Inspiring the next generation of healthcare workers through AAMC’s High School Exploration Program

Posted on August 3, 2016 by Monica Mewshaw

To inspire our community’s young people who are considering a career in health care, AAMC started the High School Health Care Exploration Program. Now in its ninth year, the “camp” is incredibly popular and fills up months in advance. Its attendees, in many cases, go on to declare college majors in nursing, pre-med, physical therapy, and the sciences.

This July, twelve students from area high schools attended the four-day program, providing them with a first hand, behind-the-scenes look at health care career options.During the camp, the high schoolers were CPR certified, practiced basic assessment skills in our simulation lab, toured the ED, learned about ambulance and helicopter transport and spent time with AAMC staff on several units.

Here, the students tell us what they most enjoyed about the High School Health Care Exploration Program:

“I loved the amount of different jobs and opportunities that we were exposed to.”

“This was an amazing experience and I’m glad I got to participate.”

“Overall a great experience that I am very grateful for.”

“I really enjoyed this program. Thank you!”

“I loved going to the different units, especially pediatrics, NICU, mother/baby, and the helicopter pad.”

Applications for this program are sent out to Anne Arundel County schools each spring. Students who are rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors who are interested in participating should contact their guidance counselor for more information. -Gena Kosmides, BSN, RN