Nurturing Healthcare Heroes: Baptist Health's Medical Academy Ignites Passion in Local Students
At Baptist Health Louisville, a transformative initiative is shaping the future of healthcare. The Baptist Health Louisville Medical Academy, launched in the summer of 2023, offers high school juniors and seniors an immersive experience designed to spark their interest in various healthcare careers.
A Growing Opportunity
Initially intended for just 20 students, the Medical Academy experienced overwhelming interest, with 148 registrations for its first session. As a result, what began as an annual event has evolved into a quarterly program, with the September 2024 session marking its fifth iteration. The academy invites students from multiple Jefferson County high schools, including Academies of Louisville schools, ensuring a diverse group eager to explore healthcare professions.
Alex Givens, Human Resources Business Partner at Baptist Health Louisville, has been pivotal in the development of this program. "The goal is to educate and inform the students," Givens explains. "We want them to learn something new about what a hospital can offer."
Hands-On Learning Experience
The three-day Baptist Health Louisville Medical Academy provides students with an in-depth exploration of hospital operations and healthcare careers. Participants engage in a variety of activities, including:
Health Education Seminars: Students attend comprehensive presentations on various medical topics, including orthopedics, emergency care, and patient health management, delivered by experienced healthcare professionals.
Interactive Learning Activities: Engaging exercises like orthopedic jeopardy and hands-on experiences with medical equipment, such as cast saws, enhance students' understanding of healthcare procedures.
Facility Tours: Participants explore key hospital departments, including the Emergency Department, Physical Therapy, Radiology, Pharmacy, and Surgical Services.
Specialized Demonstrations: Students observe and participate in demonstrations across different medical specialties, gaining practical insights into various healthcare fields.
Career Exploration Sessions: The academy introduces students to a wide range of healthcare roles, highlighting opportunities in both clinical and non-clinical areas like food services and management.
Networking Opportunities: Students interact with healthcare professionals, gaining valuable insights into potential career paths and the skills needed to succeed in the industry.
Emergency Response Adventure: Students attend a presentation on EMS and tour an ambulance and helicopter, providing a real-world perspective on emergency care.
“The goal is to educate and inform the students,” Givens explains. “We want them to learn something new about what a hospital can offer.”
Broadening Horizons
A key objective of the Medical Academy is to expose students to the vast array of career opportunities within healthcare, extending far beyond the traditional roles of doctors and nurses. Givens, who spearheads the program, embodies this diversity of paths. Initially aspiring to become a doctor, Givens' journey took an unexpected turn during her college years.
"I thought I wanted to be an MD," Givens recalls. Her interests ranged from obstetrics, inspired by her love for children, to plastic surgery, which she saw as a unique blend of art and medicine. This latter interest was sparked after nannying for a young girl who had undergone reconstructive surgery.
However, the prospect of eight more years of schooling led Givens to reconsider her path. It was an advisor who suggested healthcare administration, opening Givens' eyes to the broader landscape of medical careers. With a bachelor's degree in biochemistry and a master's in healthcare administration, Givens found her niche. Working in Human Relations at Baptist Health, Givens has found a career that gives her fulfillment, noting, "I help the people who help sick people."
Givens' experience serves as a powerful example for students, demonstrating that there are numerous ways to contribute to healthcare beyond direct patient care. From food services to management roles, the Medical Academy showcases the full spectrum of opportunities, encouraging students to explore paths they might never have considered.
Building a Future Workforce
The Medical Academy not only educates students but also addresses the growing demand for healthcare professionals. "Healthcare gives job security," Givens states. "People will always need help." This initiative aligns with Baptist Health's broader commitment to workforce development, as evidenced by their partnership with KY HealthCorps, which allows high school students to gain practical experience in various hospital departments.
As Baptist Health prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2024, the Medical Academy stands as a testament to its dedication to community engagement and education. Givens expresses optimism about the program's future: "If we can win some of these awesome students over in the end and they become a Baptist Health employee, it's a win-win."
With plans to continue expanding the program, Baptist Health Louisville is setting a new standard for healthcare education and workforce development. The Baptist Health Louisville Medical Academy is more than just a program; it's a bridge to the future of healthcare, built on the passion and dedication of educators, healthcare professionals, and the bright young minds they inspire.
