Local HS Students Visit CHA to Learn About Careers in Health Care
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Cambridge Health Alliance, a community health system serving Cambridge, Somerville, and Boston’s metro-north communities, recently hosted an exciting event for local students interested in healthcare careers. As part of CHA’s April Vacation Career Exploration Program, a group of high school students from Everett, Revere, and Winthrop met a variety of healthcare professionals at CHA’s Revere Care Center and Cambridge Hospital.
On Saturday, April 22, the students visited the CHA Cambridge Hospital Operating Room to learn more about CHA’s Robotic and Minimally Invasive Surgery programs. This included hands-on experience in a simulated environment with CHA’s DaVinci Xi surgical robot and other laparoscopic technology. Students met with surgical professionals, including representatives from Intuitive Surgical and Medtronic, to learn various techniques and discover career options in the field.
On Wednesday, April 19, and Friday, April 21, at the CHA Revere Care Center, the students learned basic healthcare skills such as how to use a stethoscope, take blood pressure, and listen to lungs, and they also met with RCC staff from all departments and roles to learn about the many healthcare career opportunities and pathways within primary care. Students also received certification in the nationally recognized evidence-based training QPR, which teaches individuals how to recognize signs and symptoms of suicide ideation, how to support someone and intervene, and what resources are available to help someone in crisis.
“We're excited about the launch of the Career Pathways Program and look forward to sharing more great opportunities for career exploration and workforce development for youth from the communities,” said Jaime Lederer, CHA’s director of community health youth initiatives. “CHA is committed to expanding healthcare career access for residents in the communities we serve."
The students shared their enthusiasm for the program, calling it "super engaging," and a "fun and informative hands-on experience." One student said, "I was not sure if I wanted to be in the surgical field or even become a nurse but by doing this program and coming to Cambridge Hospital and seeing how people work as a team makes me really think about becoming a nurse or even working in the surgical field. So I want to say thank you for helping me."
This educational program, which received support from the Cummings Foundation, also included workforce development skill building, with opportunities for mentorship and increased awareness of employment and volunteer opportunities in health and medicine, including community and public health.