High school students from across Tucson will participate in a health-care career fair on Wednesday, Oct. 17, from 5–7:30 p.m. The annual event is held to encourage teens to pursue a career in medicine and is spearheaded by residents who work at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson South Campus.
The career fair will take place at Banner – University Medical Center South (2800 E. Ajo Way).
Now in its third year, “A Pathway to Success” will include interactive activities, such as hands-only CPR training, electrocardiogram — or heart monitor — demonstrations and medical mannequin intubation training, a process in which physicians place a tube into the breathing airway.
Roberto Swazo, MD, who has helped organize the fair for the last two years, said the event initially was geared toward underprivileged high schoolers in South Tucson.
“We wanted to inspire youth in South Tucson who may not have access to as many educational opportunities as others,” Dr. Swazo said. “But there has been a lot more interest than we anticipated, so now we are welcoming students from all areas of Tucson.”
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In addition to participating in hands-on activities, teens will receive a behind-the-scenes tour of the hospital, which will include a visit to the emergency and pharmacy departments, radiology suites and operating rooms. Attendees also will hear from two homegrown Tucsonans who successfully have pursued careers in health care: Jolene Hardy, MD, an associate professor of orthopaedic surgery, and Graham Benner, RRT, a respiratory care supervisor at Banner – University Medical Center South.
Dr. Swazo emphasized that “A Pathway to Success” is not just for those interested in becoming physicians. Nurses, pharmacists, physical therapists, medical assistants and other health-care providers will be present, sharing insight into their careers.
“We really just want students to be exposed to health and medicine,” Dr. Swazo said. “I never had this opportunity when I was young, so I’m really hoping that playing with tools of the trade and hanging out with health-care providers will be an eye-opening experience for them.”
Counselors and recruiters from the UA, Pima Community College and Pima Medical Institute will share information about applications, tuition and scholarships for individuals inspired to pursue an education in health care.
For the first time in its history, “A Pathway to Success” also will offer one $500 scholarship to a high school junior or senior in Pima County who plans to pursue a medical career. Students can learn more and apply for the scholarship at the following website. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, Oct. 10.
“A Pathway to Success” is sponsored by the UA Health Sciences Office of Diversity and Inclusion, the UA College of Medicine – Tucson’s Office of Graduate Medical Education – South Campus and Banner – University Medical Center South.
Editors Please Note: Media are invited to attend, but this event is not open to the public. “A Pathway to Success” is now full and RSVPs no longer are being accepted.
About the UA College of Medicine – Tucson
The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson is shaping the future of medicine through state-of-the-art medical education programs, groundbreaking research and advancements in patient care in Arizona and beyond. Founded in 1967, the college boasts more than 50 years of innovation, ranking among the top medical schools in the nation for research and primary care. Through the university’s partnership with Banner Health, one of the largest nonprofit health care systems in the country, the college is leading the way in academic medicine. For more information, visit medicine.arizona.edu