Columbus Dispatch: Medical Academy Program Brings Students Close to Health Professionals

Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine and OhioHealth have long been partners in training medical students and residents. In 2012, the two institutions announced an expansion of their relationship, when OhioHealth was named preeminent education partner for the Heritage College, Dublin, which opened in 2014.

And beyond that relationship with the medical students, this year OhioHealth continued support for the second year of the Ohio University Medical Academy.

Last month, OhioHealth provided a dozen medical specialists across a wide-range of disciplines to enhance the student experience. OhioHealth professionals provided their expertise through hands-on activities and simulations that exposed high school students to various careers in the healthcare spectrum. Students had an unprecedented opportunity to learn clinical skills and interact with clinical professionals.

"The mission of OhioHealth is to improve the health of those we serve, and one way in which we live our mission is to help build a pipeline of future healthcare professionals for our community. We want to help these students become tomorrow’s leaders by fostering their interests in healthcare," said Ashley Johnson, OhioHealth Community Relations.

In addition to providing professional time and talent, OhioHealth supported the Academy with financial funding to underwrite expenses. The funding allowed over 40 high school students to attend in 2018 with no cost to participate.

"This is a unique and enjoyable opportunity for our clinicians to share their expertise with students in our community," Johnson said.

Whether speakers are demonstrating a shoulder injection with ultrasound or discussing the principles, practices and techniques of emergency responders inside an OhioHealth ambulance, they are engaged with students and encouraging patient-centered care that is a cornerstone of OhioHealth.

OhioHealth also provided in-kind supplies to enhance the learning experience. These contributions included a variety of items, such as giveaways, phlebotomy supplies, surgical room gear (i.e. surgical gowns, masks, caps and shoe covers) for all students, surgical scrub brushes and sponges, and learning videos. The Academy’s “Emergency Medicine Response and Rescue” programming featured OhioHealth’s EMS ambulance on-site, along with an interactive intubation rotation provided by OhioHealth.

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