Caregiver volunteers inspire next generation of healthcare heroes

The next generation of healthcare heroes is getting a head start with help from Intermountain Health caregivers as they discover the potential of a healthcare career.

Caregivers representing over 20 Intermountain departments volunteered during 2023, introducing young people to different careers in healthcare. Youth education programs, organized by the Intermountain Student Programs team, offer the next generation in care an opportunity to get to know Intermountain, meet current professionals, and get them excited for all the possibilities in pursuing a career in healthcare.?

“Students are looking for real caregivers with real career journeys,” said Elisabeth Orozco, youth education coordinator. “Intermountain caregivers are the perfect people to deliver honest and inspiring career information. Many talented high school students can make educated career decisions thanks to Intermountain caregivers.”??

The Student Programs team partners with schools, teachers, and community organizations to participate in or develop outreach opportunities, such as career fairs, class presentations, education programs, and internship programs. The team is planning to expand beyond Utah and Idaho in the coming years.??

Recently, the team created a summer youth program called IHealth Students from across Utah participated in a hybrid learning cohort at LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City, where they learned about different healthcare careers, took courses in healthcare vocabulary, and participated in clinical skills labs.?

“Many teams in the organization have benefited from outreach, filling immediate positions and forming pipelines into their departments. We want every department to have the same opportunity to connect with students,” said Elisabeth.??