Immokalee students get hands-on experience with healthcare careers at Physicians Regional
More than 40 Immokalee Foundation Healthcare Pathway students got an up-close look at what a future in medicine could look like during a visit to Physicians Regional Pine Ridge Thursday.The high school students toured the hospital campus, meeting doctors, surgeons, nurses, and other professionals. They rotated through stations focused on nursing, therapy, the lab, and surgery. One of the biggest highlights of the day was testing their skills on a surgical robot under the guidance of Physicians Regional surgeons.For 10th grader Karen O., the experience has sparked new curiosity about her future.“I’m not really certain of what I want to become,” Karen said. “I do want to do something about the brain, because it’s really just a fascinating organ in the body. But I also might be looking into trauma.”Karen said the Immokalee Foundation’s programs have opened doors she never knew existed.“It’s just full of great opportunities that I would have not known of if I didn’t join,” she said.Immokalee Foundation President and CEO Noemi Perez, who grew up in Immokalee, said opportunities like this are critical for local students.“It’s a very impoverished, tight-knit community. And so the exposure for them is life-changing,” Perez said. “Many people take for granted that they can see and experience different things within their lifetime.”Physicians Regional leaders say the event is about more than showcasing their equipment. It’s about inspiring and preparing the next generation of health care workers.“Labor is a challenge in Southwest Florida,” said Scott Lowe, CEO of Physicians Regional Healthcare System. “And the more we can engage them with their goals, include them in that process, and work with them and collaborate, it’s a win for everybody.” A day that started as a field trip may be the first step toward a career in medicine.Who knows, maybe one of these students will be your next doctor. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.
More than 40 Immokalee Foundation Healthcare Pathway students got an up-close look at what a future in medicine could look like during a visit to Physicians Regional Pine Ridge Thursday.
The high school students toured the hospital campus, meeting doctors, surgeons, nurses, and other professionals. They rotated through stations focused on nursing, therapy, the lab, and surgery.
One of the biggest highlights of the day was testing their skills on a surgical robot under the guidance of Physicians Regional surgeons.
For 10th grader Karen O., the experience has sparked new curiosity about her future.
“I’m not really certain of what I want to become,” Karen said. “I do want to do something about the brain, because it’s really just a fascinating organ in the body. But I also might be looking into trauma.”
Karen said the Immokalee Foundation’s programs have opened doors she never knew existed.
“It’s just full of great opportunities that I would have not known of if I didn’t join,” she said.
Immokalee Foundation President and CEO Noemi Perez, who grew up in Immokalee, said opportunities like this are critical for local students.
“It’s a very impoverished, tight-knit community. And so the exposure for them is life-changing,” Perez said. “Many people take for granted that they can see and experience different things within their lifetime.”
Physicians Regional leaders say the event is about more than showcasing their equipment. It’s about inspiring and preparing the next generation of health care workers.
“Labor is a challenge in Southwest Florida,” said Scott Lowe, CEO of Physicians Regional Healthcare System. “And the more we can engage them with their goals, include them in that process, and work with them and collaborate, it’s a win for everybody.”
A day that started as a field trip may be the first step toward a career in medicine.
Who knows, maybe one of these students will be your next doctor.
DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.
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