COLLEGE OF NEW CALEDONIA
“Adventures in Healthcare” returns to inspire Northern BC high school students toward careers in the health sciences

Adventures in Healthcare, a transformative program aimed at inspiring high school students to explore health science education and careers, is set to return to Prince George from May 5 to 8, 2024. This collaborative endeavour, facilitated by the Rotary of Prince George: Yellowhead, alongside the College of New Caledonia (CNC), the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), Northern Health, and School District No. 57 (SD57), offers a unique opportunity for students to delve into the diverse world of health care.

"Since 2017, over 125 School District No. 57 students have had the opportunity participate in this hands-on learning program, helping them make decisions for their future," said Erin Thomas, District Career Education Coordinator for SD57. "Thanks to Rotary: Yellowhead, CNC, UNBC, and Northern Health, this year's 4-day Adventures in Healthcare Program will give students an even wider range of health care related training and careers to explore."

Fifty pre-selected Grade 10 and 11 students from SD57 will engage in this interactive program, designed to offer immersive experiences across a spectrum of healthcare disciplines, including medicine, sonography, dentistry, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, and chemistry.

"Embarking on the Adventures in Healthcare partnership opens doors to experiential learning opportunities," highlighted Dr. Tamara Chambers-Richards, Dean of Health Sciences at CNC. "We are thrilled to collaborate on this initiative and invite high school students to explore our health sciences labs. Through this immersive experience, students will gain insight into various healthcare programs, empowering them to envision diverse career pathways within the healthcare industry." 

Sessions will be hosted by Rotary of Prince George: Yellowhead on Sunday, May 5, CNC on Monday, May 6, UNBC on Tuesday, May 7, and Northern Health on Wednesday, May 8. These sessions aim to introduce students to as many potential education and career pathways as possible. 

"We look forward to highlighting, especially from a rural and northern point of view, a broad range of career options in health," said Dr. Paul Winwood, Associate Vice President, Division of Medical Sciences, UNBC. "The Adventures in Healthcare initiative always provides a wonderful opportunity for our organizations to collaborate to help inspire the next generation of health professionals in the north." 

Furthermore, Adventures in Healthcare will facilitate interactions between students and industry professionals, as well as program alumni, offering valuable insights into the requirements and rewards of pursuing a career in health sciences. 

"This is an opportunity for us to showcase a wide variety of career possibilities to students," said Emelye Macfarlane, Regional Manager Recruitment Services at Northern Health. "Health care professionals are in demand in Northern Health and this event works very well to connect local youth with health care opportunities in the region." 

Since its inception in 2017, Adventures in Healthcare has engaged hundreds of high school students in Prince George, Terrace, and the Peace Region. Focused on youth empowerment, students are encouraged to attend colleges and universities in northern B.C. and across Canada or enter directly into fulfilling careers in the healthcare field. 

"We are very pleased to see this program back and introducing another set of youth to health care careers and opportunities," shared Ron Davis, Chair of the Yellowhead Rotary Club. "Adventures in Healthcare helps youth choose their postsecondary path, and feedback from alumni has been overwhelmingly positive."   

As Adventures in Healthcare recommences, it reaffirms its commitment to shaping the healthcare professionals of tomorrow while continuing to make a tangible difference in the lives of today's youth.