Inspiring Future Healthcare Professionals
Students at Davis High School are getting firsthand experience with state-of-the-art medical technology as part of an innovative program designed to inspire the next generation of nurses and doctors. This initiative comes at a critical time when the U.S. faces a significant shortage of healthcare workers.
“The demand for doctors is just so huge,” said Neha Dinesh Kumar, a high school senior participating in the program. Fellow senior Sarina Millar added, “It’s essential that we have more nurses and doctors to meet this growing need.”
Addressing a National Healthcare Worker Shortage
A recent study projects a shortage of nearly 100,000 critical healthcare workers in the U.S. by 2028. Factors such as an aging population and an increased demand for surgical care are fueling this crisis.
Dr. Tyler Robinson, a surgeon at Mercy General Hospital in Sacramento, is addressing this issue by offering students a unique opportunity to step into a surgical suite.
“Inviting high school students into the workplace can inspire them, and hopefully, some will pursue careers in healthcare,” said Dr. Robinson, who once shadowed a surgeon at this same hospital 16 years ago.
Hands-On Experience with High-Tech Medicine
Dr. Robinson now performs minimally invasive surgeries using advanced robotic systems, allowing many patients to return home the same day. Students in the program, like Neha, Jasmin, and Sarah, are witnessing these innovations up close.
“Seeing it in person is a completely different experience,” Neha shared. Sarina agreed, saying, “I’m learning more science here than in my actual science classes.”
While students aren’t yet working on real patients, they’re getting a taste of medical procedures by practicing on bananas.
A Glimpse into Modern Healthcare
The program is part of an internship class at Davis High School that allows students to explore various hospital departments, including oncology and the emergency room. This experience offers a glimpse into the challenges and opportunities in the medical field.
“This has solidified my aspiration to attend medical school,” Sarina said. For Neha, the program reinforced her goal: “Being here shows me the significant impact I can have on people’s lives.”
Bridging the Gap in Healthcare
By providing high school students with exposure to advanced medical technology and real-world hospital settings, programs like this are crucial in addressing the healthcare worker shortage. They also inspire young people to envision their future in a field that can profoundly impact the lives of others.
Source: CBS News
