(Anaheim, CA)- Today, Western Medical Center Anaheim (WMCA) announced preparations to expand the Medical Explorer Program and launch a second chapter at its sister flagship hospital, Western Medical Center Santa Ana (WMCSA) Regional Trauma Center campus. The program offers high school students exposure to the many professions in healthcare and concrete education that prepares them for a wide range of career opportunities.
The Medical Explorers, which originated in 2012 and partners with Learning for Life and the Boys Scouts of America, currently has 32 members at their Anaheim location who meet twice a month on topics ranging from nutrition, pharmacy, obstetrics, pediatrics, trauma, emergency medicine, critical care, radiology, laboratory, cardiology, cardiovascular surgery, sports medicine, orthopedic medicine, careers in nursing, resume building and more. The classes are overseen by six WMCA advisors and are instructed by guest physicians, nurses and directors of various departments.
“The Medical Explorers program gives students the opportunity to explore the healthcare field and learn about the many career options within a hospital. Our team is proud to partner with our local schools and Learning for Life to encourage and support students when they choose to pursue their passion,” said Medical Explorer Leadership Advisor and CEO of Western Medical Center Anaheim, Suzanne Richards.
“Many of the high schools that we partner with have existing Medical Academies as part of their science requirement. One of the many career pathways that students have who participate in our Medical Explorer Program, while enrolled in the Medical Academy, is the option to apply to a Licensed Vocation Nurse (LVN) program after graduating high school. Of those who test, 90% become certified LVNs,” said Medical Explorer Treasurer and Western Medical Center Anaheim Business Development and Marketing Coordinator, Tony Perez.
The students who participate in the Medical Explorers program range from fourteen to twenty-one years of age and attend either Valencia Middle School, Esperanza High School, Magnolia High School, Laguna Beach High School or Fullerton Community College. These students meet twice a month and are actively engaged in the community. In 2015, the group will participate in a March of Dimes event as well as visiting a local senior center this holiday season.
Watch this video to learn more about the Medical Explorers Program
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