SPOKANE, Wash. — Dozens of high school students from Spokane County explored medical careers through hands-on experience at the University of Washington School of Medicine.
Students examined a human heart, looked at X-rays, and talked with medical students about becoming doctors.
“I wish that this opportunity was given to me in high school,” said Alyssa Ong, a first-year medical student. “I think when you’re in high school, it’s a little bit harder to decide what career you want to do.”
Greater Spokane Incorporated (GSI) selected the students for their Business After School program, which partners with organizations like UW School of Medicine.
“Just the fact that they can come out here, they can meet health care professionals, they can get a glimpse of what is in store for their journey should they choose to enter the medical field. We really hope that they choose to stay right here in Spokane,” said Erin Vincent, Vice President of Talent and Education at GSI.
The event included a student panel where high schoolers asked questions about medical school requirements and preparation.
“We’ve chosen a group of medical students that have really diverse and special journeys. Not all of them went straight from college to medical school,” Ong explained.
GSI hopes the program will create a pipeline of future healthcare professionals who will remain in the Spokane area.
Greater Spokane Inc. hopes that giving students these opportunities will help them consider both studying and working in Spokane.
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