South Tampa Hospital hosts high school students
HCA Florida South Tampa Hospital recently hosted high school students as part of the HCC Health Sciences Explorers program.
TAMPA, FL — HCA Florida South Tampa Hospital recently had the privilege of hosting a group of high school students as part of the Hillsborough Community College Health Sciences Explorers (HSE) program, in partnership with HCA Florida Healthcare. The program is designed to be a learning cohort of high school juniors and seniors interested in pursuing healthcare careers. Students who participated in the program had the opportunity to spend time shadowing caregivers in the Pharmacy, Laboratory, Imaging, Emergency Department and various nursing units.
“We are very excited to support local high school students interested in pursuing a rewarding role in the health sciences field,” said Marcial Velazquez-Cancel, laboratory director at South Tampa Hospital. “These students will learn about different specialties from caregivers at South Tampa Hospital. By mentoring, we are helping students discover healthcare opportunities that are a good fit for them.” HSE student, Caila Montilla, shadowed in the hospital laboratory and found the experience to be very rewarding. “After spending this afternoon shadowing in the laboratory, I finally feel like my life has purpose and I know what I want to do with it,” she said.
Hillsborough Community College (HCC) Foundation created the Health Science Explorers (HSE) program with a $50,000 grant from the HCA Healthcare Foundation. High school students participate in round-robin activities that explore the health science field of their choice through this simulation experience. As a participant in the program, the students receive a set of HSE scrubs, CPR kit and training, Stop the Bleed kit and training and a validated blood pressure monitor and training. These students will also attend a panel discussion of industry experts, including leaders from HCA Florida Healthcare.
This program runs for two semesters. Students who complete all HSE program days will be put into a drawing for an HCC Foundation scholarship. Five $1,000 scholarships will be awarded during the Spring Learn and Lunch event in February 2024.