Multi-partner project promotes health care careers

On Tuesday, August 18, the Western Regional Area Health Education Center at Western Michigan University spearheaded a collaboration among the WMU College of Health and Human Services and admission’s department, Spectrum Health System’s Healthier Communities Division, and Innovation Central High School of Grand Rapids to expose minority high school students to academic programs that lead to a career in health care. 

As part of Innovation Central’s week-long Academy of Health, Science and Technology summer program, 27 high school students visited WMU for a day of activities focused on health care careers. The visit included a tour of campus and a presentation about health care academic programs and related admissions. In addition, physician assistant clinical coordinator Kathy Tuinoff demonstrated the process of splinting a broken arm, and then students splinted each other’s arms.

The students enjoyed the activity, and all of them decided to wear the splints home and to school the next day. Of the 27 who visited, 17 plan on applying for admission to study health care in higher education, while 22 would like to visit WMU again.