) stream, the event gave students a first-hand look at what health-care jobs entail, covering a wide range of careers, including diagnostic imaging, respiratory therapy, equipment sterilization, trades and a variety of specialized technologies.
“I wanted to find a way to expose high school students to these career paths,” said Boundy, who also co-ordinated the event.
Held at both the CKHA Chatham campus and the St. Clair College Thames Campus, students were able to talk with professionals while experiencing live demonstrations and interactive stations. Each viewing station featured a QR code outlining all aspects of that particular career, including education requirements and prospective salaries.
“It’s tangible, digital information a student can take home with them,” Boundy added. “It’s not a paper copy they are going to lose. That way students will be able to access the information at their schools when they are exploring future opportunities.
“By showing them how many different paths there are to choose from, we hope they see a future for themselves within health care in Chatham-Kent, no matter where their specific talents lie,” he added.
CKHA chief nursing executive Natalie Clark said the hospital was happy to take part.
“We are thrilled to participate in this event,” Clark said. “It is incredibly important to us to be able to nurture local talent and to show off the variety of opportunities available in health care.”
Clark said the hospital hopes to build on the pilot project’s initial success, bringing it back year after year.
Her comments were echoed by Peter Morassutti, general manager of C-K EMS.
“Chatham‑Kent’s future in health care is bright, and our high school students are a vital part of it,” Morassutti said. “The future of care in our community starts with students who are ready to make a difference.
“Be curious, explore your options, and believe in what you bring because health care needs your energy, empathy, and vision,” Morassutti said in his advice to students.
