Youth Medical Experience offers an inside look
When Ken Grosz joined MeritCare's Youth Medical Experience, he had no idea the impact it would have. "I was a sophomore in high school at the time, and really didn't have any expectations as far as what the program would be like," says Ken. "It turned out to be very much a hands-on program, and I loved it. It proved a huge factor in my career path." Today, this 2001 West Fargo High School graduate is a medical student, studying to become a doctor.
Each year, Youth Medical Experience offers approximately 35 high school students from throughout MeritCare's regional service area the opportunity to get inside MeritCare and discover for themselves the world of healthcare. From tours of specific areas like respiratory therapy, Roger Maris Cancer Center and LifeFlight to interacting with healthcare professionals to going on field trips, the program offers a wide-ranging, inside look. Students and their MeritCare leaders meet the first and third Mondays of each month from October to April. "One of the highlights for me was a field trip to Mayo Clinic," says Ken. "We were able to view a vast collection of rare specimens, and I found it absolutely fascinating."
Certainly the students benefit, but MeritCare does, too, particularly in drawing students to careers in healthcare. Today Ken works part-time at MeritCare Hospital in pathology. He also serves on the Youth Medical Experience advisory board, and hopes one day to have the same positive influence on a young person that MeritCare professionals have had on him. "I've met some great people and made some lifelong friends through this program," he says.
Interested in learning more? For a program description and application contact Katie Nichelson, MeritCare Community Connections at katienichelson@meritcare.com or call (701) 234-6202 or (800) 437-4010, ext. 6202.
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