MASH Camp Helps Area High School Students Get a “Hands-on” Look at Healthcare Careers

December 3, 2009

Students from Mt. Mercy Academy try on protective gowns, masks and gloves as part of an exercise on preventing the spread of germs in hospitals.

Students from Mt. Mercy Academy try on protective gowns, masks and gloves as part of an exercise on preventing the spread of germs in hospitals.

With the continued shortage of doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals, exposing high school students to careers in healthcare may just be what the doctor ordered.

As part of a unique Health Science Education Partnership available to students at Mt. Mercy Academy and Bishop Timon/St. Jude High School, Catholic Health recently hosted a MASH (Medical Academy of Science & Health) Camp at Sisters of Charity Hospital, St. Joseph Campus to give students from Mt. Mercy a behind-the-scenes look at various healthcare careers.

“One way to address the growing shortage of skilled health professionals in our community is to begin nurturing interested students at the high school level,” said Michael J. Moley, Senior Vice President of Human Resources for Catholic Health. “By helping students who have an interest in the health sciences realize their potential, we can begin to plant seeds that will bear fruit for years to come.”

During the MASH Camp, the students participated in a variety of hands-on activities and toured several hospital departments to see staff in action and find out if a career in healthcare might be right for them.

This unique educational opportunity is designed to increase the students’ awareness about the many job opportunities that exist in area hospitals. “Too many of our young people leave the area to advance their careers,” said Sr. Mary Ellen Twist, RSM, President, Mt. Mercy Academy. “This partnership allows students to explore various health professions and form relationships with local colleges that will ultimately lead to employment opportunities right in our own community.”