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Kevin Phelan, a professor in the UAMS School of Medicine's Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, speaks to students during a “Find Your Future in Healthcare” session hosted by UAMS Regional Campuses.
| Teens from 13 schools across the state gathered in classrooms and science labs for the Find Your Future in Healthcare spring session. This program is a virtual program at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Regional Campus that introduces students to a variety of health care careers.
The March 6 event focused on students in grades 10-12 who expressed an interest in the health professions and provided them with an opportunity to learn more about the profession through presentations and hands-on activities. Jesse Cargill, academic coordinator for his UAMS North Central Regional Campus in Batesville, told students that UAMS is committed to supporting students on their academic journeys.
“We will be there for you and work with you throughout your high school and undergraduate years,” he said, adding that academic coordinators at UAMS' eight regional campuses will provide support in areas such as academic counseling and interview training. .
Employees from Christus St. Michael Hospital in Texarkana opened the event with presentations about their work in physical, occupational, and speech therapy. They spoke about their own experiences and outlined courses that students can take if they are interested in that career.
“We need experts in all areas of care,” said Russ Nelson, DPT, a physical therapist at CHRISTUS St. Michael.
Chance Gee, MPAS, assistant professor of physician assistant studies in the UAMS College of Health Professions, spoke about the day-to-day work of physician assistants. These medical professionals diagnose illnesses, develop treatment plans, prescribe medications, and work in conjunction with supervising physicians, but often serve as the patient's primary care provider.
As of 2021, Arkansas ranks among the lowest in the nation for physician assistants per 100,000 residents, and Gee emphasized the importance of alleviating this shortage.
“That’s where we need your help,” he said. “We need more students to train and practice medicine as physician assistants in Arkansas.”
Some of the speakers offered activities aimed at increasing students' understanding of medical specialties. Desiree Arnett, M.D., clinical coordinator and assistant professor in the Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences in the UAMS College of Health Professions, showed the students an image of the ankle and encouraged them to point out the location of the fracture. Arnett said the field of radiography is constantly evolving and can be a good career for someone with an interest in technology.
Nicholas Hollowell, a third year PharmD student, gave a presentation about the UAMS College of Pharmacy. He explained his role as a pharmacist and led students in an activity of filling prescriptions by labeling medicine bottles and counting Smarties his candies.
Dr. Kevin Phelan, professor in the UAMS School of Medicine's Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, gave a demonstration of ultrasound imaging. Although this technique is best known for its use during pregnancy, it is also an important tool in many other clinical settings because it allows non-invasive visualization of internal structures such as organs, tendons, and muscles.
“Ultrasound provides a lot of information to clinicians,” he said.
Later in the day, Phelan led the students in a cardiology session where they dissected a sheep heart. Teens learned about the many anatomical features of the heart and its functions.
The event also featured a session with Nathan O'Fallon, Project Director and Mobile Unit Coordinator for the Arkansas Rural Health Partnership. Professor O'Fallon encouraged teachers to schedule a visit to the Health Careers Workforce Mobile Unit, a traveling medical education facility that is part of his UAMS-led initiative to increase opportunities for students to learn about careers in health care.
UAMS regional campuses operate the “Find Your Future in Healthcare” program in partnership with the state Department of Education and Arkansas HOSA, an international organization for future healthcare professionals. UAMS provided participating schools with supply kits needed for activities conducted during the virtual camp.
The camp includes Augusta High School, Brookland High School, Greenwood High School, Hamburg High School, Hoxie High School, Lake Hamilton High School, Newport High School, Northwest Technical College in Springdale, Russellville High School, Sheridan High School, Star City High School, and Truman High School. Students from Warren High School participated.
Cargill highlighted the program's growth, which began in 2021 while the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of in-person events. He said 14 schools were unable to participate in the March 6 session due to state testing but will participate in a recorded version at a later date. UAMS will also host a fall session of the camp featuring new medical careers.
“We have heard positive feedback from teachers about how much they and their students are enjoying the camp,” he said. “We are grateful for the opportunity to invest in these students and show them possible career paths.”
