Growing Future Healthcare Leaders
Southwest Health Education Collaborative is planting seeds for the future of healthcare in our region.
We work with students of all ages, focusing especially on reaching young people from communities that have been underrepresented in healthcare professions. Through interactive programs, mentorship, and real-world exposure to different healthcare careers, we’re helping students see the possibilities and preparing them to become the healthcare heroes our communities need.
Healthcare Career Camp
Healthcare Career Camp is a five-day opportunity for local students to gain an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at what it’s really like to work in healthcare. The purpose of the program is to expose young people to diverse healthcare professions and inspire the next generation through authentic, hands-on experiences.
Hosted by our Volunteer Services team, this comprehensive program brings together departments across Onvida Health to provide students with direct contact with medical professionals, patients, and clinical staff. Through interactive activities, hospital tours, and one-on-one mentorship opportunities, participants witness firsthand the work and rewards that come with healthcare careers.
By participating in real healthcare scenarios and observing various departments, students explore different career pathways while gaining insights into professional development within the medical field.
What Students Experience
- Real-world healthcare scenarios and hands-on learning opportunities
- Comprehensive hospital tours showcasing different departments and specialties
- One-on-one mentorship with practicing healthcare professionals
- Direct interaction with clinical staff across multiple disciplines
- Insight into the daily responsibilities and rewards of healthcare careers
By witnessing firsthand the dedication of our Onvida Health staff, we hope to inspire a new generation of healthcare providers. Our healthcare professionals benefit from the opportunity to influence the next generation positively, while students benefit from personalized access to knowledgeable colleagues in a supportive environment that includes career exploration, professional development, and guidance toward achieving improved self-confidence and future success in healthcare.
Mentor Me M.D. Program
Mentor Me M.D. is an opportunity for young adults to be exposed to exciting healthcare career opportunities.
The purpose of the program is to promote healthcare careers in our young population and mentor a group of students by showing them aspects of the medical field – giving them opportunities for direct contact with medical professionals, patients and clinical staff – all of this while learning about professional development to help them obtain their career goals. By participating in special programs such as flu shot clinics and sports coverage, the mentees can give back to the Onvida community.
Additionally, those applicants within the program will have the unique opportunity to be assigned to a family medicine resident and gain the much-needed support, feedback and guidance that can be derived from a mentor/mentee relationship. By witnessing first-hand the work and sacrifices that our Onvida Health family medicine residents undertook to get where they are today, we hope to inspire a new generation of doctors and other healthcare providers.
In short, our mentors will benefit from an opportunity to influence the next generation positively, obtain new insights and perspectives, grow as a mentor, and attain recognition for mentorship excellence. Mentees will benefit from personalized access to a knowledgeable colleague in a non-threatening environment that includes reassurance and support, strategic career planning, and skill development as a route to achieving improved self-confidence, professional growth, and career success.
Health Professional Career Clubs
As the newest regional AHEC center, we are excited to connect with HOSA–Future Health Professionals clubs across our region.
Supporting pipeline activities that inspire and prepare the next generation of healthcare leaders is at the heart of our mission. We welcome HOSA advisors and student leaders to reach out to us—we look forward to collaborating and expanding opportunities for students interested in health careers. If you are interested, please let us know by completing the form below.
Contact Us
Do you have questions about the Southwest Health Education Collaborative? Reach out to us anytime.