A pilot project with Interior Health allows local students to explore the many different careers that make up the anatomy of the health-care system.  

Launched in October 2022 with Salmon Arm Secondary (SAS) and Shuswap Lake General Hospital, the Enhanced Youth Program (EYP) gives students hands-on experience in a hospital setting to show the diverse opportunities available beyond the front line. 

"It's important to show students that there are many career choices in a hospital because it helps them see all the ways they can make a difference," Alicia Ponich, North Okanagan Clinical Operations at IH, said in a media release. "By introducing them to different roles, we can spark their interest and help them find a path they might love. Every job in a hospital plays a crucial part in helping others, and every student should know about these opportunities."

SAS career coordinator Dave Ramsay originally approached IH with the idea and his team, together with volunteer services coordinator Tammy Nedellec and improvement consultant Danielle McDonagh, came up with a program plan. To participate, students had to apply, have teacher references and have a criminal record check. 

During the program, which ran October to December and February to May, students spent two hours a week in various departments, including medical imaging, cardiology, lab, physiotherapy, booking services and more for an authentic taste of working in a hospital. 

The response has been very positive, with 36 students having participated in the 2023/24 program for a total of 44 since it began. 

"I had been thinking about going into nursing, but this has switched my mind a bit," EYP participant Kimberly Lewis said in the media release. "I didn't even know how many jobs there are in a hospital, but there are a lot."

Fellow EYP student Noah Hardley added, "It's a great program... everyone here likes it. I highly recommend it."

Given the success of the program, School District 83 career education coordinator George Richard said they're already considering branching out.

"We're thinking of expanding it to our students curious about the agriculture, tourism, hospitality and manufacturing sectors," he said. "Working with IH on this project has been a win for us with health care and can blossom into other opportunities as well."

The school board is reviewing the program in hope of offering students completion credits and is working with the education ministry to have those credits count towards graduation. 

The pilot project has also been a win for IH, particularly by supporting future recruitment.

"I'm thrilled with this pilot program and its potential to inspire youth across the Interior," Nedellec said. "By showcasing the wide range of hospital careers, we can ignite passions, broaden horizons and create a future generation of dedicated health-care professionals."

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