In a groundbreaking initiative for Healthcare Education in Spokane, MultiCare recently hosted a first-of-its-kind healthcare camp, specifically designed to immerse High School Students in the practical realities of Medical Careers. This innovative program, dubbed M.A.S.H. camp, aimed to provide invaluable hands-on experience, bridging the gap between academic interest and real-world medical professions for aspiring young professionals.
Participants engaged in a diverse array of simulated medical scenarios, offering a unique glimpse into the daily challenges and triumphs within healthcare. Activities ranged from assisting a mannequin with a simulated baby delivery to mastering essential life-saving techniques like CPR and understanding complex procedures such as ostomy care. The integration of virtual reality further enriched the learning experience, preparing students for the technological advancements in modern medicine.
Thirty-one local students, spanning from high school sophomores to seniors, were selected for this free and intensive program. To ensure a cohort of genuinely interested individuals, MultiCare’s workforce development recruiter, Katie Van Deusen, noted that prospective attendees were required to submit an essay detailing their profound interest in healthcare professions, underscoring the commitment to Youth Development within the medical field.
Among the dedicated participants was Sophia Benedetti, a recent graduate of University High School, who concluded her final day at the Catalyst Building. Throughout the week, Benedetti honed basic healthcare procedures, shadowed experienced lab and emergency room technicians, and explored a wide spectrum of medical careers, solidifying her ambition to become a doctor.
Benedetti, an 18-year-old destined for Spokane Falls Community College, profoundly recognized the immense value of a MultiCare Camp of this caliber. She expressed strong desires to continue her extracurricular engagement with medicine through programs like COPE Health Scholars, highlighting the critical importance of early practical exposure in shaping future Spokane Healthcare leaders.
Looking ahead, MultiCare is poised to expand this impactful High School Program. Van Deusen revealed plans to host 50 students in 2026 for an extended five-day M.A.S.H. camp, with applications slated to open in January. This expansion signifies MultiCare’s ongoing dedication to fostering the next generation of healthcare providers.
The ideal candidate for future iterations of this Healthcare Education initiative, as articulated by Benedetti, would possess a genuine interest in healthcare coupled with an unwavering passion for patient engagement. This emphasis ensures that future participants are not only academically inclined but but also deeply committed to the compassionate aspect of medical service, reinforcing the program’s holistic approach to Youth Development in healthcare.
