Children’s Program Has Formula for Success
Marissa Valeras, a graduate student from
the University of Denver (left), and Stacy
Renz, MC2 Program Manager, work with
students such as, Montbello High School
student Crystal Lee to fulfill their dreams
of careers in healthcare.
from School Health Reporter, Winter 2006
Tell me and I’ll forget, show me and I’ll remember, involve me and I’ll understand.
The Medical Career Collaborative (MC2) at The Children’s Hospital believes in this motto, giving high-school students with a passion for the sciences the opportunity to experience medical careers firsthand in the hospital setting.
The program was designed to provide low-income families and minority students with a meaningful link between high school and the world of healthcare.
“These kids have dreams of being doctors and nurses, and this program is giving them the confidence and opportunity to unlock the door to their dreams,” said Stacey Renz, program manager.
The program, which launched in 1999, partnered with Manual High School for four years. Then in 2003, it expanded to schools in Denver , Arapahoe, Adams and Douglas counties. MC2 now serves 20 schools from the four counties.
The goal of the program is to increase the diversity and cultural competence of the healthcare workforce at Children’s while creating the next generation of health and medical professionals.
According to The Sullivan Commission on Diversity in the Healthcare Workforce, Hispanics in Colorado represent 17 percent of the population, yet they make up just 2 percent of the state’s physicians. African-Americans represent 4 percent of Colorado ’s population but only represent 1 percent of physicians.
Admittance into the program is not easy. Students must be sophomores with at least a 3.0 grade-point average to apply. Students also must complete application forms, provide letters of recommendation, write short essays, list extracurricular activities and references and then interview.
The two-year program involves many components. Students are expected to complete paid internships at Children’s in their junior years during the fall, spring or summer. The internships in the spring and fall require working 10 hours a week for 12 weeks; during the summer, students must work 30 hours a week for six weeks.
“Students learn job responsibility with the internship program – submitting an application, completing HR paperwork, doing CHEX training, and learning safety and workplace policies,” Renz said. “It provides hands-on, real-life experience, which is something that a classroom cannot always provide.”
Students also commit to monthly field excursions, workplace training and weekly professional development seminars.
During the seminars, students talk about what they have learned at the hospital. Activities that enhance personal and professional development include personality assessments and learning different communication styles, workplace skills, cultural competency and medical terminology.
This past year, MC2 incorporated a more intense college preparatory component for senior participants, providing assistance with writing goals, applications and letters of recommendation. The program also helps students navigate the world of scholarships and financial aid.
In addition to learning in seminars and workshops, students also learn from mentors.
“The mentors are the heart of our program,” Renz said. “Without the support of Children’s employees, this program would not be possible.”
“I strongly believe that spending time with young people who are interested in the healthcare field is one of the most important things we can do to support them in becoming successful,” said Beth Gabrielski, a clinical nurse and a mentor for the program. “They develop a confidence and belief in themselves that their dreams are something very obtainable.”
Not only is the program beneficial to the students, but for the mentors as well.
“I feel like I have gained just as much, if not more, from working with the students through MC2 because I have been lucky enough to experience my job all over again, through the enthusiastic eyes of my interns,” said Sarah Scherer, clinical assistant on 5 North and MC2 mentor.
One of the long-term goals of the program is to hire the graduates as Children’s employees. Since the program began, seven MC2 graduates have been hired by Children’s as part- and full-time employees.
“We’re shaping the next generations of healthcare workers at Children’s,” Renz said. Housed under the Human Resources department, the MC2 employee staff list consists of two people – the program manager and a graduate student from the University of Denver graduate school of social work. The office is located in the Petroleum Building downtown.
The program brings in new high school students each year. In 2004, 80 students applied for the program, with only 20 open spots.
The number of Children’s departments hosting student interns has grown to more than 21, including: the Emergency Department; the NICU and PICU; the Orthopedic Specialties Clinic; Radiology; Day Surgery and Presurgery 1; Lab/Pathology; Sterile Processing; 3 North; 4 North; 5 North, Neurology and Neurodiagnostics; the Metabolism Clinic, the Genetics Clinic; Pharmacy, Epidemiology; Speech and Audiology; Medical Day Treatment; Human Resources; the Dental Clinic at Children’s and Healthy Smiles Clinic at Fitzsimons; Facilities Management; CGMA, the Gait Lab; the Creative Play Center; Cardiology and the Kidney Center.
Results of the program are impressive. Since 1999, 100 percent of students participating in MC2 as juniors and seniors have graduated from high school, compared to the 67 percent graduation rate of the Denver Public Schools district. And 83 percent of MC2 graduates are known to be enrolled in two-year technical programs or four-year bachelor’s degree programs; 75 percent of MC2 graduates are known to be in pre-health programs.
In addition, the program is truly making a difference in students’ lives, Renz said.
“MC2 opened up doors, and it made me become more responsible and realize what I want to do with my future,” one student said. “I am thankful for people like you who believed in us and gave us a chance to prove society wrong about our stereotypes.”
